The majority of this article is about heads of states. For more on other kinds of presidents, see Non-Governmental Presidents, below. For more on the usage of term "president", see President (history of the term).

President is a title held by many leaders of organizations, companies, universities, and countries. Etymologically, a "president" is one who Preside, who sits in leadership (from Latin prae- "before" + sedere "to sit"; just as Praeses). Originally, the term referred to the presiding officer of a ceremony or meeting (i.e. chairman); but today it most commonly refers to an official with executive powers.

Among other things, President today is a common title for the Head of state of most republics, whether popularly elected, chosen by the legislature or a special electoral college. It is also often adopted by dictators.

Modern history of the designation

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Originally the term was used to refer to the presiding officer of a committee or governing body in Great Britain. Later this usage was applied to political leaders. Early examples are from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge (from 1464); the founding President of the Royal Society William Brouncker in 1660; heads of individual British colonies (originally Virginia in 1608); and chief officers of banks (from 1781).

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Obama Orders Heightened Security After Disturbance on Plane: 25 (Bloomberg) -- President Barack Obama ordered heigh... http://bit.ly/6lWlp1
brrohama (Brandon Roark) Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:00:14 -0000
Obama Orders Heightened Security After Disturbance on Plane: 25 (Bloomberg) -- President Barack Obama ordered heigh... http://bit.ly/6lWlp1
Obama monitoring Delta flight firecracker situation: KAILUA, Hawaii, Dec 25 (Reuters) - US, President Barack Obama,... http://bit.ly/90TanI
brrohama (Brandon Roark) Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:00:13 -0000
Obama monitoring Delta flight firecracker situation: KAILUA, Hawaii, Dec 25 (Reuters) - US, President Barack Obama,... http://bit.ly/90TanI
I can't see myself banking with any bank other than President's Choice. I mean...THEY GOT F'CKING FREE TRANSACTIONS!!! :D
STLUCIANIDOL91 (Sa'Ara) Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:59:45 -0000
I can't see myself banking with any bank other than President's Choice. I mean...THEY GOT F'CKING FREE TRANSACTIONS!!! :D
@WarriorBanker I am a "Southern Woman"(former Republican) I voted for & proud of President Barack Obama-I left the Liars! I am a Democrat
southerntalker (Tanya E) Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:59:42 -0000
@WarriorBanker I am a "Southern Woman"(former Republican) I voted for & proud of President Barack Obama-I left the Liars! I am a Democrat
Dan Bern for President! Cool video, catchy tune: RT: @pzmyers: The agenda on this made me so happy. http://bit.ly/5JZAvH #fb
theskett (Tony Heskett) Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:59:37 -0000
Dan Bern for President! Cool video, catchy tune: RT: @pzmyers: The agenda on this made me so happy. http://bit.ly/5JZAvH #fb
President Barack Obama wishes Marines a merry Christmas | LA Times http://j.mp/89Nilj
jimnnoke (Jim in Roanoke) Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:58:43 -0000
President Barack Obama wishes Marines a merry Christmas | LA Times http://j.mp/89Nilj

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