of the Italian Republic lasts seven years. This prevents any officeholder from being reelected by the same houses, which have a five-year mandate, also granting some freedom from excessive political ties to the appointing body. The Italian president's term may end by voluntary resignation, death while in office, permanent disability due to serious illness, or dismissal as for crimes of high treason or an attack on the Constitution. A former president of the Republic is called President emeritus of the Republic and becomes Senator for life ex officio. In the absence of the President of the Republic, including travel abroad, presidential functions are performed by the President of the Senate. Legal powers The Constitution lays out the duties and powers of the President of the Republic, to include the following: In foreign affairs: Accrediting and receiving diplomatic functionaries. Ratifying international treaties upon authorization of Parliament (if required according to Article 80 of the Constitution). Making official visits abroad, accompanied by a member of the government. Declaring a state of war as decided by Parliament. In parliamentary affairs: Nominating Senators for life (that may be up to five altogether). Calling the Chambers of Parliament into extraordinary session and dissolving them. Calling elections and fixing the date for the first meeting of the new Chambers. In legislative matters: Authorizing the presentation of proposed governmental bills to Parliament. Promulgating the laws approved in Parliament. Remanding to the Chambers (with an explanation) and asking for reconsideration of a bill (permitted once per bill). Appertaining to popular sovereignty. Calling referendums. In executive matters and as to official protocol. Naming the Prime Minister of Italy and appointing Cabinet ministers on the advice of the prime minister. Receiving the oath of the government. Accepting the resignation of a government. Promulgating laws by decree, which are proposed by the government alone. Unless acted on by Parliament, these measures expire after 60 days. Naming certain high state functionaries. Presiding over the Consiglio Supremo di Difesa (Supreme Defense Council) and commanding all the armed forces. Decreeing the dissolution of regional councils and the removals of presidents of regions. In judicial matters: Presiding over the Consiglio Superiore della Magistratura (Superior Judicial Council). Naming 5 members (one-third) of the Constitutional Court of Italy. Granting pardons and commutations. Cannot be punished for acts appertaining to his office unless guilty of high treason or violation of the Constitution. (article 90 of the italian constitution)