Topic > Executive Branches of Türkiye and India - 1004

The executive branches of Türkiye and India are weak compared to the legislative branches of their respective countries. Turkey's head of state is the president and the current president was elected by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, but after a constitutional revision in 2007 the next presidential elections will be elections by citizens. Having the president elected by parliament means concentrating power in the legislative branch of the Turkish government, but an election by the people represents a dispersion of power because the elections are now in the hands of the people. The president's power is outlined in Article 104 of the Turkish constitution. The president can review laws passed by the legislature and request a reconsideration (Article 104). The president appoints the prime minister, whose task is limited to implementing a vote of confidence in parliament and appointing ministers for the cabinet (Article 110). Furthermore, there is also a president and a prime minister in the Indian government. The President of India is appointed by the legislative body and has minimal legislative power. The president's power over parliament is limited to requesting a revision of the bill he is asked to sign (Article 356). Once again, power is concentrated in the legislative branch, giving it the power to appoint the president. The prime minister is appointed by the president and is responsible for leading the cabinet and advising the president (Article 78). The presidents of both countries largely perform ceremonial functions due to the power concentrated within the legislature. Both India and Turkey have legislative powers stronger than their executive branch and both are unitary forms of government. The Parliament of India is made up of a charter body that is independent from other branches of government (Article 9). Turkish courts examine the constitutionality of laws enacted by Parliament and can ultimately revoke laws deemed unconstitutional (Article 148). The legislative and executive powers must comply with the decisions of the judicial system (Article 138). This serves as a dispersal of government power which is also present in India. Protection of fundamental rights is established under Article 13 of the Constitution of India, which states that any law which violates the provisions of fundamental rights is void. The court can review any law except those relating to elections of legislatures (Article 237). The laws enacted cannot be in conflict with the Constitution (article 11). Indian courts, while not as strong as other branches of government, can prevent violations of citizens' rights.