Journal of the Charles University Law Faculty
David Vítovec
Author’s affiliation:
Faculty of Law, Charles University in Prague
The Symbolic Role of the Head of State
Jurisprudence 3/2024 Section: Articles Page: 1-6
Keywords: Head of state, symbolic role, monarchy, president, legitimacy, representation
Abstract: The roles of the head of state may vary depending on the regime in which they operate (monarchies/republics, parliamentary/presidential republics), their competence, and political reality. However, regardless of these criteria, the head of state always has a symbolic role – representing the state or the nation and its unity. The introductory chapter briefly outlines the evolution of the position of the head of state from a bearer of sovereign rights to a symbol of the state and its sovereignty. The following chapters deal with the two symbolic functions of the head of state – legitimizing and representative. The final chapter lightly touches on the topic of the influence of the personality of the head of state on the formation of symbolism.
