President

🔹 Clause (1): Beginning of first session after elections & every year

Original idea: The President addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together

1. At the start of the first session after each General Election to the Lok Sabha
2. At the start of the first session each year

In simple words: At the beginning of a new Lok Sabha (after elections) and at the start of every year, the President gives a speech to both Houses sitting together.

What this speech includes:

1. Government’s policies
2. Plans for the year
3. Achievements and priorities

👉 This speech is basically the government’s agenda presented by the President.

🔹 Clause (2): Discussion on the Address

Original idea: Rules must be made to allot time for discussion of the matters referred to in the President’s Address.

In simple words: After the President’s speech, Parliament will discuss it. Time is set aside for members to debate the issues mentioned.

👉 This discussion is called the “Motion of Thanks.”

🧠 UPSC Notes (Quick Revision)

🔸 Key Features

1. Comes under: Part V (Union), Chapter II (Parliament)
2. Deals with: President’s Address to Parliament
3. Two occasions:
4. First session after General Elections
5. First session of each year

🔸 Motion of Thanks

1. Moved in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
2. Members discuss government policies
3. Can include amendments
4. If passed → shows support for government
5. If defeated → politically serious for government (can indicate loss of majority)

🔸 Importance

1. Sets legislative agenda
2. Gives overview of government priorities
3. Ensures accountability through discussion

🔸 Exam Tricks 📝

1. Not every session → only first session of the year
2. Mandatory constitutional requirement
3. President reads speech → but content prepared by Council of Ministers

🔸 Related Articles

1. Article 86 of the Indian Constitution
2. Article 85 of the Indian Constitution

📌 One-Line Summary (For Prelims)

Article 87 mandates the President to address Parliament at the start of the first session after general elections and each year, followed by a Motion of Thanks discussion.

Great — let’s build on Article 87 with PYQs, MCQs, and a UK comparison so you’re fully exam-ready.

🧠 1. Previous UPSC-Type Questions (Concept-Based)

🔹 Q1 (Prelims style)

Which of the following statements about the President’s Address is correct?

1. It is delivered at the beginning of every session of Parliament
2. It is mandatory after each General Election
3. It is followed by a discussion in both Houses

Answer: 2 and 3 only 👉 Statement 1 is wrong (only first session of the year, not every session)

🔹 Q2 (Mains style)

“President’s Address under Article 87 reflects the policies of the elected government rather than personal views of the President.” Discuss.

👉 Key points to write:

• Speech drafted by Council of Ministers
• President acts on aid and advice
• Reflects government agenda
• Debate ensures accountability (Motion of Thanks)

🎯 2. Practice MCQs (UPSC Level)

🔸 MCQ 1

Consider the following:

1. The President addresses Parliament at the beginning of each year
2. The address is delivered separately to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
3. A Motion of Thanks is discussed after the address

Which are correct?

Answer: 1 and 3 only 👉 Address is to both Houses together, not separately

🔸 MCQ 2

Which of the following is NOT true regarding the Motion of Thanks?

A. It can be amended B. It must be passed in both Houses C. Its defeat has no political consequence D. It discusses government policies

Answer: C 👉 Defeat = serious political issue

🔸 MCQ 3

The President’s Address is prepared by:

A. President’s Secretariat B. Prime Minister alone C. Council of Ministers D. Parliament Secretariat

Answer: C

⚖️ 3. Comparison with British Practice 🇬🇧

India borrowed this concept from the UK system.

🔹 In the United Kingdom

• Monarch delivers the Queen’s Speech (now King’s Speech)
• Happens during State Opening of Parliament
• Speech written by the government

🔹 India vs UK (Quick Table)

🔥 4. Important Analytical Points (Mains Boost)

• Reflects parliamentary democracy
• Shows executive accountability to legislature
• Debate allows opposition to criticize government
• Failure of Motion of Thanks = political crisis