Complete detailed Notes on the Union Government of India for BPSC and Other Competitive Exams in 2025
Indian Polity- 4
Here are detailed, structured, and exam-relevant notes on the Union Government of India.
Union Government of India
President of India
Articles 52–62
- The President is the constitutional head and first citizen of India.
- Part of the Executive, acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Election of the President
- Indirect election via Electoral College:
- Elected members of Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha.
- Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies (SLAs).
- Elected members of Legislative Assemblies of Union Territories (e.g., Delhi, Puducherry).
- Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote.
- Value of vote depends on population (1971 census) and number of MLAs.
Nominated members do not vote in presidential elections.
Qualifications (Article 58)
- Indian citizen
- At least 35 years of age
- Qualified for election as Lok Sabha MP
- Should not hold office of profit
Term and Conditions
- Term: 5 years (can be re-elected)
- Can resign anytime by writing to Vice-President
- Oath by Chief Justice of India
Powers of the President
| Type | Powers/Functions |
| Executive | Appoints PM, Governors, AGI, Judges of SC/HC, CAG, Election Commission, UPSC members, etc. |
| Legislative | Summons, prorogues Parliament, dissolves Lok Sabha, addresses Parliament, assents or withholds bills. |
| Judicial | Pardoning powers under Article 72. |
| Emergency | National, President’s Rule, Financial Emergencies (Articles 352, 356, 360). |
| Military | Supreme Commander of Armed Forces. |
| Diplomatic | Sends and receives ambassadors, signs international treaties. |
Impeachment of President (Article 61)
- Only ground: Violation of Constitution.
- Process:
- Initiated in either House of Parliament.
- Requires two-thirds majority of total membership.
- Detailed process; not used yet in India.
Prime Minister & Council of Ministers
Prime Minister (Articles 74 & 75)
- Real executive head of the country.
- Appointed by the President.
- Must have majority support in Lok Sabha.
- Acts as link between President and Council of Ministers.
Powers of the PM
- Leader of Union Cabinet and Parliament (especially Lok Sabha).
- Advises President on appointments and decisions.
- Chairs meetings of Council of Ministers.
- Plays a decisive role in national policies.
Council of Ministers (CoM)
| Type | Description |
| Cabinet Ministers | Senior-most; head important ministries; core decision-makers. |
| Ministers of State | Junior ministers, with or without independent charge. |
| Deputy Ministers | Assist ministers in their work. |
- Total number of ministers cannot exceed 15% of Lok Sabha strength (91st Amendment, 2003).
The CoM is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha.
Parliament of India
Articles 79–122
- Bicameral Legislature: President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Lower House (directly elected).
- Maximum strength: 552 (currently ~543 elected + 2 nominated Anglo-Indians — provision abolished).
- Term: 5 years (can be dissolved earlier).
- Presiding officer: Speaker of Lok Sabha.
Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
- Upper House (indirectly elected).
- Maximum strength: 250 (currently 245 – 233 elected + 12 nominated).
- Permanent body; 1/3rd members retire every 2 years.
- Presiding officer: Vice-President of India (Chairman of Rajya Sabha).
Legislative Procedure
| Bill Type | Passed by |
| Ordinary Bill | Both Houses → Simple majority |
| Money Bill | Lok Sabha only → Rajya Sabha can only recommend |
| Finance Bill | Similar to Money Bill but covers wider provisions |
| Constitutional Amendment Bill | Both Houses → Special majority (Art. 368) |
In case of deadlock on ordinary bills, a joint sitting is summoned (Article 108).
Judiciary: Supreme Court of India
Articles 124–147
- Guardian of Constitution, highest court of appeal.
- Located in New Delhi.
Composition
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) + max 33 other judges.
- Appointed by the President (in consultation with CJI and senior judges).
- Retirement age: 65 years.
Jurisdictions of the Supreme Court
| Type | Description |
| Original | Disputes between Union and States (Article 131). |
| Appellate | Civil, criminal, and constitutional appeals (Articles 132–134). |
| Advisory | President may seek SC’s opinion (Article 143). |
| Writ Jurisdiction | Under Article 32, to protect Fundamental Rights. |
| Review Jurisdiction | Can review its own judgments. |
| Judicial Activism | Expansion of rights through PIL (Public Interest Litigation). |
Judicial Review
- Power of courts to examine constitutionality of laws and executive orders.
- Derived from Article 13 & 32.
- Landmark cases:
- Kesavananda Bharati (1973): Introduced Basic Structure Doctrine.
- Minerva Mills (1980): Reaffirmed harmony between FRs and DPSPs.
Judicial review ensures constitutional supremacy over legislative supremacy.
Quick Recap Chart: Union Government Structure
| Organ | Key Function |
| President | Constitutional head, appoints officials, signs bills, has emergency and pardoning powers. |
| PM & CoM | Real executive, makes policy decisions, responsible to Parliament. |
| Parliament | Makes laws, controls finances, checks executive power. |
| Supreme Court | Final interpreter of Constitution, guardian of rights, ensures justice. |
Government Job