Worksheet Solutions: Presidents of India | General Knowledge Encyclopedia - Class 8 PDF Download

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1: Who was the first President of India?
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(b) Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
(c) Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
(d) Dr. Zakir Hussain

Ans: (a)
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India. He served as the President from 1950 to 1962.

Q2: Which President of India was also known as the "Missile Man"?
(a) Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
(b) Pranab Mukherjee
(c) Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma
(d) Dr. V.V. Giri

Ans: (a)
Explanation: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India, was popularly known as the "Missile Man" for his contributions to India's missile program.

Q3: The President of India resides in:
(a) Rashtrapati Bhavan
(b) India Gate
(c) Red Fort
(d) Parliament House

Ans: (a)
Explanation: The President of India resides in Rashtrapati Bhavan, which is the official residence of the President, located in New Delhi.

Q4: The term of the President of India is for how many years?
(a) 5 years
(b) 6 years
(c) 4 years
(d) 7 years

Ans: (a)
Explanation: The term of the President of India is for 5 years. However, they can be re-elected for a second term.

Q5: Who was the first female President of India?
(a) Smt. Pratibha Patil
(b) Smt. Indira Gandhi
(c) Smt. Sarojini Naidu
(d) Smt. Meira Kumar

Ans: (a)
Explanation: Smt. Pratibha Patil was the first female President of India. She served as the President from 2007 to 2012.

Section B: Short Questions

Q1: Name any three qualifications required to become the President of India.

Ans: Qualifications required to become the President of India include:

• The person must be a citizen of India.
• The person must be at least 35 years of age.
• The person must be eligible to become a member of the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

Q2: What is the role of the President of India in the appointment of the Prime Minister?

Ans: Role of the President of India in the Appointment of the Prime Minister:

• The President appoints the Prime Minister after a general election or when the Prime Minister resigns.
• The President invites the leader of the majority party/alliance in the Lok Sabha to form the government and become the Prime Minister.

Q3: Can the President of India be removed from office before the completion of the term? If yes, explain how.

Ans: Removal of the President of India before the completion of the term:

• Yes, the President can be removed from office through the process of impeachment. This can be done if the President is found guilty of violating the Constitution.

Q4: Mention any two ceremonial powers of the President.

Ceremonial powers of the President:

• The President represents India at international events and receives foreign dignitaries.
• The President awards honors and titles, such as Padma Awards, Bharat Ratna, etc.

Q5: Describe the process of electing the President of India.

Process of electing the President of India:

• The President of India is elected indirectly by an Electoral College. 
• The Electoral College consists of elected members of both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and the Legislative Assemblies of the States.

Section C: Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The first President of India was ________________.

Ans: Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the first President of India from January 26, 1950, to May 13, 1962. He was an important leader in the Indian independence movement and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi.

Q2: Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the ____________ President of India.

Ans: First
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India. He played a significant role in shaping the role and functions of the President's office during his tenure.

Q3: The current (as of 2021) President of India is ________________.

Ans: Shri Ram Nath Kovind
Explanation: As of 2021, Shri Ram Nath Kovind is the President of India. He assumed office on July 25, 2017, as the 14th President of the country.

Q4: The Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President, is located in ________________.

Ans: New Delhi
Explanation: The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India. It is situated in the capital city, New Delhi, and is one of the largest residential complexes for any head of state in the world.

Q5: The President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of __________________.

Ans: Elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and Legislative Assemblies of States and Union Territories
Explanation: The President of India is not directly elected by the citizens but by an electoral college comprising elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union Territories. This indirect election ensures representation from various regions and states of the country.

Section D: True or False

Q1: The President of India is the ceremonial head of the country with no real powers.

Ans: False
Explanation: The statement is false. While it is true that the President of India is the ceremonial head, the President does possess several important powers and functions. These include the power to appoint the Prime Minister, dissolve the Lok Sabha in certain situations, appoint judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts, and grant pardons, among others.

Q2: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India.

Ans: False
Explanation: The statement is false. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India. He served as the 11th President from 2002 to 2007.

Q3: The President of India can dissolve the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament).

Ans: True
Explanation: The President of India has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha under specific circumstances. However, this power is exercised only when there is a deadlock in the formation of a government or when no party or coalition can prove a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Q4: The President can appoint the Prime Minister in case of a hung Parliament.

Ans: True
Explanation: In the event of a hung Parliament where no single party or coalition has a clear majority, the President of India plays a crucial role. The President appoints the leader of the party or coalition that is most likely to gain the confidence of the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister.

Q5: The President of India has the authority to grant pardons in certain cases.

Ans: True
Explanation: The President of India has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment to individuals convicted of certain offenses. This power is derived from Article 72 of the Indian Constitution and is subject to certain limitations.

Section E: Match the Column

Ans: