Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
5. Do you agree with the view that the President of India is just a titular head? Critically comment. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express ,Insights on India
Why the question:
The Election Commission has notified the election of India’s next President on July 18. A look at the voting procedure, how the votes of MLAs and MPs are weighted, and how previous elections have played out.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the role of President of India in the Indian executive.
Directive word:
Critically comment – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘comment’ is prefixed, we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving a brief about president as the head of the Indian state.
Body:
First, discuss how he is just a titular head – He is the nominal head of the government but the real power lies with the Prime Minister. Discuss article 53, 74, 75 etc. Use suitable examples of recent incidents from which it is evident that he is a mere rubber stamp.
Next, give the counter view – situations where President has powers and does not act as a rubber stamp. For Example -Veto powers of president like pocket veto, suspensive veto etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced opinion.
