The role of Head of State became more distant from the people than had been envisaged in the 1934 Constitution. Moreover, the post of Head of State was replaced by that of President of the Republic, whose mandate was extended to six years.
Riigipea institutsioon viidi rahvast kaugemale, kui see oli 1934. aasta põhiseaduses. Riigivanem asendati Vabariigi Presidendiga, kelle mandaat pikenes kuuele aastale.