Government of India

Government of India

The Government of India, often referred to as the Indian Government, is the federal government established by the Constitution of India and is the governing authority of the union of 28 states and 8 union territories, collectively called the Republic of India. It is located in the capital city of New Delhi.

Structure

The Government of India is based on the federal structure of government, although the word is not used in the Constitution itself. It has three branches:

• Executive: The President of India is the ceremonial head of state, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces. The Prime Minister of India is the head of government and exercises most executive power.

• Legislative: The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body in the country. It consists of two houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

• Judiciary: The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial body in the country. It has the power of judicial review and safeguards the rights of citizens.

Functions

The Government of India exercises its executive authority through the Union Council of Ministers, which is led by the Prime Minister. The President appoints the Prime Minister, who is designated by legislators of the political party or coalition commanding a parliamentary majority. The President then appoints subordinate ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Legislation

The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body in the country. It is a bicameral legislature composed of the President of India and two houses: the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. The President in his role as head of legislature has full powers to summon and prorogue either house of Parliament or to dissolve Lok Sabha.

Judiciary

The Judiciary system of India upholds the Constitution of India and works to resolve disputes between the Centre and the States, or between the States, as well as protection of the fundamental rights of citizens, with the Supreme Court at its apex.

See also

• Politics of India
• Elections in India
• List of Prime Ministers of India
• List of Presidents of India

The Politics of India is a complex and multifaceted system that operates within the framework of a federal parliamentary democratic republic. The political structure of India is defined by its Constitution, which was adopted on January 26, 1950. The Constitution provides for a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Structure of Government

Executive Branch

The executive branch of the Indian government is headed by the President of India, who serves as the ceremonial head of state. The President is elected by an electoral college for a term of five years. The real executive power, however, is vested in the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is usually the leader of the party or coalition that has the majority in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament.

The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, exercises executive authority. The Council is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

Legislative Branch

India has a bicameral legislature, known as the Parliament of India, which consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

• Lok Sabha: The Lok Sabha is composed of representatives directly elected by the people of India. It has a maximum strength of 552 members, including up to 20 members representing the Union Territories and two members nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian community if deemed necessary.

• Rajya Sabha: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body that cannot be dissolved but one-third of its members retire every two years. It consists of a maximum of 250 members, of which 12 are nominated by the President for their expertise in specific fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.

Judicial Branch

The judiciary in India is independent of the executive and legislative branches. The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority and has the power of judicial review. It is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and adjudicating disputes between the central government and the states, as well as between states.

Political Parties

India has a multi-party system, with a variety of national and regional parties. The two major national parties are the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). Regional parties play a significant role in state politics and often influence national politics through coalition governments.

Elections

Elections in India are conducted by the Election Commission of India, an autonomous constitutional authority. General elections for the Lok Sabha are held every five years, while elections for the state legislative assemblies are held at varying intervals.

Federal Structure

India is a federal union comprising 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Each state has its own government, which is structured similarly to the central government, with a Governor, a Chief Minister, and a state legislature.

Challenges and Issues

The political landscape in India faces several challenges, including corruption, political instability, and communal tensions. Electoral reforms and the strengthening of democratic institutions are ongoing processes aimed at addressing these issues.

Also see

• Constitution of India
• Prime Minister of India
• Parliament of India
• Supreme Court of India
• Bharatiya Janata Party
• Indian National Congress
• Election Commission of India