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2.Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and USA are elected.
Both India and the United States of America are renowned for their democratic governance.India operates under a parliamentary model, where the President serves primarily as a ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister holds the executive powers. In contrast, the United States follows a presidential system, where the President is both the head of state and the head of government, possessing significant executive authority.
This distinction fundamentally shapes their respective political systems and election procedures.
Comparison:
| Aspect | President of India | President of the USA |
| Election type | Indirect election through an Electoral College | Indirect election via the Electoral College, with a popular vote determining electors |
| Constitutional basis | Articles 52-62 of the Indian Constitution | Article II of the U.S. Constitution |
| Electoral college composition | Elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and elected members of State Legislative Assemblies | 538 electors based on Congressional representation (Senators + Representatives) |
| Nomination process | Candidates must be nominated by 50 proposers and 50 seconders from the Electoral College | Candidates emerge from primary elections and caucuses; parties hold national conventions to finalize nominees |
| Voting method | Secret ballot using a single transferable vote system | Voters cast ballots for electors; most states use winner-takes-all system (except Maine and Nebraska) |
| Winning criteria | Must secure more than 50% of the total votes in the Electoral College | Must achieve a majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) |
| Term Length | 5 years, eligible for re-election | 4 years, eligible for re-election |
| Voting process details | Voting is conducted by secret ballot; each MLA’s vote value is determined by state population | Voters effectively choose electors; popular votes determine which candidate’s electors are chosen |
| Dispute resolution | Any disputes related to elections are adjudicated by the Supreme Court | No specific judicial review; disputes may lead to congressional action or state-level recounts |
| Impact of electoral system | Ensures proportional representation among states; each state has a varying vote value | Can result in a candidate winning the presidency without winning the popular vote (e.g., 2000, 2016 elections) |
Both India and the USA have established robust electoral processes for selecting their Presidents, reflecting their unique political contexts. Each system has its strengths and challenges, shaping how effectively they represent the electorate’s will.
PYQ
- Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. 2022
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