In a presidential system of government, the President is both the ceremonial and executive head of state. That is, the president combines the offices of Head of State and Head of Government at the same time. In this regard, the President performs a number of functions. In particular, he enforces all laws, serves as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, appoints important political office holders and grants pardon and mercy to offenders.

The civil service is a body of appointed officials who assist in the execution of government policies. In many countries following the British Public Administration model, the civil service refers to government ministries and extra-ministerial departments.