Topic 06 of 6 · Chapter 09 · Indian Polity
President, VP & PM — Key Facts & Quick Revision
All important articles, election details, powers comparison, and quick revision for last-minute exam preparation.
📊 Comparison — President, VP, PM
| Feature | President | Vice-President | Prime Minister |
|---|---|---|---|
| Article | 52-62 | 63-71 | 74-75 |
| Minimum age | 35 years | 35 years | 25 years (LS) / 30 years (RS) |
| Election | Indirect — elected MPs + elected MLAs | Indirect — all MPs (elected + nominated) | Appointed by President |
| Term | 5 years | 5 years | During pleasure of President / Lok Sabha confidence |
| Removal | Impeachment (Article 61) — 2/3 of total membership of both Houses | Resolution of RS + agreement of LS | Loses majority in Lok Sabha |
| Role | Constitutional head (nominal) | Chairman of Rajya Sabha | Real executive |
📋 Important Articles — Chapter 09
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 52 | The President of India |
| 54 | Election of President |
| 55 | Manner of election of President (STV) |
| 56 | Term of office of President (5 years) |
| 61 | Procedure for impeachment of President |
| 63 | The Vice-President of India |
| 64 | VP as ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha |
| 66 | Election of VP |
| 72 | Power of President to grant pardons |
| 74 | Council of Ministers to aid and advise President |
| 75 | Other provisions as to Ministers (PM appointment, collective responsibility) |
| 123 | Power of President to promulgate Ordinances |
⭐ Quick Facts:
• President’s pardoning power: Article 72 — includes death sentences
• Governor’s pardoning power: Article 161 — does NOT include death sentences
• Ordinance: Article 123 — ceases after 6 weeks of Parliament reassembling
• 91st Amendment: Council of Ministers max 15% of Lok Sabha
• Pocket veto used by: President Zail Singh (Postal Bill 1986)
• President’s pardoning power: Article 72 — includes death sentences
• Governor’s pardoning power: Article 161 — does NOT include death sentences
• Ordinance: Article 123 — ceases after 6 weeks of Parliament reassembling
• 91st Amendment: Council of Ministers max 15% of Lok Sabha
• Pocket veto used by: President Zail Singh (Postal Bill 1986)
🔑 Chapter 09 — Complete Must-Remember Facts
- President: Nominal head; Article 52
- President election: Elected MPs + Elected MLAs (not nominated)
- VP election: All MPs (elected + nominated); no MLAs
- President minimum age: 35 years
- Impeachment: 2/3 of total membership of both Houses
- VP: Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha
- Article 74: Council of Ministers to aid and advise
- Article 75(3): Collectively responsible to Lok Sabha
- 91st Amendment: Max 15% of Lok Sabha in Council of Ministers
- Article 72: Pardoning power — includes death sentences
- Article 123: Ordinance power — ceases after 6 weeks
- Three vetoes: Absolute, Suspensive, Pocket
