Bundespräsidium

Präsidium des Bundes or Bundespräsidium (German: [ˈbʊndəs.pʁɛˌziːdi̯ʊm], roughly chairmanship of the federation) was a title under the German Confederation (1815–1848, 1851–1866) whereby the Austrian delegate held the chair of the Federal Assembly.

Austria was thus called the presiding power (German: Präsidialmacht).

This did not give Austria extra competencies: its delegate simply led the proceedings of the Federal Assembly.

[1] Later, during the North German Confederation (1867–1871), the same title was used for an office functioning as head of state.

[2] According to the constitution, the holder of this office was always the king of Prussia.

Wilhelm I , since 1861 King of Prussia, was the only holder of the Präsidium des Bundes during the North German Confederation .
Chart illustrating the political system of the North German Confederation