Powers of the President in India

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary duty of the President of India as outlined in the Constitution?

To dissolve the Parliament

To appoint the Supreme Court judges

To preserve, protect and defend the Constitution (correct)

To exercise legislative powers

Who exercises the executive powers of the Union according to Article 53?

The Prime Minister

The Parliament

The President (correct)

The Chief Justice

Which power allows the President to appoint the Prime Minister?

Constitutional power (correct)

Discretionary power

Judicial power

Legislative power

In the context of the President's functions, what role does he serve in relation to the Union Executive?

Head of the Union Signup and view all the answers

Which article of the Indian Constitution specifies the President's primary duty?

Article 60 Signup and view all the answers

What limit exists on the discretion of the President in making appointments?

The Prime Minister's advice must be followed in most cases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles is NOT typically associated with the President of India?

Leading the legislative process Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the government system in India that involves the President?

Cabinet form of government Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary duty of the President when a political party secures an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha?

To summon the leader of that party to become the Prime Minister Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can the President exercise discretionary powers in appointing a Prime Minister?

When no single party wins a clear absolute majority Signup and view all the answers

What must the President be satisfied with regarding the Council of Ministers?

That the Council of Ministers enjoys the confidence of the majority of the Lok Sabha Signup and view all the answers

What power does the President hold regarding the armed forces?

Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces with authority to declare war Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a power of the President regarding Parliament?

To prorogue the Houses or dissolve the Lok Sabha Signup and view all the answers

In what situation was the twelfth Lok Sabha dissolved by the President?

When the confidence motion in favor of the government was lost Signup and view all the answers

What role does the President have during the summoning of Parliament?

To summon the Houses of Parliament either separately or jointly Signup and view all the answers

What can the President do if there is any doubt about the majority of the Council of Ministers?

Ask the Council of Ministers to prove its majority in the Lok Sabha Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of Emergencies that the President of India can proclaim?

National Emergency, Emergency for failure of Constitutional Machinery in a State, Financial Emergency Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can the President of India promulgate an ordinance?

When only one House of Parliament is in session Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can a National Emergency be proclaimed?

When the security of India is threatened by war, armed rebellion, or external aggression Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the rights under Article 19 during a National Emergency?

They are suspended Signup and view all the answers

What financial power does the President of India have regarding money bills?

Make recommendations for money bills introduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum duration of Emergency for failure of Constitutional Machinery in a State?

Three years Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique aspect of the Ordinance Making Power of the President of India?

It does not require the approval of both Houses in an emergency Signup and view all the answers

What did Dr. Ambedkar justify regarding the Ordinance Making Power?

It is essential in emergencies when Parliament is unavailable Signup and view all the answers

What powers does the President assume during a Proclamation of Emergency for failure of Constitutional Machinery in a State?

Executive powers of the State Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly reflects the President’s financial authority?

Financial proposals require the President's previous permission Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the proclamation of a Financial Emergency?

Threat to financial stability of India Signup and view all the answers

What powers does the President have during a Financial Emergency?

To give directions to the States on financial propriety Signup and view all the answers

What does the Annual Financial Statement presented by the President contain?

Estimates of revenue and expenditure for the next year Signup and view all the answers

In what way is the Ordinance Making Power different in India compared to other countries?

It is more flexible and commonly used than in Britain Signup and view all the answers

In practice, who usually handles the negotiation of international treaties on behalf of the President?

The Prime Minister along with the Cabinet Signup and view all the answers

Which power cannot be exercised by the President of India regarding ordinances?

Promulgating ordinances while both Houses are in session Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the President to nominate members to both Houses of Parliament?

To ensure representation of all population sections Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the President refuses to assent to a bill that has been passed by both Houses of Parliament?

Parliament can pass the bill again and the President must then give assent Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can the President promulgate an ordinance?

Except when both Houses are in session Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bill requires the prior approval of the President before being presented to Parliament?

A bill for the formation of a new State Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of a bill passed by a State Legislature that is reserved for the President's consideration?

It may become law only with the President's assent Signup and view all the answers

What power does the President have in relation to the Council of Ministers?

The President can send messages if there is serious disagreement Signup and view all the answers

How does a bill passed by both Houses of Parliament become an Act?

It requires the President's assent to become an Act Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Article 200 in relation to bills passed by State Legislatures?

It permits the Governor to reserve bills for the President's consideration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Powers and Functions of the President in India

The President's primary duty is to uphold and protect the Indian Constitution.
The President is the head of all independent governmental bodies.
The President's actions, recommendations, and supervisory powers are subject to constitutional laws.
The President is the Head of State, though the executive power is vested in the cabinet.
The President, as the head of the Union Executive, has executive powers exercised in their name.
Executive powers extend to matters where Parliament has lawmaking authority and treaty-making.
The President appoints Governors of states, Judges of the Supreme and High Courts, the Auditor-General, and other high officials such as members of the Finance Commission, Election Commission etc.
The President appoints the Prime Minister and other Ministers, mostly following the political party with majority influence in the Lok Sabha.
The President can ask the Council of Ministers to prove its majority in the Lok Sabha.
The President is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
The President is a part of the Union Legislature, summoning, proroguing, or dissolving either or both Houses of Parliament.
The President may address Parliament during sessions and give special messages.
The President nominates members to both Houses of Parliament for adequate representation.
The President has a role in passing or approving bills. A bill becomes an act only on presidential assent. In certain cases, the President’s prior sanction is needed.
A bill passed by a state legislature may be reserved for presidential consideration.
The President can issue ordinances when both Houses are not in session, having the force of an act of parliament.
The President of India has financial powers. No money bill can be introduced in Parliament without presidential recommendations. Financial statements of revenue and expenditure by the President are presented to both Houses.
The President of India can proclaim three types of emergencies: national, state, or financial.

Emergency Powers of the President

National Emergency can be declared when India's security is threatened by war, rebellion, or external aggression.
Emergency for failure of constitutional machinery in a state can be declared if a state's constitutional machinery fails.
Financial emergency can be declared if there's a threat to India's financial stability.

Diplomatic Powers

The President negotiates and concludes international treaties/agreements on behalf of India.
International treaties require parliamentary approval.

Military Powers

The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces.
The President declares war or peace based on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers.

Pardoning Powers

The President can grant pardons, reprieves, or remissions of punishment to those convicted by law.
Pardons can be given for offenses against Union law, military courts, capital punishment, etc.

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Description

This quiz explores the various powers and functions of the President of India as outlined in the Constitution. It covers the executive authority, appointment powers, and the role of the President within the government framework. Test your knowledge and understanding of this critical position in Indian politics.