India is the largest democratic country in the world. It has its own President. India’s president is one of the most prominent figures in Indian politics and has many important duties. Take a look at what the President of India does.
1. Election Process
- An electoral college, which includes the members of both the Houses of parliament and of each state’s Legislative Assembly, elects the President of India.
- This election takes place through secret ballots and on the basis of proportional representation using the single transferable votes.
2. Duration of Office
- The term for the office of President in India is five years.
- A president can serve any number of consecutive terms.
3. Executive Powers
- The Indian Armed Forces are led by the President of India.
- The president appoints other council members, including the prime minister, as well as the leader of the government.
4. Legislative powers
- The president has the right to call the Lok Sabha to order and the President can prorogue Parliament.
- The President may also send a message to the parliament.
5. Financial Powers
- Bills passed by Parliament must first be assented to by the Indian President before they can become law.
- The Budget is laid before Parliament by the president.
6. Judicial Powers
- Pardons, reprieves and reductions in punishment can be granted by the President to those convicted of criminal offenses.
- The president appoints all judges and chief justices of the Supreme Court, as well as the High Courts.
7. Diplomatic powers
- India’s President is the official representative of India on international issues. He has power to accredit high commissioners, ambassadors or other representatives to foreign countries.
- Signing international agreements and treaties on behalf of India, the President is responsible for signing these documents.
The Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can the president of India be removed?
A President can be removed before his/her tenure expires if he/she is found guilty of violating the Constitution.
Q: What role does the President play during a crisis of politics?
A: In the event that the Council of Ministers does not have the support of the Lok Sabha the President has the power to dismiss it and nominate a new prime minister.
A: Can the President veto legislation?
A: There are three different types of veto power that the President can exercise – an absolute, a suspensive and a pocket veto.
Q: What role does the president play in the legislative process of the country?
A: It is the President’s right to refuse assent to legislation passed by Parliament. He can also send it back to be reconsidered.
Q: Can a president declare an state of emergency
A. If the President is convinced that there’s a grave situation, he/she can declare a State of Emergency.
How do you determine the salary of the president?
A: The President’s salary and allowances are set by the Parliament, and charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Question: Does the president have the right to ignore the law?
A: During the President’s term in office, he/she is not subject to legal action except for impeachment.
A: Yes, the president can pardon someone convicted of an offense.
A: Pardons, reprieves and reductions in punishment are all powers that the President can grant to those convicted of crimes.
Q: What will happen if President Obama is incapacitated by a serious illness?
The Vice-President will assume the duties of President in the event of the President being incapacitated until he resumes duty.
Question: Can the President of the United States be brought to court?
You can challenge the actions of the president in court, if found unconstitutional.
Question: Can a president pardon themselves?
A: No, the President can’t pardon themselves if they commit a crime.
A: Does the president participate in the daily administration of the nation?
A: In general, the President is only involved with ceremonial duties and does not take part in the daily administration of the nation.
What is the relationship between the president and the prime minister?
A: President nominates Prime Minister who is head of the government and collaborates with them on different matters.
Q: Is it possible for the President to be part of a political group?
A: It is the duty of a President to remain apolitical. He/she cannot join any political party or organization during their term in office.
Q: What role does the President play in promoting unity and social welfare?
A: The President actively participates in events and initiatives that promote harmony and inclusion.
The President of India is responsible for the upholding of democratic principles and of the Constitution of India.
