In this diploma thesis I shall explore the political power and the influence, possessed by the directly elected presidents (head of state). The presidents are the highest-ranked political leader of a sovereign state exercising their power on the basis of the constitution and laws, which enable them to perform their presidential duties. The power, held by presidents, differs from state to state. The distinction is due to the differences in the political system, history, culture and personalities of the presidents themselves, and they can therefore be a ceremonial figureheads or autocrats, who rule without restriction. In some cases, the political power of the presidents assigned to them by law may greatly deviate from their de facto power. Presidents possess a legitimate right to sign laws, to command the armed forces, to appoint politicians to positions. He also possesses a representative role abroad and he is considered a symbol of the state. The author shall examine and explore the power of the President of the Republic of Slovenia and his influence on politics and compare it with the presidents of other selected European states. The author shall form a criterion, which includes de jure and de facto forms of political power, to compare the presidents.
|
