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Q62 (IAS/2014) Polity & Governance › Union Executive › Powers of President Official Key

Consider the following statements : 1. The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business. 2. All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of said business.[2] This makes Statement 1 correct.

However, Statement 2 is incorrect. All executive action of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the President.[3] This is also confirmed under the executive powers of the President, where all executive actions of the Government of India are formally taken in his/her name.[4]

The key distinction to remember is that while the Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers and is the real executive authority in practice, constitutionally and formally, all executive actions are taken in the name of the President, not the Prime Minister. Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct, making option A the right answer.

Sources
  1. [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 214
  2. [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 214
  3. [3] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 213
  4. [4] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 18: President > Executive Powers > p. 192
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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Consider the following statements : 1. The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Governm…
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a textbook 'Sitter' from the Union Executive chapter. It directly tests the text of Article 77. If you rely on standard books like Laxmikanth or D.D. Basu, this is unmissable. The trap in Statement 2 is a classic 'Constitutional Head vs. Real Head' swap.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Under the Constitution of India, does Article 77(3) state that the President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India and for the allocation among Ministers of that business?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 214
Presence: 5/5
“As may be specified in rules to be made by the President. Further, the validity of an order or instrument which is so authenticated shall not he called into question on the ground that it is not an order or instrument made or executed by the President. 3 . The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of said business.”
Why this source?
  • Directly reproduces the text of clause 3 stating the President shall make rules for more convenient transaction of Government of India business and allocation among Ministers.
  • Appears in a standard constitutional commentary (Laxmikanth) summarizing Article 77, indicating authoritative restatement of the clause.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 18: President > Executive Powers > p. 192
Presence: 4/5
“The executive powers and functions of the President are: (a) All executive actions of the Government of India are formally taken in his/her name. (b) He/she can make rules specifying the manner in which the orders and other instruments made and executed in his/ her name shall be authenticated. (c) He/she can make rules for more convenient transaction of business of the Union government, and for allocation of the said business among the ministers. (d) He/she appoints the Prime Minister and the other ministers.”
Why this source?
  • Lists the President's executive powers and explicitly includes making rules for convenient transaction of Union business and allocation among ministers.
  • Provides a concise paraphrase of the same rule-making power in the context of presidential executive functions.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 214
Presence: 5/5
“As may be specified in rules to be made by the President. Further, the validity of an order or instrument which is so authenticated shall not he called into question on the ground that it is not an order or instrument made or executed by the President. 3 . The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of said business.”
Why this source?
  • Duplicate/alternate edition entry that contains the same clause text as index 1 affirming Article 77(3).
  • Reinforces the presence of the exact provision in standard polity texts.
Statement 2
Under the Constitution of India, in whose name are all executive actions of the Government of India expressed to be taken?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 213
Presence: 5/5
“Art 77- Conduct of Business of the Government of India • 1. All executive action of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the President. • 2. Orders and other instruments made and executed in the name of the Presiden t shall be authenticated in such manner.”
Why this source?
  • Direct text from Article 77 stating that all executive action of the Government of India is expressed to be taken in the name of the President.
  • Article 77 is the constitutional provision specifically titled 'Conduct of Business of the Government of India', making it the primary authority on this procedural formality.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 18: President > Executive Powers > p. 192
Presence: 5/5
“The executive powers and functions of the President are: (a) All executive actions of the Government of India are formally taken in his/her name. (b) He/she can make rules specifying the manner in which the orders and other instruments made and executed in his/ her name shall be authenticated. (c) He/she can make rules for more convenient transaction of business of the Union government, and for allocation of the said business among the ministers. (d) He/she appoints the Prime Minister and the other ministers.”
Why this source?
  • Summarizes the President's executive powers and expressly notes that all executive actions of the Government of India are formally taken in his/her name.
  • Reinforces the Article 77 formulation by listing it among the President's enumerated executive functions.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 11: The Union Executive > 2. Powers and Duties of the President > p. 209
Presence: 4/5
“The Constitution says that the "executive power of the ~~t~:~~!:~:e~~wers Union shall be vested in the President" [Article 53]. The President of India shall thus be the head of the "executive power" of the Union. The "executive power" primarily means the execution Of the laws enacted by the Legislature, but the business of the Executive in a modern State is not as simple as it was in the days of Aristotle. Owing to the manifold expansion of the functions of the State, all residuary functions have practically passed into the hands of the Executive. The executive power may, therefore, be shortly defined as "the power of carrying on the business of government" or "the administration".”
Why this source?
  • Explains that the executive power of the Union is vested in the President (Article 53), supporting why executive actions are expressed in the President's name.
  • Provides doctrinal context that the President is the formal head of the Union executive.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC consistently tests the 'Form vs. Substance' of the Indian Constitution. Any statement claiming formal executive actions are in the name of the Prime Minister is almost always false because it violates the basic theory of the Parliamentary system where the President is the ceremonial head.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct lift from Laxmikanth (Chapter: President / Central Council of Ministers) and the bare text of Article 77.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: 'Conduct of Business of the Government of India' — specifically the procedural formalities of the Executive.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Executive Procedure' chain: Art 53 (Vesting of Power) → Art 74 (Aid & Advice) → Art 77 (Conduct of Business) → Art 78 (Duties of PM). Contrast these with State counterparts: Art 154 → Art 163 → Art 166 → Art 167.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When reading Polity, distinguish between 'Real Power' (PM/Cabinet) and 'Formal Authority' (President). UPSC loves to swap these. Always check: Is the action 'taken by' the PM or 'expressed in the name of' the President?
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Article 77(3): Presidential rule-making for conduct of Government business
💡 The insight

This is the exact provision questioned — references 1 and 2 reproduce the clause and reference 6 paraphrases the power as part of presidential functions.

High-yield constitutional provision: UPSC often asks about conduct of executive business and specific Articles. Mastering the exact scope and wording of Article 77(3) helps answer direct-knowledge and linkage questions (e.g., allocation of business, role of President vs. ministers). Study by memorizing clause text and cross-referencing standard commentaries.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 214
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 214
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 18: President > Executive Powers > p. 192
🔗 Anchor: "Under the Constitution of India, does Article 77(3) state that the President sha..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 All executive action in the name of the President (Art 77(1))
💡 The insight

Article 77 is multi-part; references 4 and 5 show clause 1 which contextualizes clause 3 about rule-making for transactions of business.

Understanding Art 77(1) alongside (3) helps aspirants reason about formalities of executive action and authentication — frequent UPSC linkage in questions on executive powers and administrative procedure. Learn by mapping Article sub-clauses together and noting practical implications.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 213
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 213
🔗 Anchor: "Under the Constitution of India, does Article 77(3) state that the President sha..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Presidential executive powers and constitutional limits (rule-making vs. ministerial advice)
💡 The insight

Reference 6 lists the President's power to make such rules; references 8 and 10 highlight constitutional limits (advice of Council of Ministers, Article 74/75 context).

Helps answer synthesis questions that test interplay between formal presidential powers and day-to-day exercise (e.g., who actually directs allocation of business). UPSC often tests such inter-Article relationships; prepare by linking Articles 53–77 and practice scenario questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 18: President > Executive Powers > p. 192
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 11: The Union Executive > 2. Powers and Duties of the President > p. 210
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 11: The Union Executive > Indian President compared with American President and English Crown. > p. 232
🔗 Anchor: "Under the Constitution of India, does Article 77(3) state that the President sha..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Article 77 — Executive actions in the President's name
💡 The insight

Article 77 explicitly prescribes that executive actions of the Union are expressed to be taken in the name of the President; this is the direct rule underlying the statement.

High-yield for constitutional law questions: memorizing Article 77 helps answer questions on formalities of executive action and conduct of Union business. It connects to questions on administrative procedure and the symbolic/formal roles of constitutional offices. Prepare by learning exact Article numbers and their operative sentences and comparing Union vs State provisions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 213
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 18: President > Executive Powers > p. 192
🔗 Anchor: "Under the Constitution of India, in whose name are all executive actions of the ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Executive power vested in the President (Article 53) — formal head vs. real executive
💡 The insight

The vesting of executive power in the President explains why executive actions are expressed in the President's name and links to the President's formal role.

Important for questions distinguishing titular authority and practical exercise of power (ministerial advice, responsibility). Useful in essay and mains answers on separation of powers, and for prelims fact-based items referencing Articles 53/75/77. Study by mapping Articles that vest and regulate executive power and by comparing textual provisions with conventions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 11: The Union Executive > 2. Powers and Duties of the President > p. 209
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 4: OUTSTANDING FEATURES OF OUR CONSTITUTION > 42nd Amendment 1976. > p. 48
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 18: President > Executive Powers > p. 192
🔗 Anchor: "Under the Constitution of India, in whose name are all executive actions of the ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Union–State contrast: President vs Governor in conduct of executive business
💡 The insight

Article-level practice for the Union (President) parallels the State provision that executive actions of a State are in the Governor's name, highlighting a constitutional pattern.

Helps answer comparative questions on Union and State executive formalities and spot distinctions in constitutional provisions (Article 77 vs Article 161). Master by juxtaposing corresponding Union and State Articles and using them to tackle both MCQs and descriptive questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 77 - Conduct of Business of the Government of India > p. 213
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 32: State Council of Ministers > Article 16. Conduct of Business of the Government of a State > p. 330
🔗 Anchor: "Under the Constitution of India, in whose name are all executive actions of the ..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Immunity Clause' in Article 77(2): Orders authenticated under rules made by the President CANNOT be called into question on the ground that they were not made or executed by the President. This specific immunity is a prime candidate for a future 'Which of the following is correct?' statement.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use the 'Ceremonial Seal' Heuristic: In a Parliamentary Democracy, the Prime Minister is the 'Driver', but the Car is registered in the name of the 'Owner' (President). Formal actions (signing treaties, issuing orders, appointments) are ALWAYS in the Owner's name. Statement 2 puts the Driver's name on the registration—immediately eliminate it.

🔗 Mains Connection

Link Article 77(3) to the 'Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961'. This is the legal bedrock of the Portfolio System. In Mains (GS2), this explains how the Cabinet Secretariat functions and how accountability is fixed on specific Ministries.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-II · 2011 · Q81 Relevance score: 3.03

Consider the following statements about the powers of the President of India : 1. The President can direct that any matter on which decision has been taken by a Minister should be placed before the Council of Ministers. 2. The President can call all information relating to proposals for legislation. 3. The President has the right to address and send messages to either House of the Parliament. 4. All decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the adminis- tration of the Union must be communicated to the President. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

CDS-I · 2016 · Q90 Relevance score: 2.86

Consider the following statements about the President of India: 1. The President has the right to address and send message to the Council of Ministers to elicit specific information 2. The President can call for information relating to proposals for legislation 3. All decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to administration of the Union must be communicated to the President Which of the statements given above are correct ?

IAS · 2013 · Q93 Relevance score: 2.80

Consider the following statements: 1. The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament. 2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India. 3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for legislation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

CDS-I · 2016 · Q61 Relevance score: 2.29

Consider the following statements : 1. The President of India shall have the §ower to appoint and remove the peaker of Lok Sabha 2. The Speaker has to discharge the functions of his office himself throughout his term and cannot delegate his functions to the Deputy Speaker during his absence from the station or during his illness Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?