Introduction

• Governance at the Union level involves the administration and management of the country by the central government.
• The central government operates through various organs and institutions designed to maintain law and order, provide public services, and implement policies and programs.

Structure of Union Government

• Executive: Comprises the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers.
• Legislature: Consists of two houses – the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• Judiciary: Headed by the Supreme Court of India, which ensures the law’s constitutionality and adjudicates disputes.

Executive Branch

President:

• Ceremonial head of state.
• Commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
• Appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers.

Prime Minister:

• Head of government.
• Leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha.
• Chairs the Council of Ministers.

Council of Ministers:

• Includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.
• Responsible for formulating and implementing government policies.

Legislative Branch

Lok Sabha:

• Lower house of Parliament.
• Members elected directly by the people.
• Responsible for passing laws and budgets.

Rajya Sabha:

• Upper house of Parliament.
• Members elected by state legislatures.
• Reviews and suggests amendments to legislation proposed by Lok Sabha.

Judiciary

Supreme Court:

• Apex judicial body in India.
• Ensures the constitutionality of laws.
• Handles appeals and important cases.

High Courts:

• Operate at the state level.
• Address regional legal matters.

Subordinate Courts:

• District and Sessions Courts.
• Handle local civil and criminal cases.