India’s governance hinges on its Union Executive, the crucial branch responsible for implementing the nation’s laws and policies. This body comprises the President, the Vice-President, and the Council of Ministers, spearheaded by the Prime Minister.
The President, though vested with considerable constitutional powers, primarily serves as a symbolic figure embodying national unity. Their duties include formally appointing the Prime Minister and other ministers, and providing assent to bills, which then become law. The President is elected indirectly by an electoral college consisting of elected members of Parliament and state legislative assemblies.
Holding the nation’s second-highest office, the Vice-President’s main role is to preside over the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house of Parliament. Crucially, the Vice-President also assumes presidential duties should the office become vacant due to resignation, death, or impeachment, serving until a new President is elected.
However, the true locus of executive power in India rests with the Prime Minister. As the head of government, the Prime Minister exercises significant authority, forming and leading the Council of Ministers. This Council operates on the principle of collective responsibility, making decisions and implementing policies across various government departments, with each minister managing a specific portfolio.
In essence, the Union Executive acts as the engine of the Indian government, translating legislative decisions into concrete actions and upholding law and order nationwide. The interplay between the President’s largely ceremonial functions and the Prime Minister’s robust executive authority is a hallmark of India’s parliamentary democracy.
I. Fill in the blanks:
- A person to be appointed a_________ must be a member of either House of Parliament.
Ans: minister
- The Prime Minister__________ the business to be carried on by the Cabinet.
Ans: decides
- The Vice President is elected for a period of ____________.
Ans: five years
- The ___________distributes portfolios among the ministers.
Ans: Prime Minister
- The public servants constitute the ___________.
Ans: permanent executives
II. Match the contents of Column A with that of Column B : Column A
Ans:
III. Tick mark (✓) the correct statements and cross mark (X) the wrong ones :
- The Prime Minister is the vital link between the President and the Cabinet.
Ans: ✓ - The Prime Minister acts on the advice of the President.
Ans: X - A money bill cannot be introduced without the President’s authority.
Ans: ✓ - The President can appoint anyone as the Prime Minister.
Ans: X - Most of the Civil Servants at the Centre are selected by the Union Public Service Commission.
Ans: ✓
IV. Answer the following:
1)Who is the Chief Executive of the Indian Union? Who votes for him?
Ans: India’s President is elected indirectly by an electoral college. This body includes elected members from both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), as well as elected members from state legislative assemblies and the Union Territories of Puducherry, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir. This method underscores India’s federal system, involving both central and state representatives in choosing the head of state.
2)State two executive and two judicial powers of the President. Under what circumstances can the President proclaim a state of emergency?
Ans: The President of India wields considerable authority across executive, judicial, and emergency spheres.
In an executive capacity, the President is tasked with appointing key figures such as the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, state Governors, and judges of the Supreme and High Courts, among others.
Judicially, the President holds the power to grant pardons, commute, or suspend sentences, even in cases involving court-martials and death penalties. The President also enjoys legal immunity for official actions, except in impeachment proceedings.
Regarding emergency provisions, the President can declare a state of emergency under three circumstances: threats to national security, a breakdown of a state’s constitutional machinery, or a financial stability crisis
3)What are the two main functions of the Cabinet?
Ans :The Cabinet fulfills two crucial functions within a government. Primarily, it acts as the chief decision-making body. This means that all major policy decisions and strategic directions for the nation are discussed and ultimately decided upon by the cabinet ministers. Their purview is extensive, covering everything from national defense and economic strategies to social welfare initiatives and foreign affairs. The combined wisdom and judgment of these ministers dictate the executive actions undertaken by the government.
Secondly, the Cabinet is tasked with the development and clear communication of the government’s policies and programs. This involves transforming the overarching vision and promises made during elections into actionable plans and specific initiatives. Through in-depth discussions and collaborative efforts, the Cabinet constructs the blueprint for how the government will tackle various societal demands, allocate resources, and achieve its stated goals. These well-defined policies and programs then serve as a guide for the daily operations of individual ministries and departments.
4)Name the three categories of the union ministers.
Ans: India’s Union Ministers operate within a three-tiered structure. At the apex are Cabinet Ministers, who are senior figures leading crucial ministries like Defence or Finance. They are integral to the Cabinet, participating in all meetings and shaping national policy.
Below them are Ministers of State (Independent Charge). These individuals autonomously head specific ministries or departments, operating without direct oversight from a Cabinet Minister. Their attendance at Cabinet meetings is usually by invitation only, for discussions pertinent to their portfolio.
The third tier comprises Ministers of State (MoS) / Deputy Ministers. These are the most junior ministers, providing support to either Cabinet Ministers or Ministers of State (Independent Charge). They do not hold independent ministerial responsibilities and are not members of the Cabinet.
5)What is the position of the Prime Minister? Mention his powers.
Ans: The Prime Minister, as head of government, leads the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha. They are responsible for overseeing national and international affairs, shaping government policy, and appointing or removing cabinet ministers. Additionally, they advise the President on key appointments and chair cabinet meetings to guide policy direction.
6)Do you think the President of India should be directly elected by the people? Why/why not?
Ans: In a parliamentary system where the Prime Minister holds the real executive power, a directly elected President could indeed lead to a power struggle. If both the President and the Prime Minister derive their legitimacy from the people, their mandates might conflict, potentially causing governmental instability. Therefore, for the smooth functioning of a parliamentary democracy, an indirectly elected, largely ceremonial President is often preferred to avoid a clash of powers and ensure the Prime Minister remains the undisputed head of government.
V. Explain the following statements:
1)“The President is a nominal head.”
Ans: The President of India is considered a nominal head because, while they hold the highest office and perform many important ceremonial duties, real executive power rests with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. The President largely acts on their advice, making their role more symbolic and constitutional rather than directly governing.
2)“All the ministers, including the Prime Minister, swim and sink together.”
Ans: The Indian Constitution dictates that the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This means a successful no-confidence motion against even one minister requires the resignation of the entire Council, including the Prime Minister, reinforcing the principle of executive solidarity and shared accountability to the elected Parliament.
Additional Questions
EXERCISES
A. Fill in the blanks:
- The President can be removed from office by a procedure known as ___________.
Ans: Impeachment
- The President appoints the judges of the__________.
Ans: Supreme Court and the High Court
- The President can call a_______ session of the Parliament if there is a deadlock regarding a bill.
Ans: joint
- The Cabinet is the _________of the Council of Ministers. The Cabinet Ministers hold important ___________.
Ans: inner core , portfolios
- The Prime Minister is the link between the _______, the people and the __________.
Ans:President,Parliament.
B. Name the following:
- The current Prime Minister of India
Ans. Narendra Modi - The current Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha –
Ans. Mohammad Hamid Ansari - The current Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces
Ans. Pranab Mukherjee - The current ministers in charge of (a) Defence (b) External Affairs (c) Finance (d) Health
Ans.
(a) Defence Minister – Manohar Parrikar
(b) External Affairs – Sushma Swaraj
(c) Finance Minister – Arun Jaitley
(d) Health Minister – Jagat Prakash Nadda
C. Choose the correct answer:
- The President/Prime Minister/Vice President is the nominal head of the government of India.
Ans. The President is the nominal head of the government of India. - The President is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Administrative Service/Defense Forces/Indian Foreign Service.
Ans. The President is the Supreme Commander of the Defense Forces. - The Vice-President is the Chairperson of the Lok Sabha/ Rajya Sabha/ Vidhan Sabha.
Ans. The Vice-President is the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. - After the elections, the President appoints the leader of the majority party as the Vice President/Speaker/Prime Minister.
Ans. After the elections, the President appoints the leader of the majority party as the Prime Minister. - The Council of Ministers is the real executive but the administration is carried on in the name of the Prime Minister/President/Vice-President. ”
Ans. The Council of Ministers is the real executive but the administration is carried on in the name of the Prime Minister.
D. State whether the following are true or false:
- The President is elected for a term of 4 years.
Ans: False.
Correct : The President is elected for a term of 5 years. - The President can pardon a death sentence.
Ans: True. - The President can declare war or conclude peace.
Ans: True. - The Prime Minister choose the Cabinet Ministers.
Ans: True. - Civil servants belong to the majority party in Parliament.
Ans: False.
Correct : Civil servants belong to the minority party in Parliament.
E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:
1)Who is the real executive head in a parliamentary form of government?
Ans: In India’s parliamentary democracy, the Prime Minister is the effective head of government, mirroring the British Westminster system. While the President is the constitutional head of state, their powers are primarily exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister, who leads the Lok Sabha majority and holds a direct popular mandate, is responsible for forming and leading the Cabinet, formulating and implementing policies, and representing India internationally. This makes them the government’s chief leader and spokesperson, accountable to Parliament.
2)Name the body that elects the President of India.
Ans: The President of India is elected by an electoral college, a unique body comprising elected representatives from across the nation’s legislative landscape. This college includes all elected Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, ensuring federal representation. Complementing this, elected members from the Legislative Assemblies of all states are also part of the college. To further broaden the representative base, elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry are also included. This comprehensive system ensures that the President is chosen through a wide consensus, reflecting the collective will of both national and state legislatures.
3)Name any two officials appointed by the President?
Ans: The President of India, holding the significant role of head of state, is responsible for several key appointments essential for India’s democratic and federal system. These include:
- State Governors: Appointed for five-year terms, Governors serve as the constitutional heads of states, acting as a vital link between the Union and state governments, ensuring adherence to the constitution.
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG): This independent authority, appointed by the President, is crucial for financial accountability, auditing all government expenditures and receipts.
- Attorney General for India: The President appoints this individual as the chief legal advisor to the Government of India, representing the government in legal matters and offering counsel.
- Chief Commissioners of Union Territories: These officials, also known as Administrators, are appointed by the President to directly manage Union Territories, implementing central policies and addressing regional needs.
These appointments underscore the President’s considerable constitutional power in upholding checks and balances, fostering good governance, maintaining financial integrity, providing legal direction, and overseeing Union Territories.
4)What is an ordinance?
Ans: Ordinances are temporary laws issued by the President or Governor when Parliament isn’t in session, for immediate concerns. They function like regular laws but must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of its reconvening to remain valid.
5)What can the President do when the security of the country is threatened by external aggression or armed rebellion?
Ans: The President holds the power to declare a nationwide state of emergency, which centralizes control in the national government and can lead to the suspension of fundamental rights.
6)Whose advice is the President bound to follow in carrying out his/her functions?
Ans: The President of India is obligated to follow the advice tendered by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers in the discharge of their duties. This constitutional provision underscores the parliamentary nature of India’s democracy, where the real executive power rests with the elected government.
7)Who is the head of the Council of Ministers?
Ans: The Prime Minister of India is the central figure of the executive branch, heading the Council of Ministers. Appointed by the President, they lead the Lok Sabha, select other ministers, and are collectively responsible for national governance, policy formulation, and lawmaking. The Prime Minister also acts as the government’s chief spokesperson, directing legislative initiatives and representing India globally.
8)When two or more political parties form the government, what is it called?
Ans: A coalition government forms when multiple political parties agree to collaborate and govern, typically after an election where no single party wins an outright majority. This arrangement allows them to pool their legislative power and form a functional administration.
9)What is meant by allotment of portfolios?
Ans: Allotment of portfolios refers to the act of assigning specific ministries or departments to individual ministers within a government. This process typically follows the formation of a new government or a cabinet reshuffle, where the head of government (e.g., Prime Minister or President) distributes responsibilities and areas of control among their chosen team members. Each minister then becomes accountable for the policy-making and administration of their designated portfolio, such as finance, defense, education, or health.
10)What happens when a vote of no-confidence is passed against any one Cabinet Minister?
Ans: A vote of no-confidence against an individual Cabinet Minister is considered a vote against the entire Council of Ministers due to the principle of collective responsibility. If this vote passes, the entire Council, including the Prime Minister, must resign.
F. Answer the following questions briefly:
1)In the context of the President of India, answer the following questions:
(a) Mention the qualifications required for the post of the President.
(b) How is the President elected ?
(c) How can the services of the President be terminated ?
Ans:(a) To become India’s President, one must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, qualified for Lok Sabha membership, and not hold any office of profit under the government.
(b)The President of India is chosen through an indirect election by an electoral college. This body comprises elected members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (the two houses of Parliament), along with elected members from the Legislative Assemblies of all states and the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry. The election employs a system of proportional representation using a single transferable vote, where the weight of each vote is determined by the population of the state or the number of parliamentary seats.
(c) Impeaching an Indian President is a strict constitutional process, initiated for grave offenses like constitutional violations, treason, or corruption. The process begins with a notice of impeachment in one House of Parliament. If accepted and charges are substantiated, that House passes a resolution with a special majority. The second House then investigates, and if it also approves the resolution with a similar special majority, the President is removed from office. This rigorous, multi-stage procedure ensures removal is based on compelling evidence and broad parliamentary agreement, not political motives.
2)With reference to the powers of the President, discuss:
(a) Any four executive powers
(b) Military powers
(c) Any four legislative powers
Ans: (a) Executive powers: The President of India wields substantial executive authority, crucial for national administration. This includes:
- Appointment Powers: The President appoints key officials like the Prime Minister, judges of higher courts, the Attorney General, and state Governors, ensuring the machinery of government and judiciary operates.
- Administrative Powers: All executive decisions of the Indian government are formally made in the President’s name. They can also request information from the Prime Minister regarding governmental affairs and legislative proposals, and make rules for governmental business.
- Diplomatic Powers: Representing India globally, the President is instrumental in international relations, with all treaties and agreements made in their name. They also manage the exchange of ambassadors.
- Military Powers: As Supreme Commander of India’s armed forces, the President holds ultimate authority over the military, including the power to declare war or peace, acting on ministerial advice.
(b) Military powers: The President acts as the Supreme Commander of India’s armed forces. This role grants them the authority to declare war or negotiate peace. Furthermore, all significant international agreements and treaties are formally executed in the President’s name.
(c) Legislative powers:
- The President of India holds significant legislative powers. They have the authority to summon or prorogue Parliament and address its opening session annually, outlining the government’s agenda. The President can also dissolve the Lok Sabha, initiating new elections, and convene a joint session of both Houses to resolve legislative deadlocks.
- No bill becomes law without the President’s assent. While they can return a bill for reconsideration, a second passage by Parliament mandates their approval. Furthermore, the President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha and two Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha. In the absence of Parliament, the President can issue ordinances, which function as temporary laws for six weeks after Parliament reconvenes.
3)The President is an integral part of the Parliament. In this context explain the following:
(a) The financial powers of the President
(b) The judicial powers of the President
(C) The emergency powers of the President.
Ans:(a) The financial powers of the President: The President of India holds significant financial powers. The Union Budget is presented to Parliament under their authority, and no money bill can be introduced without their prior recommendation.
(b) The judicial powers of the President: The President holds exclusive, non-reviewable power to pardon, remit, reduce, or suspend sentences, including death sentences. The only exception to this authority is if the President faces impeachment by Parliament.
(c) The emergency powers of the President: The President holds significant emergency powers, capable of declaring an emergency under three distinct circumstances:
- National Emergency: If India’s security faces a threat from external aggression or armed rebellion, the President can declare a national emergency.
- President’s Rule (State Emergency): Should a state’s administrative machinery fail, the President can impose direct rule over that state.
- Financial Emergency: In the event of a threat to the nation’s financial stability, the President is empowered to declare a financial emergency.
4)With reference to the functions of the Parliament, explain the following:
(a) Law-making functions
(b) Control over the executive
(c) Judicial functions
Ans: (a) Legislative Power: Parliament holds the primary power to create and amend laws, particularly those on the Union and Concurrent Lists. It can also legislate on State List matters under specific conditions, and critically, it’s the sole body that can propose constitutional amendments.
(b) Executive Oversight: Parliament directly supervises the Council of Ministers, making them answerable to the Lok Sabha. A no-confidence vote forces their resignation. Members of Parliament (MPs) scrutinize government policies through questions and can raise urgent public issues via adjournment motions, compelling immediate government attention.
(c) Judicial Role: Parliament has the power to impeach and remove high officials such as the President, Vice-President, and judges of the Supreme and High Courts if they are found guilty of constitutional violations or abuse of power.
5)Discuss the powers and position of the Prime Minister with reference to his relationship with the following:
(a) Parliament
(b) the President
(c) the Council of Ministers.
Ans:(a)In India’s parliamentary system, the Prime Minister effectively serves as the chief executive, wielding the powers formally held by the President. This stems from the Prime Minister’s position as the elected leader of the nation and the head of the majority party or coalition in Parliament.
(b)The Prime Minister advises the President in the discharge of his/her functions and informs him/her about the decisions taken by the Cabinet. The advice of the Prime Minister is binding on the President.
(c)The Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister of India wields substantial authority, appointing and allocating portfolios to ministers, chairing Cabinet meetings, and coordinating inter-departmental functions. They act as the primary link between the President and the Cabinet, with the power to expand the Cabinet or seek a minister’s resignation.
6)In the context of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, explain the following:
(a) Appointment of the Prime Minister
(b) Formation of the Council of Ministers
(c) The Cabinet
Ans:(a) Appointment of Prime Minister: The President appoints the Prime Minister, typically the leader of the party or coalition that wins a majority in the Lok Sabha election. If no clear majority emerges, the President chooses the individual most likely to form a stable government.
(b) Formation of Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister then recommends other ministers to the President, who appoints them to form the Council of Ministers (comprising Cabinet, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers). This entire Council is accountable to the Lok Sabha.
(c) The Cabinet: Within the Council of Ministers, the Cabinet is a smaller, senior group. It acts as the government’s primary body for formulating policy and making key decisions, responsible for setting the agenda and implementing policies.
G Picture study:
Until 1950, the building in the picture was known as ‘Viceroy’s House’, and served as the residence of the Governor General of India.
1)Identify the building. Whose official residence is it now?
Ans: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, designed by Lutyens and Baker and completed in 1929, serves as the official residence and office of the President of India. Formerly Viceroy’s House, this 340-room structure with its Mughal Gardens became the President’s House in 1950, symbolizing Indian democracy. The President, as head of state, upholds the Constitution, appoints key officials, commands the armed forces, and exercises various powers, usually on ministerial advice, embodying national unity.
2)How is he or she elected?
Ans: The President, a symbolic head of state, is chosen indirectly by an Electoral College. This body comprises elected members from both parliamentary houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and elected members from all State Legislative Assemblies.
3)What is his/her term of office?
Ans: The President, as head of state and executive authority, typically serves a five-year term in many democracies. This duration balances policy implementation with electoral accountability. Re-election provisions are common, allowing for leadership continuity based on public satisfaction. While some systems permit unlimited re-election, others impose term limits to prevent power concentration. This common framework aims for stable governance and empowers citizens to periodically choose their leadership.
4)Mention two powers each held by this person of with reference to the following:
(a) Financial power (b) Judicial Power
Ans:(a) Financial Authority: The President is central to the nation’s finances, overseeing the presentation of the Union Budget and acting as a crucial gatekeeper, as no money bill can be introduced in Parliament without their prior approval.
(b) Judicial Prerogative: The President wields significant judicial power, including the authority to grant pardons (even for death sentences), and to alter or suspend sentences. They also enjoy immunity from legal action for their official duties, unless impeached by Parliament.
