Presidential Election: Notes

 

Presidential Election: Notes

Definition

A Presidential Election is the process by which the citizens of a country elect their head of state, usually called the President. In countries like India and the USA, the election process differs, but the core purpose is the selection of the nation’s chief executive.

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Presidential Election in India

1. Authority: Conducted under Article 54–61 of the Indian Constitution.

2. Electoral College: Includes:

   • Elected members of Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha)

   • Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies

3. Voting Method:

   • Proportional representation by single transferable vote (STV)

   • Voting is secret ballot

4. Eligibility Criteria:

   • Citizen of India

   • At least 35 years old

   • Qualified to be a member of Lok Sabha

   • Not holding an office of profit

5. Term: 5 years, but eligible for reelection.

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Presidential Election in the USA

1. Authority: Conducted under the US Constitution, Article II.

2. Electoral College:

   • Citizens vote for electors who then vote for the President.

   • Total 538 electors; candidate needs 270 votes to win.

3. Voting Method:

   • Indirect election through Electoral College

   • Popular vote in each state decides which electors vote.

4. Eligibility:

   • Natural-born citizen of the USA

   • At least 35 years old

   • Resident in the USA for at least 14 years

5. Term: 4 years, maximum of 2 terms.

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Important Points

• Indirect Election: In both India and USA, citizens do not directly elect the President (except in the case of the US popular vote guiding electors).

• Proportional Weightage: In India, votes of MPs and MLAs are weighted to maintain federal balance.

• Secret Ballot: Ensures free choice without pressure.

• Role of Political Parties: Parties nominate candidates and support campaigns.

• Contingencies: In India, if no candidate gets majority, counting continues until winner emerges.

• Election Commission: Supervises elections in India to ensure fairness.

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Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

1. UPSC 2021: “Explain the procedure for the election of the President of India.”

2. SSC 2022: “Who forms the Electoral College for Presidential elections in India?”
   Answer: Elected members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.

3. JKSSB 2020: “What is the minimum age requirement to be elected as President of India?”
   Answer: 35 years.

4. UPSC 2020: “What is the role of the Electoral College in Indian Presidential elections?”

5. SSC 2019: “Define the term of the President of the United States and eligibility criteria.”

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Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who elects the President of India?
   a) Citizens directly
   b) Electoral College
   c) Parliament only
   d) Prime Minister
   Answer: b) Electoral College

2. Minimum age for President of India is:
   a) 30 years
   b) 35 years
   c) 40 years
   d) 45 years
   Answer: b) 35 years

3. In the USA, how many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?
   a) 270
   b) 250
   c) 300
   d) 260
   Answer: a) 270

4. Voting in Indian Presidential election is done by:
   a) First-past-the-post
   b) Secret ballot with single transferable vote
   c) Electoral College direct vote
   d) Public referendum
   Answer: b) Secret ballot with single transferable vote

5. A President of India can serve for a maximum of:
   a) 4 years
   b) 5 years
   c) 6 years
   d) No term limit
   Answer: b) 5 years

6. Which body supervises the Presidential election in India?
   a) Prime Minister’s Office
   b) Parliament
   c) Election Commission of India
   d) Supreme Court
   Answer: c) Election Commission of India

7. In the US, the President is elected through:
   a) Direct popular vote
   b) Electoral College
   c) Congress decision
   d) Supreme Court approval
   Answer: b) Electoral College

8. Eligibility for US President includes:
   a) Natural-born citizen, 35 years old, 14-year residency
   b) Citizen by naturalization, 30 years old, 10-year residency
   c) Natural-born citizen, 40 years old, 20-year residency
   d) Citizen, 35 years old, 10-year residency
   Answer: a) Natural-born citizen, 35 years old, 14-year residency

9. The President of India can be removed by:
   a) Supreme Court only
   b) Impeachment by Parliament
   c) Prime Minister
   d) State Assemblies
   Answer: b) Impeachment by Parliament

10. Election of President in India uses which voting system?
    a) First-past-the-post
    b) Single transferable vote
    c) Proportional representation by plurality
    d) Simple majority
    Answer: b) Single transferable vote