The Union Executive — Important Questions

The Parliament is not in session

Step 1: An Ordinance is a law-like order issued by the President in urgent situations. Step 2: Since Parliament is not always in session throughout the year, there may be urgent situations requiring immediate law-making. Step 3: In such cases, the President has the legislative power to issue Ordinances (orders). Step 4: An Ordinance has the same force as a law passed by Parliament, but it must be approved by Parliament when it reassembles. Step 5: The Supreme Court, Prime Minister's travel, or emergency declaration are not the triggering conditions for issuing an Ordinance.

Judicial Power

Step 1: The power to pardon, remit, or suspend a sentence of punishment is related to the justice system. Step 2: Such powers, which involve overriding or modifying court decisions, come under Judicial Powers of the President. Step 3: The President can pardon a death sentence passed by any court, or suspend/remit a sentence given by a court martial. Step 4: Executive powers deal with appointments and administration; Legislative powers deal with Parliament; Emergency powers deal with national crises. Step 5: Since pardoning a death sentence is connected to the justice/judiciary system, it is a

The Vice-President of India

Step 1: 'Ex-officio' means a position held automatically because of another position or office one holds. Step 2: The Vice-President of India becomes the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha automatically by virtue of being the Vice-President. Step 3: As Chairman, the Vice-President presides over the sessions of the Rajya Sabha and regulates debates and proceedings. Step 4: The Speaker of Lok Sabha presides over the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha. Step 5: Therefore, the Vice-President is the correct answer as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

12 members

Step 1: The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) has members elected by State Legislative Assemblies and some nominated members. Step 2: Under the Legislative Powers of the President, he has the power to nominate members to the Rajya Sabha. Step 3: The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha. Step 4: These 12 members are usually distinguished persons in the fields of literature, science, art, and social service. Step 5: The numbers 6, 10, and 15 are all incorrect; the precise constitutional number is 12.