- 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: 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: The Prime Minister
- The Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers and is the real executive authority in India.
- The President acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
- Appointed by the President, usually the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha.
- In a hung Parliament, the President appoints the leader who can prove majority support.
- In the parliamentary system, the Prime Minister is the most powerful figure, while the President is nominal.
Key Points: The Judiciary
- India has a single integrated judiciary with the Supreme Court at the apex.
- There is one uniform civil and criminal law for the whole country.
- Appeals move upward from lower courts → High Courts → Supreme Court.
- The judiciary is independent, protecting rights and democracy.
- The Supreme Court safeguards the Constitution and federal balance.
