- The President is the Head of the State and holds the executive power of the Indian Union.
- He/She is the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces of India.
- All executive powers are exercised in the name of the President.
- The President acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
- As per the 42nd Amendment, following the Council’s advice is mandatory.
Key Points
Key Points: The President of India
Key Points: Qualifications for Election as President
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be at least 35 years of age.
- Must be qualified to be a member of the Lok Sabha.
- Must not hold any office of profit under the Union, State or local government.
- The President can be re-elected for another term.
Key Points: Composition of the Electoral College
- Consists of elected MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Includes elected MLAs of States, Delhi and Puducherry.
- Nominated members are not included.
- A candidate needs 50 proposers and 50 seconders and a ₹15,000 security deposit.
- Election is by proportional representation (single transferable vote) and secret ballot.
Key Points: Manner of Election
- Votes of MLAs are based on the population of the State and number of elected MLAs.
- Votes of MPs are calculated by dividing total MLA votes by total elected MPs.
- Election follows the Single Transferable Vote system with preferences (1, 2, 3…).
- A candidate winning more than 50% votes is declared elected; otherwise, lowest is eliminated and preferences counted.
- Election disputes are decided by the Supreme Court of India.
Key Points: Reasons for Indirect Election
- Direct election could make the President a rival power centre to the Council of Ministers, harming the parliamentary system.
- A directly elected President would need real powers, which the Constitution does not intend.
- Election only by Parliament could make the President a nominee of the ruling party.
- An Electoral College (MPs + MLAs) ensures representation of both the nation and the States.
Oath & Term (Brief)
- The President takes oath to protect the Constitution and serve the people.
- The term of office is 5 years; resignation is given to the Vice-President and removal is by impeachment.
Key Points: Procedure for Impeachment of the President
- Charges can be initiated in either House of Parliament for violation of the Constitution.
- A 14-day prior notice signed by at least 1/4th members of the House is required.
- The resolution must be passed by a two-thirds majority of total membership of that House.
- The other House investigates the charges; the President has the right to defend himself/herself.
- If the investigating House also passes the resolution by a two-thirds majority, the President is removed from office.
Key Points: Powers of the President of India > Executive Powers
- Head of Union Administration: All executive actions are taken in the President’s name.
- Appointments: Appoints PM, Ministers, Judges, Governors, CAG, AG, UPSC members, etc.
- Control over States: Can issue directions; has full control during President’s Rule.
- Union Territories: Administers Union Territories and border areas.
Key Points: Powers of the President of India > Diplomatic Powers
- Appoints Indian ambassadors to other countries.
- Receives foreign ambassadors and diplomats.
- All treaties and international agreements are made in his/her name.
- Represents India at international conferences.
Key Points: Powers of the President of India > Legislative Powers
- Addresses Parliament at the first session after general elections and at the start of every year.
- Summons, prorogues Parliament and can dissolve the Lok Sabha.
- Nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.
- Gives assent to Bills; without it, a Bill cannot become law.
- Promulgates Ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
Key Points: Powers of the President of India > Financial Powers
- Money Bills are introduced only with the President’s recommendation.
- The Union Budget is presented in Parliament in the President’s name.
- The Annual Financial Statement is laid before Parliament on his/her behalf.
- Can authorise advances from the Contingency Fund of India.
- Appoints the Finance Commission every five years.
Key Points: Powers of the President of India > Military Powers
- The President is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of India.
- Appoints the Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
- Declares war and peace on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Key Points: Powers of the President of India > Judicial Powers
- The President is not answerable to any court for official acts.
- No criminal case can be filed against the President during the term of office.
- Has the power to grant pardon, reprieve, respite, remission or commute sentences.
- This power applies to court-martial cases, Union/Concurrent law offences, and death sentences.
Key Points: Powers of the President of India > Discretionary Powers
- Appoints the Prime Minister when no party has a clear majority (hung Parliament).
- Appoints a Prime Minister in case of sudden death of the incumbent.
- Decides whether to dissolve the Lok Sabha or ask another party to prove majority.
- Can dismiss Ministers if they lose majority support but refuse to resign.
Key Points: Powers of the President of India > Emergency Powers
Three types of Emergency:
- National/General Emergency (Art. 352)
- President’s Rule / State Emergency (Art. 356)
- Financial Emergency (Art. 360)
National Emergency:
- Declared during war, external aggression or armed rebellion.
- Fundamental Rights (except Articles 20 & 21) can be suspended and Centre gets full control over States.
President’s Rule (State Emergency):
- Declared when a State cannot be governed as per the Constitution.
- State government is suspended and Parliament governs the State.
Financial Emergency:
- Declared when financial stability of the country is threatened.
- Salaries may be reduced and Centre controls State finances.
Approval & Duration:
- All Emergencies require Parliamentary approval and are temporary in nature.
Key Points: The Vice-President
- Constitutional post: Article 63 provides for the Vice-President of India.
- Qualifications: Must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, qualified for Rajya Sabha, and must not hold an office of profit.
- Election: Elected by members of both Houses of Parliament through proportional representation by single transferable vote and secret ballot.
- Oath: Takes oath before the President to uphold the Constitution and discharge duties faithfully.
- Term: Holds office for 5 years, can resign to the President, continue till successor assumes office, and can be removed by impeachment.
Key Points: Powers and Functions of the Vice-President of India
- Chairman of Rajya Sabha: Acts as ex-officio Chairman, regulates debates, maintains order, and decides admissibility of questions and resolutions.
- Disciplinary role: Can adjourn or suspend the House in case of grave disorder.
- No separate salary: Receives salary only as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, not as Vice-President.
- Acts as President: Takes over as President in case of death, resignation, removal, or incapacity of the President until a new one is elected.
- Dual role: Second Head of the Union Executive and presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
Important Questions [24]
- What is an Ordinance?
- Mention Any One Important Occasion When the President Addresses a Joint Session of Parliament.
- The President of India is the Constitutional Head of the Indian Republic. In this context, answer the following question: How is the President elected?
- The President of India is the Constitutional Head of the Indian Republic. in this Context, Answer the Following Questions: Mention Three Types of Emergencies that the President is Empowered to Proclaim
- The President and the Vice-president Are Part of the Union Executive in this Context, Answer the Following Questions: Explain Briefly Any Two Executive Powers of the President.
- Who Has the Power to Promulgate an Ordinance at the Centre? When Can It Be Promulgate
- Mention Any One Discretionary Power of the President.
- State Any One Qualification Necessary for the Election of the President of India.
- The Makers of Our Constitution Adopted the Parliamentary and the Cabinet Form of Government. with Reference to This, Answer the Following Questions: Who is the Constitutional Head of the Union Government?
- State the Composition of the Electoral College for the Election of the President of India.
- Write any one circumstance when the President can declare a National Emergency.
- The President and the Vice-president are part of the Union Executive in this context, answer the following questions: Explain briefly any two Legislative powers of the President.
- When can the President use his Discretionary power to appoint the Prime Minister?
- Name the Official Procedure by Which the President Can Be Removed.
- The President is the head of the state and exercises his/her powers on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
- The President is the head of the state and exercises his/her powers on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
- The President is the head of the State and exercises his/her powers on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. What are the three types of emergencies
- The President is the head of the State and exercises his/her powers on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. Mention any three legislative powers of the President.
- During a hung assembly when no party gets the majority, the President appoints the Prime Minister. What power is the President exercising?
- The ______ has the power to summon the Houses of Parliament.
- Who Presides Over the Meetings of the Rajya Sabha in the Absence of the Vice- President of India?
- State the Three Functions of the Vice-president.
- When Can the Vice-president Cast a Vote in the Rajya Sabha?
- The President and the Vice-president Are Part of the Union Executive in this Context, Answer the Following Questions: State Any Three Qualifications Required for a Candidate to Be Elected as the Vice-president of India.
Concepts [16]
- The President of India
- Qualifications for Election as President
- Composition of the Electoral College
- Manner of Election
- Reasons for Indirect Election
- Procedure for Impeachment of the President
- Powers of the President of India > Executive Powers
- Powers of the President of India > Diplomatic Powers
- Powers of the President of India > Legislative Powers
- Powers of the President of India > Financial Powers
- Powers of the President of India > Military Powers
- Powers of the President of India > Judicial Powers
- Powers of the President of India > Discretionary Powers
- Powers of the President of India > Emergency Powers
- The Vice-President
- Powers and Functions of the Vice-President of India
