As mentioned earlier, before Bodin gave a definite meaning to sovereignty as a specific element of the State, it was generally identified with the personal attribute of the monarch and its power. Not in the same sense but in a similar manner is sovereignty invoked to designate a king or a monarchical ruler who has ceased to be the real ruler but remains the titular or nominal head. Countries like Great Britain, Japan and Spain, which are constitutional monarchies, refer to their heads as sovereigns. They are nominal and titular heads of the State. A titular head represents the State and the real power is vested in the head of the government. Thus, we may differentiate between the head of the State and the head of the government. However, all actions of the government are carried and all laws of the State are passed in the name of the titular sovereign. We may also find a similar example in India where the President of the Republic of India being the head of the state may not enjoy real power (which lies with the Prime Minister).
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