This article was created to the occasion of Czech presidential election in 2018. In light of the 100th anniversary of Austria and Czechoslovakia the article offers a comparison of Austrian and Czech presidential powers. With regard to common history of both countries it reflects the development from monarchy to a republican system in Austria. The role of president as a representative of statehood is treated with regard to major state functions: legislation, judiciary and administration., Herbert Schambeck., and Obsahuje bibliografické odkazy