24.Vice-President, Governor and Attorney General Flashcards
What does Article 63 discuss?
Article 63 discusses the office of the Vice-President.
Why was the office of the Vice-President established?
The office of the Vice-President was established to ensure continuity in the office of the President.
Which country’s Vice-President is the Indian office modeled after?
The Indian office of the Vice-President is modeled on the lines of the American Vice-President.
What does Article 66 discuss?
Article 66 discusses the manner of election of the Vice-President.
How is the Vice-President elected?
The Vice-President, like the President, is elected indirectly, not directly by the people.
Who elects the Vice-President?
The Vice-President is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament (both elected and nominated).
How does the electoral college for the Vice-President differ from the electoral college for the President?
The electoral college for the Vice-President differs from the electoral college for the President in two respects:
1.It consists of both elected and nominated members of Parliament (while for the President, only elected members are included).
2.It does not include members of the state legislative assemblies (while for the President, elected members of the state legislative assemblies are included).
What are the qualifications required to become the Vice-President?
The qualifications to become the Vice-President are:
1.Citizenship of India.
2.Minimum age of 35 years.
3.Eligibility for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
4.Not holding any office of profit under the union government, state government, local authority, or any other public authority.
What are the conditions for the office of the Vice-President?
The conditions for the office of the Vice-President are:
1.Not being a member of either house of parliament or the house of the state legislature.
2.Not holding any other office of profit.
How long does the Vice-President hold office?
The Vice-President holds office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters his office.
Can the Vice-President resign from his office? If so, how?
Yes, the Vice-President can resign from his office at any time by addressing the resignation letter to the President.
How can a vacancy occur in the Vice-President’s office?
A vacancy in the Vice-President’s office can occur in the following ways:
1.On the expiry of his tenure of five years.
2.By his resignation.
3.On his removal.
4.By his death.
5.Otherwise, for example, when he becomes disqualified to hold office or when his election is declared void.
Who decides any doubts or disputes regarding the election of the Vice-President?
The Supreme Court inquires into and decides any doubts or disputes in connection with the election of the Vice-President, and its decision is final.
Can the election of the Vice-President be challenged on the grounds of an incomplete electoral college?
No, the election of a person as Vice-President cannot be challenged on the ground that the electoral college was incomplete.
How can the Vice-President resign from office?
The Vice-President can resign from his office at any time by addressing the resignation letter to the President.
Is a formal impeachment process required for the removal of the Vice-President?
No, a formal impeachment is not required for the removal of the Vice-President.
How can the Vice-President be removed from office?
The Vice-President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an absolute majority (a majority of the total members of the House) and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
How much advance notice is required for moving a resolution for the removal of the Vice-President?
At least 14 days advance notice must be given before moving a resolution for the removal of the Vice-President.
Is any specific ground mentioned in the Constitution for the removal of the Vice-President?
No, no specific ground is mentioned in the Constitution for the removal of the Vice-President.
What is the role of the Vice-President in the Rajya Sabha?
The Vice-President acts as the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
When does the Vice-President act as the President?
The Vice-President acts as the President when a vacancy occurs in the office of the President due to resignation, impeachment, death, or other reasons.
What is the role of the Vice-President when the sitting President is unable to discharge their functions?
When the sitting President is unable to discharge their functions due to absence, illness, or any other cause, the Vice-President discharges their functions until the President resumes office.
What is the composition of the electoral college for the election of the President?
The electoral college for the election of the President consists of elected members from the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, legislative assemblies of states, and legislative assemblies of Union Territories (Delhi and Puducherry only).
What is the composition of the electoral college for the election of the Vice-President?
The electoral college for the election of the Vice-President consists of both elected and nominated members from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha only.
Does the electoral college for the Vice-President include members of the State legislative assemblies?
No, the electoral college for the Vice-President does not include members of the State legislative assemblies.
Why did the Constitution prefer indirect election for the President?
The Constitution preferred indirect election for the President due to the following reasons:
1.Cost and Time: Direct election would have been costly and time-consuming due to the large electorate size, which is unnecessary for a symbolic head.
2.Nominal Executive: The President is a nominal executive, with real powers vested in the council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Direct election would be inappropriate without real power.
3.Above Party Politics: Direct election could lead to a clash between two rival powers, whereas the President should remain above party politics.
4.Not Directly Responsible to the People: The framers of the Constitution wanted the power of the government to reside in the Council of Ministers and the Legislature, which represent the people.
5.Ceremonial Head: According to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the President’s role in the administration should be seen as a “ceremonial device on a seal by which the nation’s decisions are made known.”
What is the role of the President in the government?
The President is a nominal executive and the real powers are vested in the council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
What was the concern with direct election for the President?
Direct election for the President could have resulted in a clash of two rival powers, as the President should remain above party politics.
Who holds the real power in the government according to the framers of the Constitution?
The power of the government resides in the Council of Ministers and the Legislature, which are representative of the people.
How did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar view the role of the President?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar viewed the President’s place in the administration as a “ceremonial device on a seal by which the nation’s decisions are made known.”
Why is there a difference in the election process between the President and the Vice-President?
The difference in the election process between the President and the Vice-President is due to their respective roles and powers.
What is the role of the President?
The President is the head of the state, and their power extends to both the administration by the Centre and the states.
Why are members of Parliament and members of State legislatures included in the electoral college for the President?
Members of Parliament and members of State legislatures are included in the electoral college for the President because the President’s power extends to both the Centre and the states.
What is the typical function of the Vice-President?
The typical function of the Vice-President is to preside over the council of states (Rajya Sabha).
When may the Vice-President be called upon to assume the duties of the President?
The Vice-President may be called upon to assume the duties of the President on rare occasions and for a temporary period.
What are the qualifications for the President?
The qualifications for the President include being a citizen of India, completing 35 years of age, and being qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
What are the conditions of office for the President?
The President should not be a member of either House of Parliament or a House of the state legislature, and should not hold any office of profit under the government.
How long is the term of the President?
The term of the President is 5 years.
To whom does the President resign?
The President resigns to the Vice President.
How can the President be removed from office?
The President can be removed by a process of impeachment for ‘violation of the Constitution’.
Is the President eligible for re-election?
Yes, the President is eligible for re-election.
What are the qualifications for the Vice-President?
The qualifications for the Vice-President include being a citizen of India, completing 35 years of age, and being qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
What are the conditions of office for the Vice-President?
The Vice-President should not be a member of either House of Parliament or a House of the state legislature, and should not hold any office of profit under the government.
How long is the term of the Vice-President?
The term of the Vice-President is 5 years.
To whom does the Vice-President resign?
The Vice-President resigns to the President.
How can the Vice-President be removed from office?
The Vice-President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an absolute majority and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
Is the Vice-President eligible for re-election?
Yes, the Vice-President is eligible for re-election.
What does Article 153 of the Indian Constitution deal with?
Article 153 deals with the Governors of States and states that there shall be a Governor for each State.
What role does the Governor play in the Indian political system?
The Governor is considered a linking pin between the Center (Central Government) and the State governments.
What is the difference between the appointment of Governors in India and the United States?
In India, the Governors are appointed by the President, whereas in the United States, the governors are elected directly.
What is the role of the Governor in ensuring thorough checking of laws passed by State Assemblies?
The Governor in the states plays a role in checking the laws passed by State Assemblies, particularly in a unitary biased model.
How is the Governor appointed?
The Governor is appointed by the President through a warrant under their hand and seal.
Who appoints the Governor in India?
The Governor is appointed by the President of India.
Is the office of Governor considered an employment under the Central government?
No, the Supreme Court has held that the office of Governor of a state is not an employment under the Central government.
According to the Sarkaria Commission’s recommendations, what qualities should the Governor possess?
The Sarkaria Commission recommended that the Governor should be eminent in some walks of life and from outside the state, should not have participated in politics recently, and should not be a member of the ruling party.
What does Article 153 of the Indian Constitution pertain to?
Article 153 deals with the Governors of States.
Which article of the Indian Constitution discusses the executive power of the State?
Article 154 covers the executive power of the State.
What does Article 155 of the Indian Constitution address?
Article 155 deals with the appointment of the Governor.
How long is the term of office for a Governor?
The term of office of a Governor is specified in Article 156.
What are the qualifications for appointment as a Governor?
Article 157 outlines the qualifications for appointment as a Governor.
What are the conditions of the Governor’s office?
The conditions of the Governor’s office are mentioned in Article 158.
What is the oath or affirmation taken by the Governor called?
The oath or affirmation taken by the Governor is mentioned in Article 159.
In certain contingencies, who can discharge the Governor’s functions?
Article 160 describes the discharge of the Governor’s functions in certain contingencies.
What powers does the Governor have regarding pardons and sentences?
The power of the Governor to grant pardons, suspend sentences, etc., is covered in Article 161.
Which article defines the extent of executive power of the State?
Article 162 specifies the extent of executive power of the State.
Who aids and advises the Governor in the exercise of executive functions?
Article 163 mentions the Council of Ministers who aid and advise the Governor.
Which article discusses other provisions related to Ministers?
Article 164 covers other provisions related to Ministers.
What is the role of the Advocate General in a State?
The role of the Advocate General for the State is described in Article 165.
How is the business of the State Government conducted?
The conduct of business of the Government of a State is detailed in Article 166.