Republicanism

If we have a head of state which we elect, what powers should they have? I'm quite in favour of a ceremonial head of state who should have no political power but should do all of the following: unite us in times of difficulty with good speeches, congratulate and encourage our sportsmen and women, reward and recognise people who contribute to charity, raise the profile of the plight of former servicemen and women, opening hospital wards, etc. If the head of state does the things in that list, then our political leaders have fewer media opportunities to make their images electoral assets. If a head of state is only going to do those things, what's wrong with a royal family? Once you start electing people, they're going to start offering reasons why they should be given more power over other people to make things better.