Chapter 4: Executive
- What is the executive?
The executive is the branch of government responsible for implementing laws, policies, and running the administration. It includes the President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers. - What are the two types of executive?
- Nominal (Ceremonial) Executive – The head of state (e.g., President)
- Real Executive – The actual head of government (e.g., Prime Minister)
- Who is the head of the state in India?
The President of India is the nominal head of the state and exercises powers as per the Constitution. - Who is the head of the government in India?
The Prime Minister is the real head of the government who leads the Council of Ministers and takes key decisions. - What is a parliamentary executive?
In a parliamentary executive system, the head of government is responsible to the legislature. India follows this model. - How is the President of India elected?
The President is elected indirectly by an electoral college consisting of elected members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies. - What is the term of the Indian President?
The President serves a term of 5 years but is eligible for re-election. - What are the qualifications to become President of India?
Must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, and qualified to be elected as a Lok Sabha member. - What is the oath taken by the President?
To preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and law, and to faithfully discharge duties. - What are the powers of the President?
- Executive Powers
- Legislative Powers
- Financial Powers
- Judicial Powers
- Emergency Powers
- Who appoints the Prime Minister?
The President appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister. - What is the role of the Prime Minister?
The PM heads the Council of Ministers, advises the President, leads the cabinet, and coordinates government policies and departments. - What is the Council of Ministers?
It is a group of ministers headed by the Prime Minister who assist in administration. It includes Cabinet, State, and Deputy Ministers. - What is the difference between Cabinet and Council of Ministers?
The Cabinet is a smaller, powerful body of senior ministers. The Council includes all ministers and is larger in size. - Who can dismiss the Prime Minister?
The Prime Minister resigns if they lose majority support in the Lok Sabha. The President cannot dismiss a PM with majority support. - What is collective responsibility?
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If one minister fails, the entire cabinet is accountable. - What is individual responsibility?
Each minister is individually responsible for the work of their department and answerable to the Prime Minister and Parliament. - What is the role of the Vice-President of India?
He acts as Chairman of Rajya Sabha and assumes duties of President in case of vacancy or absence. - How is the Vice-President elected?
Elected by members of both Houses of Parliament using proportional representation through a single transferable vote. - What is a coalition government?
When no single party has a majority, multiple parties form an alliance to create a government. Common in Indian politics post-1990s. - What is a caretaker government?
An interim government that functions between the dissolution of one government and the formation of the next, usually with limited powers. - What is the relationship between the legislature and executive in a parliamentary system?
The executive is drawn from and accountable to the legislature. Ministers must be members of Parliament. - How does the Prime Minister influence national policy?
Through leadership, coordination of ministries, participation in lawmaking, and heading meetings of the Cabinet and important committees. - Can the President refuse to act on the PM’s advice?
Normally, the President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, though can ask for reconsideration once. - What is the ordinance-making power of the President?
During Parliament’s recess, the President can issue ordinances with the force of law, based on Cabinet’s recommendation. - What is emergency power?
In emergencies (national, state, or financial), the President can assume greater authority, including suspending Fundamental Rights and state governance. - How is the Prime Minister removed?
By losing a vote of no-confidence in the Lok Sabha or resigning voluntarily. - What is a cabinet meeting?
A formal gathering of senior ministers chaired by the Prime Minister to take key policy decisions. - Why is the executive important in governance?
It ensures implementation of laws, administration of welfare programs, national security, and foreign relations. - What is the real source of power in India’s executive?
Though the President is the constitutional head, the real power lies with the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.