History & Civics
What reasons were given for adopting the method of Indirect Election for Presidential Elections?
Answer
The reasons that were given for adopting the method of Indirect Election for Presidential election-
- The power really resided in the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister and the Union Parliament and not in the President as such. Therefore, it would be an anomaly if the President is to be elected directly by the people and is not given any real power.
- The framers of the Constitution wanted the Presidential election to remain a quiet and dignified affair. They knew that tremendous loss of time, energy and money would be involved in a direct Presidential election.
- It would be difficult to provide an electoral machinery for an election in which millions of people would have to participate. Such a complex system of voting is often difficult to understand.
- A direct election would place too much of power in the hands of the masses, many of whom being illiterate even now.
Related Questions
(A) The President uses discretionary judgement to appoint the Prime Minister when no party has a clear majority in the Parliament.
(R) The President cannot appoint a new Prime Minister on the advice of the outgoing Prime Minister, who may have lost the election or the support of the House.
- (A) is true, but (R) is false
- (A) is false, but (R) is true
- Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- Both (A) and (R) are false
(A) No Bill can become a law without the assent and the signature of the Prime Minister.
(R) Money Bills can be introduced only on the recommendation of the President.
- (A) is true, but (R) is false
- (A) is false, but (R) is true
- Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- Both (A) and (R) are false
There are a few areas where the President of India can act at his/her discretion. Thus proving that the President of India is not a rubber stamp at all. Give your views on this statement by giving examples from the past.
The excerpt given below shows which feature of the Indian Constitution: Unitary or Federal? Give a reason to support your answer.
The Raj Bhavan (Kerala), in an official communication, said, "Hon'ble President of India has withheld assent to the following Bills which Hon'ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan had referred to Rashtrapati Bhavan for consideration. ….Of the seven bills which Governor Arif Mohammed Khan referred to the Rashtrapati Bhavan in November last year, assent has been accorded to only one Bill, namely, Kerala Lokayukta Amendment Bill 2022. Decision on other three Bills is awaited."
— Indian Express February 29, 2024