GOVERNMENT IN GREECE
Government
in Greece
Background
After the time of Ancient Greece
and city-states, the country spent
a period of time under foreign
control. They were conquered
first by Alexander the Great of
Macedonia and by 1460 became a
province of the Ottoman Empire
as well.
The Greek war for independence
lasted from 1821 to 1827 but
eventually they secured their
independence and soverignty.
They began as a monarchy with a
king but would be abolished in
1923 in favor of a republic.
President of the Republic
The President of the Republic in Greece
is the head of state. The President is
elected by the Hellenic Parliament and
serves five year terms. The powers held
include:
Nominal commander in chief
Largely ceremonial role
Grant pardons/declare war
Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the head of the
party with the most seats in Parliament
and is appointed by the President. The
powers include:
Head of the Government
Chief Executive
Face of Government
Issue 1
Speaker of Parliament
The Speaker of Parliament has the
second most power in the government
after the Prime Minister. Powers:
Step in for President as needed
Take over Presidency should
they die
Parliament
The Parliament in Greece is its
legislative branch and is made up of
300 elected members. Powers:
Approve presidential
decisions
Legislative/law-making
duties
Judicial
Judicial powers are separated from the
government and are held by the
courts. There is the supreme court of
civil and penal justice, The Court of
Cassation, and the court of
administrative justice, The Council of
State