Union Executive, Legislature and Judiciary
Questions centre on the President's election and powers, the two Houses' composition and procedures, and the Supreme Court's jurisdiction. Expect article numbers and at least one comparison question.
The President (Arts. 52-62)
Indirectly elected by an electoral college of elected MPs and elected MLAs of the States (with Delhi and Puducherry), by proportional representation using a single transferable vote and secret ballot. Impeachment lies only for violation of the Constitution (Art. 61). Powers: executive; legislative (Art. 123 ordinance, Art. 111 assent); pardoning (Art. 72); emergency. Executive action is taken on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers (Art. 74; the 42nd Amendment made it binding, the 44th allowed one reconsideration).
Parliament
Lok Sabha: maximum 552; the two Anglo-Indian nominated seats lapsed in January 2020 under the 104th Amendment. Rajya Sabha: 250 (238 elected, 12 nominated). Money Bills (Art. 110) are introduced only in the Lok Sabha on the President's recommendation; the Rajya Sabha has 14 days and cannot amend them. Joint sittings (Art. 108) cannot be held for Money Bills or constitutional amendment Bills. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Art. 75(3)); the 91st Amendment capped it at 15 per cent of the House's strength.
The Judiciary
Supreme Court: Art. 124; binding precedents under Art. 141; complete justice under Art. 142; advisory jurisdiction under Art. 143; original jurisdiction in Centre-State disputes under Art. 131.
Worked example
The President returns a Bill to Parliament. Reasoning: under Art. 111 the President may withhold assent, return a non-Money Bill, or grant assent; if both Houses pass it again, the President must assent. A constitutional amendment Bill under Art. 368 must be assented to and cannot be returned.
Traps
The Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved; the Speaker does not vote in the first instance but has a casting vote; the President is not the real executive.