Which statement about the Prime Minister and the President is correct?

Correct answer: The Prime Minister is the leader of the real executive, and the President is the constitutional head

Direct answer: A is correct. In India, the President is the constitutional or formal head of the Union. This means that government actions are formally taken in the President’s name. However, the President normally exercises these powers on the advice of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister leads the political executive and coordinates the work of ministers. Therefore, the Prime Minister is the leader of the real executive, while the President is the formal constitutional head. B is wrong because the President is not a secretary or subordinate employee of the Prime Minister. C is wrong because the Prime Minister does not head the judiciary; the judiciary is institutionally separate. D is wrong because neither the Prime Minister nor the President is a member of the Election Commission merely by holding that office. Memory cue: President is the formal head; Prime Minister leads the working government.