UPSC Mains 2018 · GS II · Q13 · 15 marks · 250 words

India and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.

हिन्दी में

भारत एवं यू० एस० ए० दो विशाल लोकतंत्र हैं। उन आधारभूत सिद्धांतों का परीक्षण कीजिए जिन पर ये दो राजनीतिक तंत्र आधारित हैं।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “The Presidents of India and USA differ not just the manner in which they are elected but also with respect to their powers. Elucidate.”

Sapna Chandel207 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

USA & India are world's biggest democracies, but while USA is Presidential, India is a parliamentay form of governance.

Body · points and prose

Election of Presidents

IndiaUSA
1) Indirect elections by a collegium1) Indirect but by collegium consisting of representative of states chosen by people especially for this
- elected members of both houses of Parliament
- Elected state legislators
- Elected legislatures of Delhi & Puducherry
2) held office for term of 5 yrs2) for term of 4 years

Presidential Powers

Close · a summary

IndiaUSA
De jure ruler of the state, real power with PMPresident head of state + government (real power)
Power to dissolve lower house on advise of council of ministers (U/A 85)No such power available, maintains strict separation
Remove Ministers on advice of the PMNo advice required can do on his own will
Ordinance Making power (U/A 123)No such power lies

Despite differences between the powers the offices of President hold important position as upholder of constitution.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper II, Q13. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.