Indian Polity
President of India
Definition
The President of India is the constitutional head of state and the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces. As per Article 52 of the Constitution, the President is the ceremonial head who acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
Overview
## President of India
The President of India serves as the constitutional head of state and represents the unity of the nation. Established under Article 52 of the Constitution, the office embodies the sovereignty and integrity of India while functioning within a parliamentary system where real executive power lies with the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
### Constitutional Position
The President is the supreme commander of the Armed Forces and acts as the formal head of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. All executive actions are taken in the President's name, though actual decisions are made by the Council of Ministers. This reflects the principle of constitutional monarchy adapted to republican governance.
### Election and Tenure
The President is elected through a proportional representation system by an Electoral College to ensure federal balance. The value of votes is calculated to maintain parity between states and between states and union. The five-year term provides stability while allowing democratic renewal.
### Powers and Functions
Executive Powers: Appoints Prime Minister, governors, judges, and key officials
Legislative Powers: Summons/prorogues Parliament, gives assent to bills, promulgates ordinances
Judicial Powers: Grants pardons, commutes sentences, appoints Supreme Court and High Court judges
Emergency Powers: Can declare National, State, and Financial emergencies under Articles 352, 356, and 360
The President's role in crisis situations, particularly during hung parliaments or constitutional crises, makes this office crucial for maintaining democratic stability and constitutional governance.
The President of India serves as the constitutional head of state and represents the unity of the nation. Established under Article 52 of the Constitution, the office embodies the sovereignty and integrity of India while functioning within a parliamentary system where real executive power lies with the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
### Constitutional Position
The President is the supreme commander of the Armed Forces and acts as the formal head of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. All executive actions are taken in the President's name, though actual decisions are made by the Council of Ministers. This reflects the principle of constitutional monarchy adapted to republican governance.
### Election and Tenure
The President is elected through a proportional representation system by an Electoral College to ensure federal balance. The value of votes is calculated to maintain parity between states and between states and union. The five-year term provides stability while allowing democratic renewal.
### Powers and Functions
Executive Powers: Appoints Prime Minister, governors, judges, and key officials
Legislative Powers: Summons/prorogues Parliament, gives assent to bills, promulgates ordinances
Judicial Powers: Grants pardons, commutes sentences, appoints Supreme Court and High Court judges
Emergency Powers: Can declare National, State, and Financial emergencies under Articles 352, 356, and 360
The President's role in crisis situations, particularly during hung parliaments or constitutional crises, makes this office crucial for maintaining democratic stability and constitutional governance.