In practice, since the prime minister must maintain the confidence of parliament in order to remain in office, they are usually the leader of the senior partner in the governing coalition.

In most other parliamentary republics, the president is at least nominal chief executive, while bound by convention to act on the cabinet's advice.

[2] Under the 1934 Constitution passed by plebiscite, the position of Prime Minister was recreated as head of government in a more presidential system.

The newly established head of state could appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister and Cabinet, veto laws, give decrees (statutes) and dissolve the Riigikogu.

According to the 1938 Constitution, the position of the Prime Minister was retained, while the head of state was finally renamed the President under a presidential system.