A semi-presidential system is a form of government that combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems. In this setup, there is typically a president who is elected by the public and holds significant powers, alongside a prime minister who is responsible for running the government and is usually appointed by the president. This dual executive structure allows for a balance of power, where both leaders can influence policy and governance. Countries like France and Russia exemplify the semi-presidential system, where the president has authority over foreign affairs and defense, while the prime minister manages domestic issues. This arrangement can lead to a more dynamic political environment, but it may also result in conflicts between the president and prime minister if they come from different political parties.