Union & State Government

Structure of the Union and State governments — the executive, legislature and key constitutional posts — a high-yield quick reference for competitive exams.

The Union Executive

OfficeKey Facts
PresidentConstitutional head of State (Art. 52–62); elected by an electoral college; term 5 years
Vice-PresidentEx-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Art. 63–71); term 5 years
Prime MinisterReal head of government; leader of the majority in the Lok Sabha; appointed by the President
Council of MinistersHeaded by the PM; collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Art. 74–75)
Attorney GeneralHighest law officer of the Union (Art. 76)

The Union Legislature (Parliament)

HouseDetails
Lok Sabha (House of the People)Lower house; max strength 552; members directly elected; term 5 years; presided by the Speaker
Rajya Sabha (Council of States)Upper house; max strength 250; permanent body (1/3 retire every 2 years); Vice-President is Chairman
Money BillCan be introduced only in the Lok Sabha (Art. 110)

The State Executive

OfficeKey Facts
GovernorConstitutional head of the State (Art. 153–161); appointed by the President; term 5 years
Chief MinisterReal head of the State government; leader of the majority in the Legislative Assembly
State Council of MinistersHeaded by the CM; collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly
Advocate GeneralHighest law officer of the State (Art. 165)

The State Legislature

HouseDetails
Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)Lower house; members directly elected; term 5 years; presided by the Speaker
Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)Upper house; present only in some states; permanent body

Note: India follows a parliamentary system at both the Union and State levels. Telangana has a bicameral legislature (Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council).

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