THE UNION
EXECUTIVE
President
He is the EXECUTIVE HEAD of the State and the
SUPREME COMMANDER of DEFENCE FORCES.
He is elected by the elected members of both the
Houses of Parliament and elected members of State
Legislative Assemblies.
Qualifications for the Election
A person is eligible for election as President if HE/SHE
(i) Is a citizen of India
(ii) Is not less than 35 years of age
(iii) Is qualified for election as a member of Lok Sabha
(iv) Is not holding any office of profit under the government; and
(v) Should not be a member of either House of Parliament or State Legislature.
Procedure for Election
The President is elected indirectly by the members of an Electoral College consisting of:
(i) The elected members of both Houses of Parliament.
(ii) The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States including the
National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Term of the Office & Oath of the Office
The President holds office for a
period of FIVE years.
CHIEF JUSTICE OF INDIA administers the
oath of office
Procedure for Impeachment
(i) The President can be removed from office by impeachment for the violation of
the Constitution by a resolution passed by both Houses, after proving the
charges against him.
(ii) A resolution is passed by majority of 2/3rd of the total members of the house
Vice President
He is elected by the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament in
accordance with the System of Proportional Representation by means of
SINGLE TRANSFERABLE VOTE.
In this election, the State Legislatures do not take part.
Qualifications for the Election
A person is eligible for election as Vice President if HE/SHE
(i) Is a citizen of India
(ii) Is not less than 35 years of age
(iii) Is qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha
(iv) Is not holding any office of profit under Union or State
Government
Term of the Office
The normal term of Vice President
holds office for a period of FIVE years.
Procedure for Impeachment
The Vice-President can be removed from office by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha
passed by a majority of its members and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha.
Powers of the President
Executive Powers
(i) He is the Executive head of the State
(ii) He makes all important appointments such as those of the
• Prime Minister and other Ministers,
• Governors, the Chief Justice
• The Judges of the Supreme Court & the High Courts,
• The Attorney General,
• The Comptroller & Auditor general and
• Chairman of various committees.
Powers of the President
Executive Powers
(iii) He administers the Union Territories and the Border Areas
(iv) He assumes to himself all or any of the functions of the Government of the State when the
State is put under President's Rule.
Powers of the President
Legislative Powers
(i) He addresses First Session of Parliament after the General Elections & the First
Session of each year
(ii) He can issue Ordinances when the Parliament is not in the session.
(iii) He can Summon, Prorogue or Dissolve the Lok Sabha and order Fresh Elections
(iv) A Bill passed by the Parliament must receive his assent before it becomes an Act.
(v) He can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.
Powers of the President
Financial Powers
(i) No Money Bill can be introduced in Parliament without his prior assent
(ii) He causes the Annual Budget & the Annual Financial Statement to be laid before the
Parliament.
(iii) He can authorise withdrawal of advances from the Contingency Fund of India to meet
unforeseen expenditure.
(iv) He can appoint a Finance Commission after every Five years.
Powers of the President
Judicial Powers
(i) He appoints Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts
(ii) He can Grant Pardon, Reprieve or Remission of punishment or commute
Death Sentence.
Powers of the President
Discretionary Powers
(i) The President of India enjoys certain discretionary powers, where
he uses his wisdom and judgement.
(ii) For example, dissolution of Lok Sabha; dismissal of ministers.
Powers of the President
Emergency Powers
He can declare an Emergency if there is a threat to the security of India or any
part or if there is a failure of constitutional machinery in a State or if there is a
financial crisis.
THREE types of emergencies
• National emergencies
• Financial emergencies
• Breakdown of Constitutional Machinery emergencies
Powers of the President
Diplomatic Powers
(i) He has the power of appointing Indian Ambassadors to other countries
(ii) He receives Ambassadors, High Commissioners & Diplomatic envoys from
foreign nations
(iii)All treaties and International agreements are concluded in the name of the
President
(iv) The President represents India in International Conferences.
Powers of the President
Military Powers
(i) The President is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of India
(ii) He appoints the Chiefs of the three wings of the Armed Forces, subject to
certain rules and regulations
(iii) He has the power as to make Declaration of War and Peace on the advice of
the Council of Ministers.
Powers and Functions of the Vice President
(i) He is the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
(ii) He officiates as President in case of death, resignation or removal of the
President till a new President is elected.
(iii) When the President is unable to discharge his functions owing to absence,
illness or any other reason, the Vice-President discharges his functions
(iv) During such period, he is entitled to all the powers and immunities of the
President.
