History & Civics
The Executive Power of the country is vested in the President and Vice President. With reference to this answer the following questions:
(i) Explain the impeachment process through which the Parliament can remove the President from power.
(ii) Mention any three powers of the Vice President in her/his role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
(iii) With reference to the powers of President, mention:
(a) Any two Financial Powers
(b) Any two Executive Powers
Answer
(i) The President can be impeached and removed from office for violation of the Constitution by the process of Impeachment.
- Charges can be introduced in either House of the Parliament. A 14 days notice should be given to the President in writing, signed by at least one–fourth of the total members of the House that framed the charges.
- After the lapse of 14 days, a resolution is moved which is to be passed by a majority of not less than two-third of the total strength of the House.
- The resolution then moves to the other House, which should investigate the charges during the process. The impeached President has the right to appear and to represent himself during investigation. If the resolution is passed by the second House with a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership of the House (investigating), the President will stand impeached and removed from office.
(ii) Three powers of the Vice President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are:
- The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- The Vice-President of India performs similar functions in the Rajya Sabha as the Speaker in the Lok Sabha. His/her salary is also paid in this capacity.
- In case of a tie on any issue or motion, the Vice President, as Chairman, has the casting vote. This means that the Chairman can cast a vote to break the deadlock.
(iii) (a) Two financial powers of the President are:
- Money bills can be introduced in the Parliament only with President’s recommendation.
- He/she can withdraw money out of the Contingency Fund of India to meet any unforeseen expenditure. Such expenditure should be subsequently approved by the Parliament.
(b) Two executive powers of the President are:
- The President is the executive head of the country and executive authority vested in him, and all executive orders are issued in his/her name.
- The administration of Union Territories and Border Areas is the responsibility of the President.
Related Questions
When a judicial system is correctly calibrated, the law is applied by judges fearlessly, without favour or fear and with respect. That is why judicial security of tenure is so fundamental. It is also why judges must be properly paid without any interference from the Executive or Legislature.
— (The Need for Independent Judiciary) UNODC
From the passage, deduce and mention any two ways in which the Constitution ensures the independence of the Judiciary.
The Parliament of India comprises the President and the two houses. With reference to the Indian Parliament, answer the following questions:
(i) Mention any three circumstances under which the Parliament can make laws on subjects in the state list.
(ii) Explain the following terms:
(a) Question Hour
(b) Quorum
(c) No Confidence Motion(iii) When can the term of the Lok Sabha be extended?
Mention any three powers of the Lok Sabha which show its superiority over the Rajya Sabha.The High Courts of India are the highest courts of appeal in each state. With reference to the High Courts of India, answer the following questions:
(i) What is meant by the term Original Jurisdiction of the High Court? Mention any two cases which fall under this jurisdiction.
(ii) Mention any two advantages of the Lok Adalat. Mention any one difference between the Sessions Court and the Court of the District Judge.
(iii) Explain the following with reference to the High Court:
(a) Revisory Jurisdiction
(b) Court of RecordThe Revolt of 1857 was conscious beginning of the independence struggle against the British. With reference to this, answer the following questions:
(i) What was the Doctrine of Lapse? Who introduced it?
(ii) The British Government interfered in the social and religious matters of the Indians. Mention any three socio religious causes to justify this statement.
(iii) Mention any four military causes which led to this Revolt.