The president serves not only as head of state but he or she is also in charge of the executive branch of government. This system is distinguished from others because it has a chief executive (the president) who is chosen by the people to serve a limited term in office with a distinct separation of powers (the executive branch) as well as specific limitations on exactly what he/she can do while in office. Many of the world’s governments are modeled to some degree on the United States and its presidential system of government.
