Chief of state

In politics and law, a chief of state is the highest official of a nation. Such a person may have actual power as head of government, or be more a ceremonial figure. Even ceremonial heads of state, such as constitutional monarchs, may have advisory or moral authority.

In some countries, a person may be both head of state and head of government, such as the President of the United States. When the roles are separate, the head of state is more often a ceremonial figure of continuity, but in some nations, such as France, both the President and Premier have different but real authority.