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> The head of state is the leader of the country. They [..] typically are in control of the military. This isn't true, at least in Western states. E.g in the N
by Denvercoder9 5y ago
> The head of state is the leader of the country. They [..] typically are in control of the military.
This isn't true, at least in Western states. E.g in the Netherlands and Germany the king and the President respectively are head of state, but neither of them controls the military, which is done by respectively the Prime Minister and the Chancellor.
It's really hard to make a universal definition for heads of state and government, since they fulfill different roles in forms of government. However, generally, the head of state is a more ceremonial role while the head of government actually governs. But there are exceptions.
- namdnay 5y agoIn a parliamentary system, the head of state is more ceremonial. In a presidential system, the head of state has the power (e.g. France, USA)
- Denvercoder9 5y agoThe US has combined the head of state and head of government in a single position (President), so it doesn't make sense to say either has more power. France is indeed one of the (many) exceptions with a semi-presidential system where the head of state has more power.
- pintxo 5y agoActually, for Germany, the head of the military is the Minister of Defence. Only if the parliament declares Germany to be in a situation of defence (Verteidigungsfall), will the command of the military be given to the Chancellor.
- brummm 5y agoThe head of the military in Germany actually is the parliament.