ICSE Solutions and Questions Answers for The Executives (President and Vice-President Class 10 Civics
We are going to learn the ICSE Solutions of second chapter of the Civics textbook of Class 10. The name of the chapter is The President and the Vice-President (The Executives). All types of questions including very short answer type, short answer type, structured questions and questions based on picture perception has been provided. This ICSE solutions for The President and the Vice-President (The Executives)will help the students in learning the chapter outcome.
| Name of the chapter | The President and the Vice-President (The Executives) |
| Subject | History and Civics |
| Topics covered |
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| Related Readings |
Very Short Questions
1. How is the Executive of the Indian Union constituted?
Answer
The Executive of the Indian Union consists of the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
2. Who is the chief executive authority of the Indian Union?
Answer
President is the chief executive authority of the Indian Union.
3. What is the term of office of the President?
Answer
The term of office of the President of India is five years.
4. By how many electors should the nomination papers for a prospective Presidential candidate be proposed and seconded?
Answer
A prospective Presidential candidate is required to get his nomination paper proposed by at least ten electors and seconded by another ten electors.
5. What are the emoluments of the President?
Answer
The President is paid a monthly salary and also paid monthly pension on the expiry of his term. He also gets the annual expenditure and rent-free official residence, the Rashtrapathi Bhawan.
6. Suppose the President has resigned, who will take his office in his absence?
Answer
The Vice-President of India will take his office in his absence.
7. What does the term 'impeachment mean'?
Answer
The President can be removed from office for his grave misconduct by a special trial conducted by the Parliament. It is known as impeachment.
8. State any one reason why the President is elected indirectly.
Answer
The President is elected indirectly because the people are not much aware of a presidential candidate and the President is just the nominal head of a country.
9. Who elects the President of India?
Answer
The President is elected by an Electoral College counting of members of the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies of the states of the Indian Union.
10. What is an Electoral College?
Answer
An Electoral College consists of the Legislative elected members of both the Houses of the Parliament and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States including the Union Territories possessing such assemblies.
11. Who constitutes the Electoral College for the election of the President?
Answer
The Electoral College consists of the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and the elected members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
12. What is the security amount a Presidential candidate has to deposit?
Answer
A Presidential candidate has to deposit 15,000/- as security while filing his nomination.
13. How is the value of the elected Members of Parliament worked out?
Answer
The value of the elected Members of Parliament is worked out as per the formula:
14. How is the value of an elected member of a Vidhan Sabha is worked out?
Answer
The value of an elected member of the Vidhan Sabha is worked out by adopting the following formula:
15. Who administers the Oath of Office to the President?
Answer
The Chief Justice of India administers the oath of office to the President.
16. Who settles the disputes arising in connection with the election of a President ?
Answer
The disputes arising in connection with the election of a President is settled down by the Supreme Court of India.
17. When can the President issue ordinances?
Answer
The President can issue ordinances when the parliament is not in session and the enactment of law is required.
18. What does the term impeachment mean?
Answer
The President can be removed from office for grave misconduct by a special trial conducted by the Parliament. It is known as impeachment.
19. Whom does the President call upon to form the Government after the election of Lok Sabha?
Answer
The President calls upon the Prime Minister to form the Government after the election of Lok Sabha.
20. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
Answer
The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India.
21. Who is the chief executive of our state?
Answer
The Indian Union Executive consists of the President, the Vatic President and the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. The President of India is the Chief Executive. He is the Constitutional Head of the Republic.
22. What does the Electoral College for presidential election comprise of?
Answer
The joint body of elected M.P.s and M.L.As which elects the President is known as the Electoral College. Nominated M.Ps and nominated M.L.As have no hand in electing the President. The name of a Presidential candidate must be proposed by 50 members and seconded by another 50 members of the Electoral College.
23. What la the duration of Constitutional / State Emergency?
Answer
Duration of State Emergency is only for two months subject to approval of the Parliament. It can last for a year at the most and shall not exceed for more than three years under any circumstances.
24. Can the President be a member of the Parliament?
Answer
The President cannot be a member of either House of Parliament. If he is, he has to vacate his seat in the House on the date on which he stands for Presidential elections.
25. When and how can the President of India be removed from office?
OR
What do we nail the official process by which a President who has violated the Constitution is removed from office?
Answer
The President can be removed from his office for violation of the Constitution by Impeachment process initiated and passed by the Parliament.
26. What is the term of office of the President of India?
Answer
The President of India is elected for 5 years but he continues to hold office until his successor takes charge. Ile can be removed before expiry of his term through impeachment or he can resign.
27. What is the name of the body that elects the President? What is the role of nominated members in it?
Answer
Electoral College is the body that elects the President. Nominated MP's and nominated MLA's have no hand in electing the President.
28. What is the number required to propose and second a Presidential candidate?
Answer
50 members are required to propose and another 50 members to second the Presidential candidate.
29. Who administers the Oath of Office to the President?
Answer
The Oath of Office to the President is administered by the Chief Justice of India.
30. Who administers the Union Territory?
Answer
The Union Territory is administered by the President. He exercises his power through an administrator appointed by him.
31. When was the first proclamation of a national emergency is sued? Why?
Answer
In October 1962 due to the invasion of China on Indian territory.
32. Within what time limit does the approval of the Parliament must be taken after the declaration of any type of emergency?
OR
How has the power of the President to declare an emergency been subjected to the control of the Parliament?
Answer
The National Emergency must be approved by Parliament within one month of its declaration while the Constitutional and Financial emergency must be approved within two months.
33. Under what circumstances can there be imposition of President's Rule in a State?
Answer
The President can impose President's Rule in a State on receipt of a report from the Governor that the constitutional machinery in the state has broken down; and that the administration cannot be run as per the constitution.
34. Under what circumstances can the financial emergency are declared?
Answer
Financial emergency can be declared by the President when the financial stability or the credit feasibility of the country has suffered a setback.
35. Explain the removal of the Vice-President?
Answer
Vice-President may be removed for violation of the Constitution or incapacity by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha. Such a resolution must be approved by Lok Sabha.
36. By what majority is an impeachment resolution passed?
Answer
The impeachment resolution must be passed by two-thirds of the total membership in both the Houses.
Short Answer Type
1. State the qualifications for the election of the president?
Answer
In order to qualify as a candidate for the Presidential election, a person
- Must be a citizen of India,
- Must have completed 35 years of age,
- Must be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
- He must not hold any office of profit under the Centre or a State Government.
2. Describe in brief the impeachment of the president?
Answer
(ii) The resolution to impeach the President may be moved in either House of the Parliament after a notice of 14 days has been given. A list of charges must be supported by one fourth of the total members of the House.
(ii) Such a resolution must be passed by a two-third of the total majority of the members of that House.
(iii) Then the charges against the President are investigated by the other House. The President can appear in person or through a counsel to defend himself.
(iv) If the charges are approved by 2/3rd of the total majority of the house that investigates, the impeachment is finalised and the President is removed from the day the impeachment resolution is passed.
3. Why do we conduct indirect elections for the president?
Answer
(i) The State Assemblies are included in Electoral College order to make the President more truly representative of the choice of the nation.
(ii) Direct election would involve tremendous work, time and heavy expenditure.
(iii) If the President is elected directly by the people, he can become a rival at the Centre to the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
4. State the executive powers of president?
Answer
Executive Powers:
(i) Administrative Head of the Union.
(ii) Appoints the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
(iii) Appoints high officials, like the Attorney General of India, the Comptroller and the Auditor General of India, the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
(iv) Controls State Government during an emergency on account of failure of Constitutional machinery in a State. The Governor administers the State on behalf of the President.
(v) Every Union Territory in India is under the President and it IS administered by him.
5. State the legislative powers of the President?
Answer
Legislative Powers:
(i) Power to summon and prorogue Parliament and dissolve the Lok Sabha.
(ii) The President nominates 12 M.P.a to the Rajya Sabha from amongst the outstanding contributors In literature, science, social service or art. He may also nominate two M.Ps of the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha.
(iii) Prior sanction before introducing certain Bills.
(iv) To address Parliament or send messages
(v) President's assent on a Bill is necessary to become a law.
6. When can the President promulgate an Ordinance?
Answer
The President can promulgate an Ordinance under two conditions;
- When the Parliament is not in session.
- When the President is satisfied that immediate necessary legislative action is required. (POTO - Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance 2002.)
7. State the Financial powers of the President?
Answer
Financial Powers:
(i) A Money Bill can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only with the prior recommendation of the President.
(ii) The Contingency Fund is at the President's disposal. Contingency Fund: An amount kept in reserve to use in times of unforeseen events (e.g. natural calamities.)
(iii) The President appoints a Finance Commission after every five years.
8. What role does the President play in administration of justice?
Answer
Judicial Powers:
- He can grant pardon, reprieve or remission of punishment passed by any Court.
- The President can seek legal advice of the Supreme Court on any question of law. The opinion of the Supreme Court is not binding on the President.
- No criminal proceedings can be administered against the President while in office.
9. State the types of emergencies as per the constitution?
Answer
The President is empowered to declare three types of Emergencies e.g.
- National Emergency caused by war, external aggression or armed rebellion inside the country, (Article - 352)
- Constitutional Emergency caused by the breakdown of the constitutional machinery in a State (Article- 356) and
- Financial Emergency caused by a threat to financial stability of India (Article - 360).
10. National Emergency disrupts the regular federal functioning of the Government Explain How?
Answer
National Emergency disrupts the regular functioning of the Governments at central and the state level.
(i) On Centre-State Relations:
- The Parliament gets the power to legislate on any subject of the State List.
- The Union Government can alter the distribution of revenue between the Centre and the States.
(ii) Effect on Life of Legislatures: While the proclamation of emergency lasts, the Parliament may extend the duration of the Lok Sabha or the State Legislative Assemblies for a year at a time.
11. What are the other terms used for State Emergency?
Answer
Under the Article- 356 - President's Rule is the term used in India for State Emergency when a state government is dissolved and is placed under direct rule of the Unfelt. It is called the President's rule as the President of India governs the state instead of an elected Chief Minister. It is also known as Constitutional Emergency as it is caused due to the break down or collapse of the Constitutional Machinery of the state whereby the government in the state cannot be run as per the constitution.
12. What are the effects of State Emergency?
Answer
It has the following effects on the State:
- The Legislative Assembly is dissolved or suspended.
- The Parliament gets the power to legislate for the State.
- The President may authorise the Governor to exercise all the executive powers.
- The Annual Budget of the State is passed by the Parliament.
13. How does the President observe financial discipline during Financial Emergency?
Answer
- The President may issue certain directions of financial rules to the States with regard to the utilization of funds in the manner it thinks fit.
- The President may reduce the salaries and allowances of the Government staff, including judges of Supreme Court and High Court.
- All Money Bills passed by the State legislatures may be reserved for the consideration of the President.
14. Mention the component ports of the Union Executive?
Answer
The parts of the Union executive are
(i) The President.
(ii) The Vice-President
(iii) The Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers.
15. Name the Chief Executive in India. Why is he elected indirectly?
Answer
The President is the Chief Executive in India. Ile is elected indirectly because:
(i) Direct elections would involve tremendous work and heavy expenditure.
(ii) Directly elected member cannot become a Constitutional head or else he can become rival to the Prime Minister. Direct elections can make him a nominee of the ruling party just as the Prime Minister if membership in the two Houses of Parliament is likely to be dominated by one party.
16. In which situation does the office of the President fall vacant?
Answer
The office of the President falls vacant if:
- He dies.
- He resigns.
- He is removed by impeachment.
- His term of Ave years expires.
17. To whom does the President send his resignation?
Answer
The President sends his resignation to the Vice President. The Vice President would then refer his resignation to the speaker of Lok Sabha.
18. What does the President solemnly undertake to do when he takes the oath of office?
Answer
The President undertakes
- To faithfully execute the office of President or discharge the functions of the President of India.
- To preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law,
- Devote himself to the service and wellbeing of the people of India.
19. Write down the qualifications for the Vice-President of India.
OR
State any three qualifications required for a candidate to be elected as the Vice-President of India.
Answer
The qualifications for the Vice-President of India are as follows:
(i) He/She should be a citizen of India.
(ii) He/She has completed the age of 30 years.
(iii) He/She is qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
(iv) He/She should not hold any office of profit under the Government of India.
20. What is the position of the President of India?
Answer
Theoretically speaking, all the powers are vested in the President according to Article 53(1) of the Constitution. The President can exercise these powers directly or through officers under him. According to Article 74(1) of the Indian Constitution, the President has to exercise his functions on the basis of aid and advice of the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers.
21. Mention two military powers of the President of India.
Answer
(i) The President is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces of India.
(ii) He has the power to declare war or conduce peace treaty.
22. Mention the three types of emergencies envisaged by the Constitution.
Answer
The three types of emergencies envisaged by the Constitution are:
(i) National emergency.
(ii) Emergency arising out of breakdown of constitutional machinery.
(iii) Financial emergency.
23. Mention any two effects of the Proclamation of Emergency on account of war or external aggression or armed rebellion.
Answer
(i) All the Fundamental Rights are either partially or wholly suspended.
(ii) The Parliament gets the power to enact Laws even on subjects mentioned in the State List.
24. Mention the common qualifications required to be eligible to become the President of India.
Answer
A person is eligible for election of President if he
- is a citizen of India,
- has completed the age of thirty-five years,
- is qualified to become a member of the Lok Sabha,
- should not hold any office of profit under the Government, and
- should not be a member of either House of Parliament or of State Legislature.
25. What is the process of Impeachment of the President?
Answer
Article 61 of the Constitution prescribes that the President can be impeached by the Parliament if a President begins to act against the provision of the Constitution or is found guilty of misusing his status and position or found involved in corruption. He may be impeached out of office. Charges can be framed by either of the two houses of Parliament by a two-third majority. A 14 days notice signed by atleast one-fourth of the total number of members has to be given. The other House investigates the charges and sustains them by 2/3rd majority of the total membership of that House, the President is impeached.
26. Explain the method by which the President can be removed from his duties.
Answer
In case of violation of the Constitution, the Parliament may remove the President through the process of impeachment. The charges for this purpose may be framed by either House of Parliament in the form of a resolution by two-third majority of the total membership of House. A fourteen days notice signed by at least one-fourth of the total number of members has to be given. The other House investigates the charges levelled against the President. If the charges are established by the two-third majority of the total membership of the other House also, the President is impeached and removed from office forthwith.
27. In what conditions can the office of the President fall vacant?
Answer
The office of the President falls vacant under the following conditions:
- In case of death of a President the office falls vacant. Elections for the new President shall be held within 6 months.
- If the President resigns from his post, his office falls vacant.
- If the President violates the Constitution or is found guilty of misusing his status and position, he can be removed from his office by an impeachment motion.
28. What does the President solemnly undertake to do when he takes the Oath of Office?
Answer
The Oath of Office taken by the President demands:
- To faithfully execute the office of the President or discharge the functions of the President.
- To preserve, protect and defend to the best of his ability, the Constitution and the Law.
- To devote himself to the service and well-being of the people of India.
Long Answer Type
1. The President of India is the Head of the Indian Republic. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) Besides being a citizen of India, state other qualifications required by a person to be eligible to be the President of India.
(b) Composition of the Electoral College that elects the President.
(c) Procedure of Impeachment
(d) Describe the circumstances under which the President can declare an emergency in the country.
Answer
(a) Besides being a citizen of India, the President:
- Should be of 35 years of age or above.
- Should not hold any office of profit.
- Should not be a member of the Legislature.
- is qualified for election as a member of Lok Sabha.
(b) The President is elected indirectly by the members of an Electoral College consisting of:
- the elected members of both Houses of Parliament;
- the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States including National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Nominated members of either house of Parliament and State Assemblies are not eligible to be included in the Electoral College.
(c) 1. When a President is to be impeached for violation of the Constitution, either House of Parliament can level the charge as follows:
- Resolution which is moved after at least fourteen days' notice in writing signed by not less than one-fourth of the total number of members of the House; and
- The resolution is passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the House.
- If, as a result of the investigation, a resolution is passed by a merit of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the House by which the charge was investigated), declaring that the charge has been sustained, such a resolution will have the effect of removing the President from his office.
(d) 1. National emergency: Under Article 352 this type of emergency can be declared by the President of India if he is satisfied that the situation is very grave and the security of India or any part thereof is threatened
- (i) By war or external aggression.
- (ii) By armed rebellion in the whole of India or a part of its territory.
- (iii) The President can declare such an emergency only on the basis of a written request by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
- (iv) Such a proclamation must be approved by the Parliament within one month. Such an emergency can be imposed for six months. It can be extended by six months by repeated Parliamentary approval.
3. Financial emergency: The President may declare financial emergency under Article 360 when financial stability or credit feasibilities of India has suffered a setback.
2. With reference to legislative powers of the President discuss:
(a) Summon and prorogue the Parliament.
(b) Dissolve the Lok Sabha.
(c) Assent to State Bills.
(d) Promulgation of Ordinance
Answer
(a) The President summons the sessions of both the Houses of Parliament and prorogues them. He inaugurates the Parliament by addressing it after the general elections, at the beginning of the first session every year. He can also direct a joint session of both the Houses to be held in case of a deadlock.
(b) The President has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha. He can do so on the advice of the Prime Minister, before the expiry of its full term. When the Lok Sabha completes its full term of five years, the President announces the dissolution of the Lok Sabha on his own. But he cannot dissolve the Rajya Sabha, because it is a Permanent House.
(c) A State Governor may reserve a Bill passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President. He can refuse to give his assent, or he can return it for reconsideration. A State Bill which may affect the powers of the High Court is always reserved for President's assent.
(d) Under Article 123, the President can promulgate an Ordinance, which has the same status as an Act of Parliament. The President may withdraw the Ordinance at any time. The power to promulgate an Ordinance is subject to the following conditions:
- The President must be satisfied that circumstances make it necessary for him to take immediate, action.
- The Ordinance can be promulgated at a time when both Houses of Parliament are not in session. However, if one House is in session, there is no bar in issuing of Ordinances.
- The Ordinance so promulgated should be laid before both Houses of Parliament when they reassemble. If the Parliament does not approve the Ordinance, it lapses. If an ordinance is not disapproved, it will automatically cease to operate at the end of six weeks from the date the Parliament re-assembles.
- The Ordinance lapses if it is replaced by an Act of Parliament.
3. With reference to the President's power to declare National Emergency discuss:
(a) Circumstances leading to it.
(b) Duration.
(c) Effect on Centre-State relations.
(d) Effect on Fundamental Rights.
Answer
(a) The national emergency is declared when the President is satisfied that the security of India or any part of it is threatened by war or external aggression or internal armed rebellion.
(b) Every proclamation of Emergency must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament within one month by a special majority (i.e., by a majority of the total membership of the House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting). It cannot remain in operation for more than six months at a time. At the end of six months it has to be renewed by Parliament by a special majority else it lapses. If the Lok Sabha passes a resolution disapproving the Emergency, the President has to revoke the Proclamation.
(c) The country has to forgo its federal spirit as the states will function under a unitary system with load subdivisions. The effects of national emergency on Centre State relations are as under:
- The Parliament gets the power to legislate on any subject of the State List.
- The Union government gets the power to direct the States in the exercise of their executive authority.
- The Union government gets the power to alter the distribution of revenue between the Centre and the States.
(d) Effect of National Emergency on Fundamental Rights is as under
- The Right of Freedom under Article-19 is suspended.
- The Right to move any court for enforcement of such rights may also be suspended, but the Rights guaranteed under Articles - 20 and 21 remain unaffected. Articles 20 and 21 remains suspended. Article 20 states that no person shall be punished for the same offence more than once'. Article 21, declares that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.'
4. With reference to Constitutional Emergency, discuss the following:
(a) Circumstances leading to it.
(b) Duration.
(c) Effect of President's rule on the State.
Answer
(a) The circumstances leading to Constitutional Emergency are as follows
- When the President receives a report from State Governor or he is satisfied that the government of a State cannot run according to the provisions of the Constitution.
- When a State government is unable to carry out the directions of the Union Government due to a political deadlock or failure.
(b) Its duration is only two months. If it is to continue beyond two months, it must be approved by the Parliament. Even then it ceases to operate after six months from the date of proclamation. It can, however, be extended for another six months with the approval of the Parliament again. Thus, a Constitutional Emergency can last for a year. It can be extended beyond one year (but never beyond three years) under two conditions, viz.
- When national emergency is declared in whole of India.
- When the Election Commission certifies that holding of election in the State is not possible.
(c) It has the following effects on the State:
- Legislative Assembly is dissolved or suspended.
- Parliament gets the power to legislate for the State.
- The President authorizes the Governor to exercise all executive powers.
- The President may sanction expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund of India, when the Lek Sabha is not in session.
- It may be noted that the President cannot suspend the operation of any provision of the Constitution relating to High Court.
5. Justify the need for 'Indirect Election’ of the President.
Answer
The President of India is elected indirectly in accordance with proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. The President is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament and elected members of the Assemblies of the States. The value of the vote of an elected member of the Vidhan Sabha is worked out by adopting the following formula:
The value of the elected Members of Parliament is worked out as per the formula Total votes of all the MLAs Number of elected Members of Parliament With this arrangement, it has been ensured that the value of the vote of an M.L.A. is proportionate to the population he represents. On the other hand, the voting power of all the elected members of the Parliament is made equal to the voting power of all the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies in the country so that the States should not have an upper hand in the election of the President. The election of the President is conducted on the basis of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. The ballot is secret. The candidate who secures votes more than or equal to the quota of votes, is declared elected. If at the first count no candidate secures the required quota of votes the candidate securing the least number of votes is eliminated and his votes are transferred among other candidates. According to the second preference on the ballot papers of candidate who gave him first preference. The process of elimination and transfer of votes continues till such a candidate is found.
6. How is the President elected?
Answer
The president is elected indirectly by the members of an Electoral College consisting of:
- the elected members of both Houses of Parliament;
- the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States including National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union territory of Puducherry.
A presidential candidate will have to be proposed by 50 members of the Electoral College (MPs or MLAs) and seconded by another 50 members. Earlier the requirement was 10 proposers and 10 seconders. This was increased by an Ordinance promulgated in June 1997 that became an Act of Parliament on August 29, 1997. The Ordinance also raised the security deposit of a candidate for the Presidential election from 2,500 to 15,000.
7. Explain the Executive Powers of the President of India.
Answer
Executive Powers of the President: The President of India is titular. His authority is only formal. However,
- All executive actions of the Union Government must be expressed to be taken in the name of President.
- All officers of the Union are his officers and he has a right to be informed of all affairs of the Union.
- The President also makes rules for the convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India.
- He has a right to be informed by the Prime Minister of all decisions taken by the Council of Ministers.
8. The President of India occupies the highest office in the Country. In this context explain the Legislative Powers.
Answer
Legislative Powers of the President: The President is an integral part of the Parliament which consists of the President, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. His legislative powers are:
- The first session of the Parliament is addressed by the President.
- He has the power to summon and prorogue the House.
- He can dissolve the Lok Sabha and order fresh elections.
- He can address a joint session of the Parliament or each one of the House separately.
9. Explain briefly any two Legislative and any two Executive powers of the President.
Answer
Legislative power: The President of India is an integral part of the Union Parliament. The legislative powers of the President may be discussed under the following heads:
- Power to summon and prorogue Parliament and dissolve the Lok Sabha: The President has the power to summon and prorogue the Houses of Parliament and to dissolve the Lok Sabha. The power to summon Parliament is subject to the condition that six months shall not intervene between the last sitting in one session and first sitting in the next session. The President has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, not subject to dissolution.
- Nominating members to the Houses: The President nominates twelve members to the Rajya Sabha from among persons having special knowledge or practical experience in these matters —literature, science, art and social service. The President may nominate two members of the Anglo-Indian Community to the Lok Sabha, in case that Community is not adequately represented in the House.
Executive Powers: The Constitution says that the "executive power of the Union shall be vested in the President." The executive power embraces the following activities of the Union:
- Head of the Union Executive: All executive orders are issued in the name of the President.
- Formation of the Council of Ministers: The Constitution lays down that the Prime Minister is to be appointed by the President and the other Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.