Government of India

The Government of India (GoI), also referred to as the Union Government or the Central Government, is the supreme governing authority of the Republic of India. It operates under the framework of the Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26 January 1950.^[1] The government is divided into three branches: the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary.

Structure

India is a federal parliamentary democratic republic. The Government of India governs 28 states and 8 union territories and has exclusive authority over subjects listed in the Union List such as defense, foreign affairs, atomic energy, and national economy.^[2]

Executive

The executive power of the Union is vested in the President of India. However, the real authority lies with the Prime Minister of India and the Council of Ministers.^[3]

The President is the constitutional head of the state and also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The Prime Minister is the head of government and leads the Council of Ministers.
The Council of Ministers includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers. They are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.^[4]

Legislature

The legislative branch is known as the Parliament of India, which consists of two houses:

Lok Sabha (House of the People) – Lower House, directly elected by the people
Rajya Sabha (Council of States) – Upper House, indirectly elected by members of state legislatures^[5]

The Parliament is responsible for enacting laws, approving the budget, and holding the Executive accountable.^[6]

Judiciary

The Judiciary of India is independent and comprises three levels:

The Supreme Court of India – the apex court and final interpreter of the Constitution
The High Courts – function at the state level
The Subordinate/District Courts – at the local level^[7]

The Supreme Court ensures that laws and government actions conform to the Constitution.

Constitutional Framework

The Indian government operates under the guidance of the Constitution of India, which defines the roles, responsibilities, powers, and limitations of all organs of government. It ensures separation of powers and provides for checks and balances.^[8]

Responsibilities

The Government of India is responsible for national-level policy-making and administration. Key responsibilities include:

National security and defense
Foreign relations and international trade
National transportation and infrastructure
Currency and central banking
Law and order in Union Territories
Welfare schemes and central economic planning^[9]

Federal Features

Although India has a federal structure, it leans toward centralization. During national emergencies, the Union Government can override state powers, making it a quasi-federal system.^[10]

References

[1] ttps://www.india.gov.in/official-website-government-india

[2] ttps://www.mea.gov.in/indian-government.htm

[3] ttps://legislative.gov.in/constitution-of-india

[4] ttps://www.india.gov.in/my-government/council-ministers

[5] ttps://sansad.in/

[6] ttps://parliamentofindia.nic.in/

[7] ttps://main.sci.gov.in/

[8] ttps://www.constitutionofindia.net/constitution_of_india/

[9] ttps://www.niti.gov.in/

[10] ttps://www.india.gov.in/my-government/constitution-india/federal-structure

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