Page 16 – President of India
Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)
Key Idea Summary
Core concepts and exam relevance
The President of India is the nominal executive head (Article 52) and the guardian of the Constitution.
He/she acts on the aid & advice of the Council of Ministers (Article 74).
- Election method – Electoral College, Proportional Representation
- Veto powers – Absolute, Suspensive, Pocket veto
- Ordinance powers (Art. 123)
- Emergency powers (Art. 352, 356, 360)
- Impeachment procedure
Election of President
Electoral College and voting method
Electoral College
- Elected MPs (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha)
- Elected MLAs of all States
- Elected MLAs of UTs with legislature (Delhi & Puducherry)
- NOT included: Nominated MPs/MLAs, MLCs
Vote Value Calculation
MLA Vote Value:
MP Vote Value:
Voting Method
- Proportional Representation
- Single Transferable Vote (STV)
- Secret ballot
- Candidate needs 50%+1 quota to win
- Preferences transferred if needed
Eligibility
- Citizen of India
- Age: 35+ years
- Qualified for Lok Sabha membership
- No office of profit
- Not disqualified under any law
Powers of the President
Five categories of presidential powers
A) Executive Powers
- Appoints PM, Ministers
- Appoints SC/HC Judges
- Appoints Governors, CAG, UPSC
- Appoints Attorney General
- Administers Union Territories
B) Legislative Powers
- Summons, prorogues Parliament
- Addresses first session of each year
- Assent to Bills (3 choices)
- Issues Ordinances (Art. 123)
- Nominates 12 RS + 2 LS members
C) Financial Powers
- Money Bill needs President's recommendation
- Budget presented in his name
- Controls Contingency Fund
- Appoints Finance Commission
D) Judicial Powers
- Pardon – Complete forgiveness
- Commutation – Reduce punishment
- Remission – Reduce duration
- Respite – Lesser punishment (special reason)
- Reprieve – Temporary stay
E) Emergency Powers
- Art. 352 – National Emergency
- Art. 356 – President's Rule in State
- Art. 360 – Financial Emergency
- Needs Cabinet's written advice (44th Amdt)
Veto Powers of President
Three types of veto on legislation
| Veto Type | Action | Parliament's Response |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Veto | Rejects bill entirely | Bill dies (rare – used for Private Member Bills) |
| Suspensive Veto | Returns bill for reconsideration | If passed again (with/without changes), President MUST sign |
| Pocket Veto | Takes no action – neither signs nor returns | Bill remains pending indefinitely |
President has NO veto on Money Bills. If Lok Sabha passes a Money Bill, President must give assent.
Simulation Lab
Presidential Powers Explorer
🧪 Presidential Action Simulator
Select a scenario to understand how presidential powers work.
Select a scenario to see how presidential powers work.
Exam Booster – Practice Questions
Test your understanding
1 The President is elected by:
The President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of elected MPs (both Houses) and elected MLAs of States and UTs with legislatures.
2 President's ordinance-making power is under:
Article 123 empowers the President to promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
Memory Hooks & Quick Revision
Key takeaways for exam day
Revision Summary
3 Exam Points to Remember
- 1 Electoral College: Elected MPs + Elected MLAs (not nominated)
- 2 Art. 123 = Ordinance | Art. 72 = Pardon | Art. 74 = Advice binding
- 3 Pardoning: "PCRRR" = Pardon, Commutation, Remission, Respite, Reprieve