The Union Executive

Question 1

What does the executive at the union level comprise of?

Answer 1

1. President
2. Prime minister
3. Council of Ministers

Question 2

List the qualifications of the president

Answer 2

1. Citizen of India
2. At least 35 years of age
3. Must not be a member of parliament or state legislature
4. Must be qualified to be a member of Lok Sabha
5. Must not hold any office of profit under central, state or local governments.

Question 3

What is an electoral college?

Answer 3

An electoral college directly or indirectly elects the president. It consists of members of both the houses of parliament and the legislature. The elect the president by casting their votes.

Question 4

How does a president resign?

Answer 4

By addressing a resignation letter to the vice president who conveys it to the speaker of Lok Sabha.

Question 5

What is the default salary of the president?

Answer 5

Rs. 5,00,000

Question 6

What are the steps of impeachment of the president?

Answer 6

He/she can be impeached only for violating the constitution.

1. Specific charges have to be brought up by 2/3 majority of the house.
2. The other house investigates the charges.
3. If the other house also passes a resolution with 2/3 majority sustaining the charges, the president will be removed.

Question 7

List the powers of the President.

Answer 7

1. Executive
2. Judicial
3. Financial
4. Legislative
5. Emergency

Question 8

Who does the president appoint

Answer 8

1. Prime minister
2. Council of Ministers (on advice of the Prime Minister)
3. Governors of the state, Attorney General, Auditive General, etc.

Question 9

List the legislative powers of the president.

Answer 9

1. Addresses the first session of the parliament after election
2. Summons and closes sessions of the parliament
3. Summons joint sessions between the two houses in case of deadlock
4. A bill becomes a law only after the president’s signature
5. Can issue ordinances in case the parliament is not in session.

Question 10

Describe Judicial powers of the president.

Answer 10

Can change death sentence, grant pardon or reduce sentence on appeal for mercy by a convicted person.

Question 11

Financial powers of the president.

Answer 11

1. Appointment of the Finance Committee after every 5 years.
2. A money bill can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only on recommendation of the president
3. Presentation of the budget is done in the parliament in the name of the president.

Question 12

Describe the types of emergencies declared by the president.

Answer 12

1. National Emergency
   Declared when security of the country is threatened by war, external aggression or internal rebellion
2. Breakdown of state machinery
   Declared when the government of a state is not functioning properly
3. Financial emergency
   Declared when the country is financially threatened

Question 13

What is president’s rule?

Answer 13

When there is breakdown of law and order in a state, the president can take over that state. This is known as President’s Rule.

Question 14

What is the union executive?

Answer 14

The group of people taking vital decisions to run the government

Question 15

What are the executive powers of the president?

Answer 15

Must be kept informed of all the decisions of cabinet made by the prime minister

All important appointments are done by the president

Supreme commander of the Defence Forces