Chapter 2: The President and the Vice President

Introduction

• Focus on the Union Executive
  • The President
    • Qualifications for election
    • Composition of Electoral College
    • Reason for indirect election
    • Term of office
    • Procedure for impeachment
    • Executive, Legislative, Financial, Judicial, Discretionary, and Emergency powers
  • The Vice President
    • Qualifications for election
    • Term of office

President of India

• Role
  • Executive power of the Indian Union vested in the President
  • Head of State and Supreme Commander of Defense Forces
  • Exercises power on advice of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
• Election
  • Indirect election by Electoral College (Parliament members and State Legislative Assemblies)
  • Must be a citizen of India, 35 years old, and qualified for election as a member of Lok Sabha
  • Cannot hold any office of profit under government
• Electoral College
  • Consists of elected members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies
  • Requires 50 members for proposal and seconding of presidential candidates
• Election Process
  • Proportional representation and single transferable vote system
  • Disputes resolved by the Supreme Court

Reason for Indirect Election

1. Prevents President from becoming rival power center
2. Avoids President being a nominee of ruling party
3. Ensures President represents entire nation and states

Term and Vacation of Office

• Term: 5 years
• Resignation: Submitted to Vice President
• Impeachment: For violation of Constitution, involves investigation by both Houses

Powers of the President

Executive Powers

1. Head of Union Administration
2. Appoints key officials (Prime Minister, Governors, Judges, etc.)
3. Control over state governments during President's rule
4. Administration of Union Territories and Border Areas

Diplomatic Powers

1. Appointing Indian ambassadors
2. Receiving foreign envoys
3. Concluding treaties and international agreements
4. Representation in international conferences