Hindi/English
In Indian polity, the President and the Governor are two constitutional heads—one at the Union level and the other at the State level. While their roles may appear similar on the surface, there are significant differences in their powers, functions, and responsibilities. In this blog, we’ll break down the comparison in a simple and exam-oriented way.
🔑 Constitutional Position
| Aspect | President | Governor |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Head of the Union (Centre) | Head of the State |
| Constitutional Articles | Article 52 to 62 | Article 153 to 162 |
| Appointed By | Electoral College | President of India |
| Tenure | 5 years | 5 years (can be removed earlier) |
🔢 Executive Powers
| Aspect | President | Governor |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Executive head of the entire country | Executive head of the state |
| Appointment Powers | Appoints PM, Ministers, Governors, Judges of SC & HC, etc. | Appoints CM, Council of Ministers, Advocate General |
| Military Powers | Supreme Commander of Armed Forces | No such power |
📖 Legislative Powers
| Aspect | President | Governor |
|---|---|---|
| Summon & Prorogue | Parliament | State Legislature |
| Address | First session of Parliament every year | First session of State Legislature every year |
| Ordinance Making | Article 123 | Article 213 |
📄 Judicial & Emergency Powers
| Aspect | President | Governor |
|---|---|---|
| Pardoning Powers | Can pardon, commute, remit under Article 72 | Similar powers for state laws under Article 161 |
| Emergency Powers | Can declare National, State & Financial Emergency | No emergency powers |
📅 Conclusion
The President and the Governor both act as nominal heads in their respective domains, functioning largely on the advice of the Council of Ministers. However, the President has wider authority in terms of national matters, military command, and emergency powers. Understanding these differences is crucial for all aspirants preparing for exams like UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs.
Tip: Remember the articles related to both—President (Art. 52–62) and Governor (Art. 153–162) for polity-based MCQs.