NationStates Jolt Archive


Uh.... Can Someone tell me?

The PeoplesFreedom
21-04-2006, 02:38
What is the difference between Head of government and Head of state? 0.o. Im dumb
Neu Leonstein
21-04-2006, 02:41
You're not dumb, you just cared about different things so far.

A head of the government is the boss of the group that makes policies and decisions. In Britain, that would be the Prime Minister. In Germany, the Federal Chancellor. In the US, the President.

The head of the state is officially the highest official in the country. But usually, that person is not directly elected and thus does not make decisions. They have some reserve powers, but usually don't use them.
In Britain, that would be the Queen. In Germany, the Federal President. And in the US...well, the President. The US doesn't have that particular distinction AFAIK.
Santa Barbara
21-04-2006, 02:41
I think a head of government is like a Prime Minister - does all the dirty work. Whereas a head of state is like the Queen of England - gets all the free champagne and royal palaces.
DrunkenDove
21-04-2006, 02:42
What is the difference between Head of government and Head of state? 0.o. Im dumb

It's often the same thing. Where it's not, the Head of state tends to be a figurehead, waving and attending lunches and what not while the head of government actually runs the county.

Example: In Britain the head of state is the Queen, while the head of Government is the Prime Minister.
The PeoplesFreedom
21-04-2006, 03:28
Thank you! =]