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Class 11 Polity Chapter 4: Executive Notes

The Executive branch implements laws and governs the country. This chapter explains the powers and functions of the President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers, highlighting the differences between a parliamentary and presidential system. It also explores the role of the bureaucracy in administration.



Introduction: Understanding the Executive

  • The Executive is responsible for implementing laws and policies formulated by the Legislature.
  • It consists of the President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and Bureaucracy.
  • The Executive is divided into:
    • Political Executive – Elected representatives (President, PM, Ministers).
    • Permanent Executive – Civil servants and bureaucrats who assist in administration.


Different Systems of Executive


Parliamentary System (India, UK, Canada)
  • Executive (Government) is accountable to the Legislature (Parliament).
  • Prime Minister is the head of the government and is chosen from the ruling party.
  • President is the ceremonial head (not directly elected).

Advantages:
  • Ensures responsibility and accountability to the Parliament.
  • Prevents concentration of power in one person.

Disadvantages:
  • Can lead to political instability if no party gets a clear majority.
  • Government may collapse if it loses majority support in Parliament.


Presidential System (USA, Brazil, Russia)

  • President is directly elected by the people and is both Head of State and Government.
  • Executive is independent of the Legislature.
  • Fixed tenure – President cannot be removed easily.

Advantages:
  • Provides strong and stable leadership.
  • Decisions are taken quickly without Parliamentary interference.

Disadvantages:
  • Less accountability – President cannot be removed easily.
  • May lead to authoritarian rule if the President misuses power.


The Union Executive in India

The Union Executive consists of:


  • President (Head of State)
  • Vice President
  • Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (Head of Government)
  • Bureaucracy (Civil Services, Administrative Departments)


The President of India (Articles 52-62)


Role and Powers of the President
  • Ceremonial Head of the State but acts on the advice of the Prime Minister.
  • Represents India in international affairs.
  • Appoints the Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Justice, and other officials.

Election of the President (Indirect Election System)
  • Elected by an Electoral College consisting of:
    • MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
    • MLAs of all State Legislative Assemblies.
  • Uses Proportional Representation with a Single Transferable Vote system.

Powers of the President
Type of Power Examples
Executive Powers Appoints Prime Minister, Governors, and Bureaucrats.
Legislative Powers Summons and dissolves Parliament, gives assent to bills.
Judicial Powers Grants pardons (under Article 72).
Emergency Powers Can declare National, State, or Financial Emergency (Articles 352, 356, 360).

Ordinance-Making Power (Article 123)
  • President can issue ordinances (temporary laws) when Parliament is not in session.
  • Ordinances must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of reassembly.
  • Example: Farm Laws (2020) were initially passed as ordinances.


The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (Articles 74-75)


Role of the Prime Minister
  • Head of Government and most powerful executive authority.
  • Leader of the ruling party and the chief policymaker.
  • Controls all ministries and departments.
  • Represents India in international diplomacy.

Powers of the Prime Minister
  • Appoints and removes ministers.
  • Advises the President on all key matters.
  • Decides government policies and strategies.
  • Represents India in global summits and conferences.

Council of Ministers (Cabinet System)
  • The Council of Ministers helps the Prime Minister in decision-making.
  • Ministers are divided into:
Type of Minister Role Example
Cabinet Ministers Senior ministers in charge of major ministries. Home, Finance, Defence, External Affairs.
Ministers of State Assist Cabinet Ministers in governance. Junior ministers in Railways, Health, Education.
Deputy Ministers Assist in administrative tasks. No independent charge of ministry.


The Vice President of India (Articles 63-67)

  • Elected by both Houses of Parliament (MPs only).
  • Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
  • Acts as President if the post falls vacant until a new President is elected.


The Bureaucracy (Permanent Executive)


Role of Bureaucracy in Governance
  • Implements government policies and laws.
  • Maintains administrative stability even when governments change.
  • Ensures law and order, taxation, economic planning, and social welfare programs.

Types of Bureaucrats in India
  • All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) – Work at both central and state levels.
  • State Civil Services – Work at the state level.
  • Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) Employees – Work in government enterprises.


Emergency Powers of the Executive (Articles 352-360)

Type of Emergency Article Reason
National Emergency Article 352 War, external aggression, armed rebellion.
State Emergency (President’s Rule) Article 356 Breakdown of constitutional machinery in a state.
Financial Emergency Article 360 Threat to India’s financial stability.


Conclusion

  • The Executive is responsible for implementing laws and policies.
  • India follows a Parliamentary system, where the Prime Minister is the real head of the Executive.
  • The President is the ceremonial head but has important constitutional powers.
  • The Council of Ministers assists the Prime Minister in governance.
  • The Bureaucracy (Permanent Executive) ensures the smooth functioning of administration.
  • Emergency powers give the Executive extra authority during crises but must be used carefully.


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