Executive 11 Political Science Chapter 4 CBSE Notes 2025-26

The Indian Constitution separates the powers and functions of government into three main organs: the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each plays a unique role, but the executive is particularly important as it takes the responsibility of implementing laws and policies made by the legislature. In India, the executive works closely with the legislature, following a parliamentary model in which both are interdependent. The executive includes both those who make major policy decisions, known as the political executive, and those who conduct daily administration, called the permanent executive or bureaucracy.

The executive is the body that ensures the actual implementation of rules, decisions, and policies in the country. The term covers not just the top leaders like President or Prime Minister, but also ministers and administrative officers. There are two broad types of executives across the world: parliamentary and presidential. In the parliamentary system, such as in India and the UK, the Prime Minister is generally the head of government, while the President (or monarch) is a formal head with mostly ceremonial duties. In the presidential system, like in the USA, the President serves as both the head of state and government, holding real executive power.

Some countries have a mix called the semi-presidential system, seen in places like France, Russia, and Sri Lanka. There, both a President and a Prime Minister exist, with the President often holding significant day-to-day authority. The arrangement of executive powers deeply affects how decisions are made, who gets to attend international summits, and how governments function in practice.

India’s executive system is based on the parliamentary model, shaped by previous governing experiences under British law. The makers of the Constitution preferred this model because it ensured government accountability and responsiveness to public needs. At the union level, the executive consists of the President as the formal head of state, working with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, who are the real decision-makers. The President is elected indirectly for a five-year term, using a system of proportional representation by elected MPs and MLAs.

At the state level, the executive comprises the Governor, Chief Minister, and Council of Ministers. The Governor is appointed by the central government but mainly plays a ceremonial role, though with slightly more discretionary powers compared to the President.

Although the President of India is the supreme executive authority in name, their functions are carried out based on the advice of the Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister. Article 74(1) of the Constitution makes it clear that the President “shall” act as per the advice of the Council of Ministers, making this advice binding. The President, however, may ask the Council to reconsider its advice, but must accept the advice if repeated.

The President has important constitutional powers such as giving assent to laws, appointing the Prime Minister, and acting in emergencies. Yet, most of these powers are exercised on the recommendation of the elected government. In certain situations, the President has some discretion:

• Sending back the advice of ministers for reconsideration (but must accept it if reiterated).
• Using ‘pocket veto’ by indefinitely withholding assent to a bill passed by Parliament.
• Choosing whom to invite to form the government when no party has a clear majority after general elections.

Recent coalition politics have increased the President's role in situations where political stability is lacking, as evidenced by the need for careful decisions on government formation or Lok Sabha dissolutions.

The Vice President is elected for a five-year term as well, but only by the members of Parliament. The Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and acts as President in case of a vacancy until a new President is elected. The removal process involves a Rajya Sabha resolution agreed upon by the Lok Sabha.

The Prime Minister is the real head of government in India. Appointed by the President, the PM must have the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha. The Council of Ministers, led by the PM, is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, meaning if the Council loses the House’s confidence, it must resign. Ministers are allocated ranks such as Cabinet Minister, Minister of State, or Deputy Minister, depending on seniority and political importance. All ministers, including the PM, must be members of Parliament or secure membership within six months.

The Council of Ministers cannot exceed 15% of the total members of the Lok Sabha (or respective State Assembly), as per the 91st Amendment Act, 2003. This cap was imposed to prevent excessively large cabinets often seen during coalition eras where ministerial positions might be given to win support.

Collective responsibility is fundamental to India’s executive. If a no-confidence motion passes, even against a single minister, the whole Council, including the Prime Minister, must resign. The PM acts as a bridge between the President, Parliament, and Council of Ministers, taking lead in all government decisions, communication, and policy formulation. Power flows from the PM’s central role, leadership in the Lok Sabha, involvement in election campaigns, and national and international representation.

Since 1989, coalition governments have become more common in India. In such arrangements, the President’s discretionary powers during government formation have expanded. Prime Ministers leading coalitions often face limits on selecting ministers, defining portfolios, and shaping policy, needing to balance competing interests among alliance parties. As a result, the PM’s authority may be more negotiator-like than authoritative.

Permanent executive refers to the vast administrative machinery, known as bureaucracy, which assists the elected government. Key officers, like those in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Police Service (IPS), are selected through merit-based exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. They serve at various levels—central, state, or district—and ensure continuity in administration even as elected governments and policies change.

The bureaucracy is supposed to be politically neutral and work impartially for any party in power. The Constitution secures job reservation for weaker sections and implements safeguards for recruiting officers from all backgrounds, making administration more representative. However, challenges arise when bureaucrats become powerful and less answerable to citizens, or when excessive political interference undermines efficiency and accountability. To address these, reforms like the Right to Information Act have been introduced to make the bureaucratic machinery more responsive and accountable to citizens.

The executive in a parliamentary system such as India’s gains its legitimacy and power from periodic elections and the confidence of the legislature. This ensures the executive remains accountable. Democratic mechanisms, constitutional checks, and an active parliament work together to prevent misuse of executive powers and maintain a responsive government.

• Executive is responsible for putting laws and policies into effect in India.
• Presidential, parliamentary, and semi-presidential executive systems exist worldwide with different power structures.
• India follows the parliamentary system; the President is the ceremonial head, while the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers hold real power.
• The President must act on the binding advice of the Council of Ministers but has limited discretionary powers in special situations.
• The Prime Minister’s authority comes from leading the majority in Lok Sabha and managing the government’s decisions and portfolios.
• Collective responsibility binds the entire Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha’s confidence.
• Coalition politics since 1989 have increased negotiation and reduced the PM’s unilateral authority.
• Permanent bureaucracy ensures governance continuity and impartial policy implementation, with accountability checks gradually improving.

CBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 Notes – Indian Constitution at Work: Executive Revision Key Points

These CBSE Class 11 Political Science notes for Chapter 4 – Executive are designed to make your quick revision easy. Find all the important Indian Constitution at Work Chapter 4 topics at a glance, explained in simple language with clear bullet points and tables.

Use these Class 11 Political Science Executive revision notes to strengthen your exam preparation. All key concepts about types of executive, powers of the President and PM, and the role of bureaucracy are summarized for fast learning and better understanding.