The Italian Chief Magistrate is commonly referred to as the Doge, which is a four-letter word. The Doge was the chief magistrate and leader of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, an Italian city-state that existed from the 7th century until 1797. The Doge was elected for life by the city's aristocracy and was responsible for the executive, legislative, and judicial functions of the government. The Doge was also the commander-in-chief of the Venetian navy and had the power to declare war and peace.