The Union

       The Union :

             The President is elected  by the members of electoral college consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament  , Legislative Assemblies of the states in accordance with  the system of proportional  representation by means of single transferable vote.

             The President must be a citizen of India, not less than 35 years of age and qualified for election as member of the Lok Sabha. His term of office is five years and he is  eligible for re- election His removal from office is to be in accordance with procedure prescribed in Art. 61 of the Constitution.  He may, by writing under his hand addressed to the Vice- President resign his office.

             Executive power of the Union is vested in the President and is exercised by him either directly or through officers of subordinate to him in accordance with the Constitution . Supreme Command of defence forces of the Union also vests in him.

The President summons , prorogues , addresses, sends messages to parliament and dissolves the Lok Sabha; promulgates Ordinances at any time , except when both Houses of Parliament are in session; makes recommendations for introductions for introducing financial and money bills and gives assent to bills ;grants pardons , reprieves , respites or remission of punishment or suspends, remits or commutes sentences in certain cases.

              The President can proclaim emergency in the country if he is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby security of India or any part of its territory is threatened whether by war or external aggression or armed rebellion. 

              The Vice –President ;(Article 63) is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote.

              Vice – President must be a citizen of India , not less than 35 years of age and eligible for election as a member of the Rajya sabha.

              The Vice – President is ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Article 64)  and  acts as President when the latter is unable to discharge his functions due to absence, illness or any other cause ot till the election of a new President (to be held within six months). While so acting ,he ceases to perform the functions of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

              The procedure for the removal of President is Prescribed in Article 61, and of Vice- President in Article 67 b.

             Council of Ministers : There is a Council of ministers, headed by the Prime  Minister ,to aid and advise the President in exercise of his functions.  The Prime minister is appointed by the President who also appoints other ministers on the advice of prime minister.  The Council is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75 (3) ).

 

             The Council of ministers comprise Ministers who are members of Cabinet.  Ministers of  State  ( independent charge), Ministry of State and Deputy Ministers.