The differences between Prime Ministers and Presidents.

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In summary, the President of France has a ceremonial role and does not usually get involved in the day-to-day running of the government, while the Prime Minister is the boss of the cabinet.
  • #1
wasteofo2
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In countries where they have both Prime Ministers and Presidents, WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THEM?!

Thank you,
Jacob
 
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  • #2
Prime minister = Head of Government.
President = Head of State.
 
  • #3
Consider the Constitution of France

http://www.thisnation.com/library/france.html

A section is devoted to the President, starting after article 4.

Article 5

The President of the Republic shall see that the Constitution is observed. He shall ensure, by his arbitration, the proper functioning of the public authorities and the continuity of the State.

He shall be the guarantor of national independence, territorial integrity and observance of treaties.


Article 7

The President of the Republic shall be elected by an absolute majority of the votes cast. If such a majority is not obtained on the first ballot, a second ballot shall take place on the second following Sunday. Only the two candidates who received the greatest number of votes in the first ballot, account being taken of any withdrawal of candidates with more votes, may stand in the second ballot.

. . . . . more in Article 7

Article 8

The President of the Republic shall appoint the Prime Minister. He shall terminate the appointment of the Prime Minister when the latter tenders the resignation of the Government.

On the proposal of the Prime Minister, he shall appoint the other members of the Government and terminate their appointments.

Article 19

Acts of the President of the Republic, other than those provided for under articles 8 (first paragraph), 11, 12, 16, 18, 54, 56 and 61, shall be countersigned by the Prime Minister and, where required, by the appropriate ministers.


Article 21

The Prime Minister shall direct the operation of the Government. He shall be responsible for national defence. He shall ensure the implementation of legislation. Subject to article 13, he shall have power to make regulations and shall make appointments to civil and military posts.

He may delegate certain of his powers to ministers.

He shall deputize, if the case arises, for the President of the Republic as chairman of the councils and committees referred to in article 15.

He may, in exceptional cases, deputize for him as chairman of a meeting of the Council of Ministers by virtue of an express delegation of powers for a specific agenda.

Article 22

Acts of the Prime Minister shall be countersigned, where required, by the ministers responsible for their implementation.

Parliment is addressed beginning with Article 24.
 
  • #4
Now I have remembered the stupid thing that Bush said when he came once to Spain:

...And the president of Spain Mr. Aznar...

That provoked a wave of astonishement to all people, how the hell a president of USA doesn't know what happens in the country he goes?

Here: Mr. Zapatero = Prime Minister (to my sadness)

D. Juan Carlos I=King of Spain and President of the nation.
 
  • #5
check said:
Prime minister = Head of Government.
President = Head of State.

president is head of state AND head of government
prime minister is head of a government with a parliamentary system
in a republic with a parliamentary system (like france) the president usually has only ceremonial roles & doesn't usually get involved in the day-to-day running of the government. the prime minister is just the boss of the cabinet
 
Last edited:
  • #6
fourier jr said:
president is head of state AND head of government
prime minister is head of a government with a parliamentary system

Yes, I am aware of that. I was referring to nations that have both Presidents and Prime Ministers, like waste was asking about. :biggrin:
 
  • #7
Well, I believe France is an example, so you could lok at the politics there.
 

1. What is the main difference between a Prime Minister and a President?

The main difference between a Prime Minister and a President is their role in the government. A Prime Minister is the head of the government and is responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the country, while a President is the head of state and represents the country in international relations.

2. Can a Prime Minister and a President exist in the same country?

Yes, it is possible for a country to have both a Prime Minister and a President. In this case, the President is usually a ceremonial figurehead while the Prime Minister holds the actual power in governing the country.

3. How are Prime Ministers and Presidents chosen?

The process for choosing a Prime Minister and a President varies depending on the country. In some countries, the Prime Minister is elected by the people, while in others, they are appointed by the President or chosen by the ruling party. Presidents are usually elected by the people through a direct or indirect voting process.

4. Do Prime Ministers and Presidents have the same powers?

No, Prime Ministers and Presidents have different powers. Prime Ministers have more power in governing the country and making decisions, while Presidents have limited powers and act as a check to the Prime Minister's actions. However, the powers of both positions can vary depending on the country's political system.

5. Can a Prime Minister become a President, or vice versa?

In some countries, it is possible for a Prime Minister to become a President or vice versa. However, this is not always the case as the roles and responsibilities of the positions may differ, and there may be restrictions on switching between the two positions. Additionally, the process for becoming a Prime Minister or President can also vary depending on the country.

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