The Government of India, officially known as the Union Government, is the central authority for the Republic of India. It operates under the framework established by the Constitution of India, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the country's transition from a British Dominion to an independent republic.
The structure of the Government of India includes:
The executive power is vested in the President of India, who acts as the head of state and is largely a ceremonial figure. Real executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister of India and the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President, typically the leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the Lok Sabha.
The Parliament of India consists of:
Legislative powers are divided between the Union and the states under the three lists in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
The judiciary in India is independent, with the Supreme Court at the top, followed by High Courts in the states, and lower courts. The judiciary interprets the Constitution, ensures its supremacy, and acts as a check against the other branches of government.
India gained independence from British rule in 1947, and after extensive deliberations by the Constituent Assembly, the Constitution was adopted. The initial years saw a struggle to establish stable governance amidst partition-related challenges. Over the years, the government has undergone several reforms:
The Government of India faces ongoing challenges including:
Recent initiatives by the government include:
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