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.
