# Part II, Title II: President of the Republic
**Articles: 83-91**

## Core Idea
The President of the Republic is the Head of State, representing national unity and guaranteeing constitutional order. Elected by Parliament in a complex process, the President has limited but important powers, serving as a constitutional arbiter and symbol of the Republic's continuity.

## Frameworks Introduced

### Presidential Election
- **Electoral College**: President is elected by Parliament in joint session of both chambers, plus 3 representatives from each region (except Aosta Valley which has 1) (Art. 83)
- **Majority Requirements**: Requires 2/3 majority on first three ballots, absolute majority from fourth ballot; after seventh ballot, relative majority suffices (Art. 83)
- **Term**: 7 years, cannot be re-elected immediately after term (Art. 85)

### Presidential Powers
- **Representative**: Represents national unity, can send messages to chambers, authorizes presentation of Government bills
- **Executive**: Appoints Prime Minister, on proposal of Prime Minister appoints and dismisses Ministers, promulgates laws, commands armed forces
- **Legislative**: Can dissolve one or both chambers (except in last 6 months of term or during war), calls elections
- **Judicial**: Is President of Supreme Council of the Judiciary (C SM), can grant pardons and commute sentences
- **Emergency**: Can adopt extraordinary measures in cases of necessity and urgency, subject to Government responsibility

## Key Concepts
- **Counter-signature**: All presidential acts, except those specifically exempted, require counter-signature by the proponent Minister (Art. 89)
- **Responsibility**: President is not responsible for acts performed in exercise of functions, except for high treason or attack on Constitution (Art. 90)
- **Impeachment**: Can be impeached by Parliament for high treason or attack on Constitution, tried by Constitutional Court with special composition (Art. 90)
- **Temporary Incapacity**: In case of incapacity, functions are exercised by President of the Senate
- **Resignation**: Can resign by declaration to Parliament; if accepted, creates vacancy

## Mental Models
- Use **President as constitutional guarantor** — ensures constitutional continuity and stability
- Think of **counter-signature as democratic check** — prevents presidential overreach
- Apply **neutral arbiter model** — President rises above party politics to represent all citizens

## Anti-patterns
- **Partisan President**: President taking sides in party politics undermines neutrality
- **Acting without counter-signature**: Presidential acts without ministerial responsibility are invalid
- **Abusing dissolution power**: Dissolving Parliament for political advantage violates constitutional spirit

## Key Takeaways
1. President is Head of State, not Head of Government
2. Elected by expanded electoral college requiring broad consensus
3. Has limited but important powers as constitutional guarantor
4. Most acts require counter-signature by responsible Minister
5. 7-year term provides stability and distance from daily politics

## Connects To
- **Fundamental Principles**: President represents the Republic (Art. 87)
- **Title I (Parliament)**: Parliament elects and can impeach President
- **Title III (Government)**: President appoints Government and works with Prime Minister