Notes: Executive Organs- President | Political Science & International Relations: Mains Optional - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


 
Universal Adult Franchise and types of Elections:
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
people themselves. People exercise authority through
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. Th
franchise is derived from the French word ‘
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
certain qualifications prescribed for a voter in India. A voter:
? must be a citizen of India,
? must have attained 18 years of age,
? must not be of unsound mind,
? must not have been declared bankrupt by a competent court.
Constituency: A body of voters who elect a representative i
constituency. The body of voters
The constituencies for Lok Sabha and
respective areas. But the constituency for the
consists of the Members of Parliament and State Assemblies.
single-member constituency or multi
Single Member Constituency 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
adopted in India, Britain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan.
Multi-Member Constituency 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
called a multi-member constituency. Such cons
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
 
Universal Adult Franchise and types of Elections: 
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
people themselves. People exercise authority through the representatives elected 
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. Th
franchise is derived from the French word ‘ f r an c’ which means ‘free’. In our 
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
ns prescribed for a voter in India. A voter: 
must be a citizen of India, 
must have attained 18 years of age, 
must not be of unsound mind, 
must not have been declared bankrupt by a competent court. 
A body of voters who elect a representative is known as 
constituency. The body of voters may belong to a particular geographical area. 
The constituencies for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections consist of voters of 
respective areas. But the constituency for the election of President of India 
the Members of Parliament and State Assemblies. There may be 
member constituency or multi-member constituency. 
Single Member Constituency When only one member is elected from a 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
ritain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan.
Member Constituency This system is also known as the ‘General Ticket 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
member constituency. Such constituencies exist in Switzerland, 
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
the representatives elected 
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. The word 
’ which means ‘free’. In our 
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
st
 
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
s known as 
may belong to a particular geographical area. 
Assembly elections consist of voters of 
election of President of India 
There may be 
When only one member is elected from a 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
ritain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan. 
This system is also known as the ‘General Ticket 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
tituencies exist in Switzerland, 
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
Page 2


 
Universal Adult Franchise and types of Elections:
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
people themselves. People exercise authority through
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. Th
franchise is derived from the French word ‘
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
certain qualifications prescribed for a voter in India. A voter:
? must be a citizen of India,
? must have attained 18 years of age,
? must not be of unsound mind,
? must not have been declared bankrupt by a competent court.
Constituency: A body of voters who elect a representative i
constituency. The body of voters
The constituencies for Lok Sabha and
respective areas. But the constituency for the
consists of the Members of Parliament and State Assemblies.
single-member constituency or multi
Single Member Constituency 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
adopted in India, Britain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan.
Multi-Member Constituency 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
called a multi-member constituency. Such cons
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
 
Universal Adult Franchise and types of Elections: 
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
people themselves. People exercise authority through the representatives elected 
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. Th
franchise is derived from the French word ‘ f r an c’ which means ‘free’. In our 
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
ns prescribed for a voter in India. A voter: 
must be a citizen of India, 
must have attained 18 years of age, 
must not be of unsound mind, 
must not have been declared bankrupt by a competent court. 
A body of voters who elect a representative is known as 
constituency. The body of voters may belong to a particular geographical area. 
The constituencies for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections consist of voters of 
respective areas. But the constituency for the election of President of India 
the Members of Parliament and State Assemblies. There may be 
member constituency or multi-member constituency. 
Single Member Constituency When only one member is elected from a 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
ritain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan.
Member Constituency This system is also known as the ‘General Ticket 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
member constituency. Such constituencies exist in Switzerland, 
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
the representatives elected 
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. The word 
’ which means ‘free’. In our 
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
st
 
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
s known as 
may belong to a particular geographical area. 
Assembly elections consist of voters of 
election of President of India 
There may be 
When only one member is elected from a 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
ritain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan. 
This system is also known as the ‘General Ticket 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
tituencies exist in Switzerland, 
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
 
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to t
votes they secure in concerned constituencies.
In a multi-member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
quota of votes. The voters have to vote for as many repres
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
preferences against the names of candidates. 
Simple majority system means that in case of a single
person or the candidate getting t
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
our Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies are elected 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
interest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured.
1. The Single Transferable Vote System
It is also called the Hare system or the Andrae Scheme. Acco
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
voter. Therefore, this system is also called the preferential system.
2. List System 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
election from a particular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible.
 
 
 
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to t
votes they secure in concerned constituencies. 
member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
quota of votes. The voters have to vote for as many representatives as are to be 
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
preferences against the names of candidates.  
Simple majority system means that in case of a single-member constituency, the 
person or the candidate getting the highest number of votes is declared elected. 
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
our Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies are elected by this system. 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
erest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured.
1. The Single Transferable Vote System 
It is also called the Hare system or the Andrae Scheme. According to the single 
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
voter. Therefore, this system is also called the preferential system. 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
cular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible.
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to the 
member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
entatives as are to be 
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
member constituency, the 
he highest number of votes is declared elected. 
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
erest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured. 
rding to the single 
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
cular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible. 
Page 3


 
Universal Adult Franchise and types of Elections:
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
people themselves. People exercise authority through
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. Th
franchise is derived from the French word ‘
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
certain qualifications prescribed for a voter in India. A voter:
? must be a citizen of India,
? must have attained 18 years of age,
? must not be of unsound mind,
? must not have been declared bankrupt by a competent court.
Constituency: A body of voters who elect a representative i
constituency. The body of voters
The constituencies for Lok Sabha and
respective areas. But the constituency for the
consists of the Members of Parliament and State Assemblies.
single-member constituency or multi
Single Member Constituency 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
adopted in India, Britain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan.
Multi-Member Constituency 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
called a multi-member constituency. Such cons
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
 
Universal Adult Franchise and types of Elections: 
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
people themselves. People exercise authority through the representatives elected 
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. Th
franchise is derived from the French word ‘ f r an c’ which means ‘free’. In our 
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
ns prescribed for a voter in India. A voter: 
must be a citizen of India, 
must have attained 18 years of age, 
must not be of unsound mind, 
must not have been declared bankrupt by a competent court. 
A body of voters who elect a representative is known as 
constituency. The body of voters may belong to a particular geographical area. 
The constituencies for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections consist of voters of 
respective areas. But the constituency for the election of President of India 
the Members of Parliament and State Assemblies. There may be 
member constituency or multi-member constituency. 
Single Member Constituency When only one member is elected from a 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
ritain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan.
Member Constituency This system is also known as the ‘General Ticket 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
member constituency. Such constituencies exist in Switzerland, 
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
the representatives elected 
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. The word 
’ which means ‘free’. In our 
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
st
 
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
s known as 
may belong to a particular geographical area. 
Assembly elections consist of voters of 
election of President of India 
There may be 
When only one member is elected from a 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
ritain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan. 
This system is also known as the ‘General Ticket 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
tituencies exist in Switzerland, 
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
 
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to t
votes they secure in concerned constituencies.
In a multi-member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
quota of votes. The voters have to vote for as many repres
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
preferences against the names of candidates. 
Simple majority system means that in case of a single
person or the candidate getting t
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
our Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies are elected 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
interest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured.
1. The Single Transferable Vote System
It is also called the Hare system or the Andrae Scheme. Acco
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
voter. Therefore, this system is also called the preferential system.
2. List System 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
election from a particular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible.
 
 
 
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to t
votes they secure in concerned constituencies. 
member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
quota of votes. The voters have to vote for as many representatives as are to be 
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
preferences against the names of candidates.  
Simple majority system means that in case of a single-member constituency, the 
person or the candidate getting the highest number of votes is declared elected. 
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
our Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies are elected by this system. 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
erest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured.
1. The Single Transferable Vote System 
It is also called the Hare system or the Andrae Scheme. According to the single 
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
voter. Therefore, this system is also called the preferential system. 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
cular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible.
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to the 
member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
entatives as are to be 
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
member constituency, the 
he highest number of votes is declared elected. 
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
erest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured. 
rding to the single 
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
cular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible. 
 
 
 
 
Articles 52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union
The Union executive consists of the Presi
Minister, the council of ministers and the attorney general of India.
Chakrabarty writes how like 
providing for a distinct system of execut
arguably, be taken to have made an innovation of sorts,
designed on the pattern of British parliamentary
modifications have been made to
The President is the head of the Indian State. He is the first citizen of India
acts as the symbol of unity, integrity and solidarity of the nation.
scheme of things proposed from various quarters, there were suggestions
Constituent Assembly of direct election of the President and vesting him/her 
with specified special responsibilities in the exercise of his functions. The
provision for an Instrument of Instructions was also suggested to
President in the exercise of his functions and to check him
overreaching Head of State. 
However, the incongruity of such provisions with the spirit of the parliamentary
executive was obvious, and therefore, under the persuasions 
notably Nehru, the Drafting Committee set all such
President aside. Finally, in keeping
parliamentary system, it was
would vest with the President who must exercise such powers in accordance 
with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister
the head, and the advice so tendered would be binding on the
A person to be eligible for election as President should fulfil the following
qualifications: 
1. He should be a citizen of India.
 
President of India: 
52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union
executive consists of the President, the Vice-President, the
Minister, the council of ministers and the attorney general of India.
like many other things, the Constitution of India by 
for a distinct system of executive in Indian political system
arguably, be taken to have made an innovation of sorts, for, despite being 
designed on the pattern of British parliamentary system, a number of marked 
cations have been made to make it suitable for the Indian requ
The President is the head of the Indian State. He is the first citizen of India
, integrity and solidarity of the nation. Initially, in the
osed from various quarters, there were suggestions
of direct election of the President and vesting him/her 
ed special responsibilities in the exercise of his functions. The
provision for an Instrument of Instructions was also suggested to
President in the exercise of his functions and to check him from turning into an 
overreaching Head of State.  
of such provisions with the spirit of the parliamentary
executive was obvious, and therefore, under the persuasions of many members, 
notably Nehru, the Drafting Committee set all such suggestions on the offi
President aside. Finally, in keeping with the letter and spirit of the British 
parliamentary system, it was provided that the executive power of the Union 
the President who must exercise such powers in accordance 
aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister
the head, and the advice so tendered would be binding on the President.
person to be eligible for election as President should fulfil the following
1. He should be a citizen of India. 
52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union executive. 
President, the Prime 
Minister, the council of ministers and the attorney general of India. Bidyut 
many other things, the Constitution of India by 
ive in Indian political system may, 
for, despite being 
stem, a number of marked 
irements. 
The President is the head of the Indian State. He is the first citizen of India and 
Initially, in the 
osed from various quarters, there were suggestions in the 
of direct election of the President and vesting him/her 
ed special responsibilities in the exercise of his functions. The 
provision for an Instrument of Instructions was also suggested to guide the 
from turning into an 
of such provisions with the spirit of the parliamentary 
many members, 
suggestions on the office of 
with the letter and spirit of the British 
provided that the executive power of the Union 
the President who must exercise such powers in accordance 
aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister at 
President.  
person to be eligible for election as President should fulfil the following 
Page 4


 
Universal Adult Franchise and types of Elections:
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
people themselves. People exercise authority through
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. Th
franchise is derived from the French word ‘
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
certain qualifications prescribed for a voter in India. A voter:
? must be a citizen of India,
? must have attained 18 years of age,
? must not be of unsound mind,
? must not have been declared bankrupt by a competent court.
Constituency: A body of voters who elect a representative i
constituency. The body of voters
The constituencies for Lok Sabha and
respective areas. But the constituency for the
consists of the Members of Parliament and State Assemblies.
single-member constituency or multi
Single Member Constituency 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
adopted in India, Britain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan.
Multi-Member Constituency 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
called a multi-member constituency. Such cons
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
 
Universal Adult Franchise and types of Elections: 
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
people themselves. People exercise authority through the representatives elected 
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. Th
franchise is derived from the French word ‘ f r an c’ which means ‘free’. In our 
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
ns prescribed for a voter in India. A voter: 
must be a citizen of India, 
must have attained 18 years of age, 
must not be of unsound mind, 
must not have been declared bankrupt by a competent court. 
A body of voters who elect a representative is known as 
constituency. The body of voters may belong to a particular geographical area. 
The constituencies for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections consist of voters of 
respective areas. But the constituency for the election of President of India 
the Members of Parliament and State Assemblies. There may be 
member constituency or multi-member constituency. 
Single Member Constituency When only one member is elected from a 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
ritain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan.
Member Constituency This system is also known as the ‘General Ticket 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
member constituency. Such constituencies exist in Switzerland, 
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
the representatives elected 
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. The word 
’ which means ‘free’. In our 
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
st
 
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
s known as 
may belong to a particular geographical area. 
Assembly elections consist of voters of 
election of President of India 
There may be 
When only one member is elected from a 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
ritain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan. 
This system is also known as the ‘General Ticket 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
tituencies exist in Switzerland, 
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
 
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to t
votes they secure in concerned constituencies.
In a multi-member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
quota of votes. The voters have to vote for as many repres
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
preferences against the names of candidates. 
Simple majority system means that in case of a single
person or the candidate getting t
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
our Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies are elected 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
interest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured.
1. The Single Transferable Vote System
It is also called the Hare system or the Andrae Scheme. Acco
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
voter. Therefore, this system is also called the preferential system.
2. List System 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
election from a particular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible.
 
 
 
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to t
votes they secure in concerned constituencies. 
member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
quota of votes. The voters have to vote for as many representatives as are to be 
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
preferences against the names of candidates.  
Simple majority system means that in case of a single-member constituency, the 
person or the candidate getting the highest number of votes is declared elected. 
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
our Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies are elected by this system. 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
erest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured.
1. The Single Transferable Vote System 
It is also called the Hare system or the Andrae Scheme. According to the single 
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
voter. Therefore, this system is also called the preferential system. 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
cular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible.
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to the 
member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
entatives as are to be 
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
member constituency, the 
he highest number of votes is declared elected. 
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
erest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured. 
rding to the single 
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
cular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible. 
 
 
 
 
Articles 52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union
The Union executive consists of the Presi
Minister, the council of ministers and the attorney general of India.
Chakrabarty writes how like 
providing for a distinct system of execut
arguably, be taken to have made an innovation of sorts,
designed on the pattern of British parliamentary
modifications have been made to
The President is the head of the Indian State. He is the first citizen of India
acts as the symbol of unity, integrity and solidarity of the nation.
scheme of things proposed from various quarters, there were suggestions
Constituent Assembly of direct election of the President and vesting him/her 
with specified special responsibilities in the exercise of his functions. The
provision for an Instrument of Instructions was also suggested to
President in the exercise of his functions and to check him
overreaching Head of State. 
However, the incongruity of such provisions with the spirit of the parliamentary
executive was obvious, and therefore, under the persuasions 
notably Nehru, the Drafting Committee set all such
President aside. Finally, in keeping
parliamentary system, it was
would vest with the President who must exercise such powers in accordance 
with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister
the head, and the advice so tendered would be binding on the
A person to be eligible for election as President should fulfil the following
qualifications: 
1. He should be a citizen of India.
 
President of India: 
52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union
executive consists of the President, the Vice-President, the
Minister, the council of ministers and the attorney general of India.
like many other things, the Constitution of India by 
for a distinct system of executive in Indian political system
arguably, be taken to have made an innovation of sorts, for, despite being 
designed on the pattern of British parliamentary system, a number of marked 
cations have been made to make it suitable for the Indian requ
The President is the head of the Indian State. He is the first citizen of India
, integrity and solidarity of the nation. Initially, in the
osed from various quarters, there were suggestions
of direct election of the President and vesting him/her 
ed special responsibilities in the exercise of his functions. The
provision for an Instrument of Instructions was also suggested to
President in the exercise of his functions and to check him from turning into an 
overreaching Head of State.  
of such provisions with the spirit of the parliamentary
executive was obvious, and therefore, under the persuasions of many members, 
notably Nehru, the Drafting Committee set all such suggestions on the offi
President aside. Finally, in keeping with the letter and spirit of the British 
parliamentary system, it was provided that the executive power of the Union 
the President who must exercise such powers in accordance 
aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister
the head, and the advice so tendered would be binding on the President.
person to be eligible for election as President should fulfil the following
1. He should be a citizen of India. 
52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union executive. 
President, the Prime 
Minister, the council of ministers and the attorney general of India. Bidyut 
many other things, the Constitution of India by 
ive in Indian political system may, 
for, despite being 
stem, a number of marked 
irements. 
The President is the head of the Indian State. He is the first citizen of India and 
Initially, in the 
osed from various quarters, there were suggestions in the 
of direct election of the President and vesting him/her 
ed special responsibilities in the exercise of his functions. The 
provision for an Instrument of Instructions was also suggested to guide the 
from turning into an 
of such provisions with the spirit of the parliamentary 
many members, 
suggestions on the office of 
with the letter and spirit of the British 
provided that the executive power of the Union 
the President who must exercise such powers in accordance 
aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister at 
President.  
person to be eligible for election as President should fulfil the following 
 
2. He should have completed 35 years of age.
3. He should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
4. He should not hold any office of profit under the Union government or
state government or any local authority or any other public authority.
A sitting President or Vice-
and a minister of the Union or any state 
profit and hence qualified as a presidential candidate.
The nomination of a candidate for election to the office of
subscribed by at least 50 electors as proposers and 50
Every candidate has to make a securi
Bank of India. The security deposit is liable to be
candidate fails to secure one
The President came to be elected not direc
electoral college consisting of:
1. the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament;
2. the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states; and
3. the elected members of the legislative assemblies of th
Delhi and Puducherry. 
Thus, the nominated members of both of Houses of Parliament, the
members of the state legislative assemblies, the members (both
nominated) of the state legislative councils (in case of the
and the nominated members of the Legislative
Puducherry do not participate in the election of the
Where an assembly is dissolved, the members cease to be qualified
presidential election, even if fresh elections to 
held before the presidential election.
be uniformity in the scale of
parity between the states as a
President. To achieve this, the
 
2. He should have completed 35 years of age. 
3. He should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
not hold any office of profit under the Union government or
state government or any local authority or any other public authority.
-President of the Union, the Governor of any
and a minister of the Union or any state is not deemed to hold any
and hence qualified as a presidential candidate. 
nomination of a candidate for election to the office of President must be 
subscribed by at least 50 electors as proposers and 50 electors as seconders. 
Every candidate has to make a security deposit of Rs 15,000 in the Reserve 
Bank of India. The security deposit is liable to be forefeited in case the 
candidate fails to secure one-sixth of the votes polled. 
elected not directly by the people but by members of
consisting of: 
1. the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament; 
2. the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states; and
3. the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the Union Territories
Thus, the nominated members of both of Houses of Parliament, the
members of the state legislative assemblies, the members (both elected and 
nominated) of the state legislative councils (in case of the bicameral legislature) 
and the nominated members of the Legislative Assemblies of Delhi and 
Puducherry do not participate in the election of the President. 
Where an assembly is dissolved, the members cease to be qualified
presidential election, even if fresh elections to the dissolved assembly are not 
held before the presidential election. The Constitution provides that there shall 
uniformity in the scale of representation of different states as well as 
parity between the states as a whole and the Union at the election of the 
. To achieve this, the number of votes which each elected me
3. He should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha. 
not hold any office of profit under the Union government or any 
state government or any local authority or any other public authority. 
President of the Union, the Governor of any state 
is not deemed to hold any office of 
President must be 
electors as seconders. 
15,000 in the Reserve 
forefeited in case the 
tly by the people but by members of 
2. the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states; and 
e Union Territories of 
Thus, the nominated members of both of Houses of Parliament, the nominated 
elected and 
bicameral legislature) 
Assemblies of Delhi and 
Where an assembly is dissolved, the members cease to be qualified to vote in 
assembly are not 
nstitution provides that there shall 
representation of different states as well as 
whole and the Union at the election of the 
number of votes which each elected member of 
Page 5


 
Universal Adult Franchise and types of Elections:
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
people themselves. People exercise authority through
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. Th
franchise is derived from the French word ‘
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
certain qualifications prescribed for a voter in India. A voter:
? must be a citizen of India,
? must have attained 18 years of age,
? must not be of unsound mind,
? must not have been declared bankrupt by a competent court.
Constituency: A body of voters who elect a representative i
constituency. The body of voters
The constituencies for Lok Sabha and
respective areas. But the constituency for the
consists of the Members of Parliament and State Assemblies.
single-member constituency or multi
Single Member Constituency 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
adopted in India, Britain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan.
Multi-Member Constituency 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
called a multi-member constituency. Such cons
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
 
Universal Adult Franchise and types of Elections: 
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
people themselves. People exercise authority through the representatives elected 
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. Th
franchise is derived from the French word ‘ f r an c’ which means ‘free’. In our 
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
ns prescribed for a voter in India. A voter: 
must be a citizen of India, 
must have attained 18 years of age, 
must not be of unsound mind, 
must not have been declared bankrupt by a competent court. 
A body of voters who elect a representative is known as 
constituency. The body of voters may belong to a particular geographical area. 
The constituencies for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections consist of voters of 
respective areas. But the constituency for the election of President of India 
the Members of Parliament and State Assemblies. There may be 
member constituency or multi-member constituency. 
Single Member Constituency When only one member is elected from a 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
ritain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan.
Member Constituency This system is also known as the ‘General Ticket 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
member constituency. Such constituencies exist in Switzerland, 
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
The opening words of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution are: “We, the 
people of India”. These words mean that the ultimate authority resides in the 
the representatives elected 
by them. In these democracies all adults have the right to elect their 
representatives. The right to vote is called franchise, or suffrage. The right of 
the people to vote and elect their representatives is called franchise. The word 
’ which means ‘free’. In our 
country, now the minimum age for exercising franchise is 18 years. The 61
st
 
Amendment Act of 1989 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years. There are 
s known as 
may belong to a particular geographical area. 
Assembly elections consist of voters of 
election of President of India 
There may be 
When only one member is elected from a 
constituency, it is known as single member constituency. For Lok Sabha 
elections the whole of India is divided into 543 single member constituencies. 
Out of these 543 constituencies, every state and Union Territory has a share of 
certain number of constituencies. The system of single member constituency is 
ritain, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, Nepal and Pakistan. 
This system is also known as the ‘General Ticket 
System’. When more than one candidate are elected from a constituency, it is 
tituencies exist in Switzerland, 
Denmark, Sweden and Italy. According to this system, the whole country is 
divided into large constituencies and from each constituency many 
 
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to t
votes they secure in concerned constituencies.
In a multi-member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
quota of votes. The voters have to vote for as many repres
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
preferences against the names of candidates. 
Simple majority system means that in case of a single
person or the candidate getting t
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
our Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies are elected 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
interest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured.
1. The Single Transferable Vote System
It is also called the Hare system or the Andrae Scheme. Acco
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
voter. Therefore, this system is also called the preferential system.
2. List System 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
election from a particular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible.
 
 
 
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to t
votes they secure in concerned constituencies. 
member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
quota of votes. The voters have to vote for as many representatives as are to be 
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
preferences against the names of candidates.  
Simple majority system means that in case of a single-member constituency, the 
person or the candidate getting the highest number of votes is declared elected. 
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
our Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies are elected by this system. 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
erest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured.
1. The Single Transferable Vote System 
It is also called the Hare system or the Andrae Scheme. According to the single 
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
voter. Therefore, this system is also called the preferential system. 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
cular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible.
representatives are elected. The political parties get the seats in proportion to the 
member constituency, usually the method of proportional 
representation is adopted. For being elected, a candidate has to achieve a fixed 
entatives as are to be 
elected from their respective constituencies. They indicate their order of 
member constituency, the 
he highest number of votes is declared elected. 
The result is decided by the majority of votes secured by a candidate. This 
simple majority system is also called the first past the post system. Members of 
The system of proportional representation is an electoral device to ensure 
representation of all sections of the people more or less in proportion to their 
voting strength. Under this system any group, whether it is a political party or 
erest group will secure representation in proportion to the popular votes it 
obtains. There are two methods by which proportional representation is secured. 
rding to the single 
transferable vote system each voter can cast only one vote which can be 
transferred to other candidates, if necessary, according to the preference of the 
This is another method of proportional representation. Under this system, large 
multimember constituencies are formed and many candidates are elected from 
each constituency. Each political party submits a list of its candidates for 
cular constituency. A voter votes not to individuals but to 
the lists of candidates of different political parties. These votes are indivisible. 
 
 
 
 
Articles 52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union
The Union executive consists of the Presi
Minister, the council of ministers and the attorney general of India.
Chakrabarty writes how like 
providing for a distinct system of execut
arguably, be taken to have made an innovation of sorts,
designed on the pattern of British parliamentary
modifications have been made to
The President is the head of the Indian State. He is the first citizen of India
acts as the symbol of unity, integrity and solidarity of the nation.
scheme of things proposed from various quarters, there were suggestions
Constituent Assembly of direct election of the President and vesting him/her 
with specified special responsibilities in the exercise of his functions. The
provision for an Instrument of Instructions was also suggested to
President in the exercise of his functions and to check him
overreaching Head of State. 
However, the incongruity of such provisions with the spirit of the parliamentary
executive was obvious, and therefore, under the persuasions 
notably Nehru, the Drafting Committee set all such
President aside. Finally, in keeping
parliamentary system, it was
would vest with the President who must exercise such powers in accordance 
with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister
the head, and the advice so tendered would be binding on the
A person to be eligible for election as President should fulfil the following
qualifications: 
1. He should be a citizen of India.
 
President of India: 
52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union
executive consists of the President, the Vice-President, the
Minister, the council of ministers and the attorney general of India.
like many other things, the Constitution of India by 
for a distinct system of executive in Indian political system
arguably, be taken to have made an innovation of sorts, for, despite being 
designed on the pattern of British parliamentary system, a number of marked 
cations have been made to make it suitable for the Indian requ
The President is the head of the Indian State. He is the first citizen of India
, integrity and solidarity of the nation. Initially, in the
osed from various quarters, there were suggestions
of direct election of the President and vesting him/her 
ed special responsibilities in the exercise of his functions. The
provision for an Instrument of Instructions was also suggested to
President in the exercise of his functions and to check him from turning into an 
overreaching Head of State.  
of such provisions with the spirit of the parliamentary
executive was obvious, and therefore, under the persuasions of many members, 
notably Nehru, the Drafting Committee set all such suggestions on the offi
President aside. Finally, in keeping with the letter and spirit of the British 
parliamentary system, it was provided that the executive power of the Union 
the President who must exercise such powers in accordance 
aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister
the head, and the advice so tendered would be binding on the President.
person to be eligible for election as President should fulfil the following
1. He should be a citizen of India. 
52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union executive. 
President, the Prime 
Minister, the council of ministers and the attorney general of India. Bidyut 
many other things, the Constitution of India by 
ive in Indian political system may, 
for, despite being 
stem, a number of marked 
irements. 
The President is the head of the Indian State. He is the first citizen of India and 
Initially, in the 
osed from various quarters, there were suggestions in the 
of direct election of the President and vesting him/her 
ed special responsibilities in the exercise of his functions. The 
provision for an Instrument of Instructions was also suggested to guide the 
from turning into an 
of such provisions with the spirit of the parliamentary 
many members, 
suggestions on the office of 
with the letter and spirit of the British 
provided that the executive power of the Union 
the President who must exercise such powers in accordance 
aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister at 
President.  
person to be eligible for election as President should fulfil the following 
 
2. He should have completed 35 years of age.
3. He should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
4. He should not hold any office of profit under the Union government or
state government or any local authority or any other public authority.
A sitting President or Vice-
and a minister of the Union or any state 
profit and hence qualified as a presidential candidate.
The nomination of a candidate for election to the office of
subscribed by at least 50 electors as proposers and 50
Every candidate has to make a securi
Bank of India. The security deposit is liable to be
candidate fails to secure one
The President came to be elected not direc
electoral college consisting of:
1. the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament;
2. the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states; and
3. the elected members of the legislative assemblies of th
Delhi and Puducherry. 
Thus, the nominated members of both of Houses of Parliament, the
members of the state legislative assemblies, the members (both
nominated) of the state legislative councils (in case of the
and the nominated members of the Legislative
Puducherry do not participate in the election of the
Where an assembly is dissolved, the members cease to be qualified
presidential election, even if fresh elections to 
held before the presidential election.
be uniformity in the scale of
parity between the states as a
President. To achieve this, the
 
2. He should have completed 35 years of age. 
3. He should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
not hold any office of profit under the Union government or
state government or any local authority or any other public authority.
-President of the Union, the Governor of any
and a minister of the Union or any state is not deemed to hold any
and hence qualified as a presidential candidate. 
nomination of a candidate for election to the office of President must be 
subscribed by at least 50 electors as proposers and 50 electors as seconders. 
Every candidate has to make a security deposit of Rs 15,000 in the Reserve 
Bank of India. The security deposit is liable to be forefeited in case the 
candidate fails to secure one-sixth of the votes polled. 
elected not directly by the people but by members of
consisting of: 
1. the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament; 
2. the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states; and
3. the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the Union Territories
Thus, the nominated members of both of Houses of Parliament, the
members of the state legislative assemblies, the members (both elected and 
nominated) of the state legislative councils (in case of the bicameral legislature) 
and the nominated members of the Legislative Assemblies of Delhi and 
Puducherry do not participate in the election of the President. 
Where an assembly is dissolved, the members cease to be qualified
presidential election, even if fresh elections to the dissolved assembly are not 
held before the presidential election. The Constitution provides that there shall 
uniformity in the scale of representation of different states as well as 
parity between the states as a whole and the Union at the election of the 
. To achieve this, the number of votes which each elected me
3. He should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha. 
not hold any office of profit under the Union government or any 
state government or any local authority or any other public authority. 
President of the Union, the Governor of any state 
is not deemed to hold any office of 
President must be 
electors as seconders. 
15,000 in the Reserve 
forefeited in case the 
tly by the people but by members of 
2. the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states; and 
e Union Territories of 
Thus, the nominated members of both of Houses of Parliament, the nominated 
elected and 
bicameral legislature) 
Assemblies of Delhi and 
Where an assembly is dissolved, the members cease to be qualified to vote in 
assembly are not 
nstitution provides that there shall 
representation of different states as well as 
whole and the Union at the election of the 
number of votes which each elected member of 
 
the legislative assembly of 
such election shall be determined in the following manner:
1. Every elected member of the legislative assembly of a state shall have as
many votes as there are multipl
obtained by dividing the population of the state by the total number of the 
elected members of the assembly
2. Every elected member of either House of Parliament shall have such
number of votes as may be obtained by dividing the total number of votes
assigned to members of the legislative assemblies of the states by the total
number of the elected members of b
can be expressed as: 
The President’s election is held in accordanc
representation by means of the single transferable vote
secret ballot. This system ensures that the successful candidate is
the absolute majority of votes. A candidate, in order to be
the office of President, must secure a fixed quota of votes.
Each member of the electoral college is given only one ballot paper. The
while casting his vote, is required to indicate his preferences by
4, etc. against the names of candidates. This means that the
many preferences as there are candidates in the fray.
 
 each state and the Parliament is entitled to cast at 
determined in the following manner: 
Every elected member of the legislative assembly of a state shall have as
many votes as there are multiples of one thousand in the quotient 
by dividing the population of the state by the total number of the 
members of the assembly. This can be expressed as: 
 
Every elected member of either House of Parliament shall have such
number of votes as may be obtained by dividing the total number of votes
assigned to members of the legislative assemblies of the states by the total
number of the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament. This
 
The President’s election is held in accordance with the system of proportional 
representation by means of the single transferable vote and the voting is by 
secret ballot. This system ensures that the successful candidate is 
the absolute majority of votes. A candidate, in order to be declared elected to 
the office of President, must secure a fixed quota of votes. 
 
Each member of the electoral college is given only one ballot paper. The
while casting his vote, is required to indicate his preferences by marking 1, 2, 3, 
4, etc. against the names of candidates. This means that the voter can indicate as 
eferences as there are candidates in the fray. 
each state and the Parliament is entitled to cast at 
Every elected member of the legislative assembly of a state shall have as 
es of one thousand in the quotient 
by dividing the population of the state by the total number of the 
Every elected member of either House of Parliament shall have such 
number of votes as may be obtained by dividing the total number of votes 
assigned to members of the legislative assemblies of the states by the total 
oth the Houses of Parliament. This 
proportional 
voting is by 
 returned by 
red elected to 
Each member of the electoral college is given only one ballot paper. The voter, 
marking 1, 2, 3, 
voter can indicate as