2.2   Vice-President

. Vice-President The Vice-President occupies the second highest office in the country. He is accorded a rank next to the President in the official warrant of precedence. This office is modelled on the lines of the American Vice-President. Legislative Powers He inaugurates the session of the Parliament by addressing it after the general election and also at the beginning of the first session each year. This address is essentially identical in nature to a Speech from the Throne. The President summons Parliament at least twice in a year. He may send messages to either House of the Parliament with respect to a bill pending in the House. All bills passed by the Parliament become “Laws of Acts” only after getting assent of the President. Money bills cannot be introduced in the Parliament without his approval. President can terminate the sessions of both or any of the Houses of Parliament. He can even dissolve the Lok Sabha before the expiry of the term of the House. He nominates persons, who are eminent in literature, science, sports, art and social service to the Rajya Sabha. Financial Power Annual Budget of the Central Government is presented before the Lok Sabha by the Union Finance Minister only with the permission of the President. The Constitution of India places the Contingency Fund of India is at the disposal of the President. No demand for a grant can be made except on his recommendation. He can make advances out of the contingency fund of India to meet any unexpected expenditure. He constitutes a finance commission after every five years. Judicial Powers Article confers on the President power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment, or to commute the sentence of any person convicted of an offence. Central Government Article of the constitution provides for a Vice-President of India. This office has been created to maintain the political continuity of the state. Qualification for the election as Vice-President He should be a citizen of India. He must have completed the age