Paligorova, Victoria2025-12-062025-12-062025-11-252367-5314https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/800This article examines the development of the head of state’s powers in the field of national security under Bulgaria’s four constitutions – the Tarnovo Constitution (1879), The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bulgaria (1947), The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bulgaria (1971), and the current Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria (1991). It analyzes constitutional provisions regarding supreme command of the armed forces, the declaration of war, the imposition of state of emergency or martial law, appointments in the high military command, the conclusion and ratification of international treaties, and other related actions. The study demonstrates a significant evolution – from the broad discretion of the monarch in the early constitutional period, through collective organs with limited functions during the People’s Republic era, to clearly delineated and balanced presidential powers in today’s parliamentary republic.otherHead of StateNational SecurityConstitutional CompetencesConstitutional LawCommander-in-ChiefState of EmergencyArticle