the head of state is apart from the executive, and symbolically enacts laws and acts as representative of the nation. examples include the president of germany (appointed by members of federal and state legislatures), the queen of the united kingdom (an hereditary office), and the president of austria (elected by popular vote). the other important model is the presidential system, found in the united states and in brazil. in presidential systems, the executive acts as both head of state and head of government, and has power to appoint an unelected cabinet. under a presidential system, the executive branch is separate from the legislature to which it is not accountable.