The Union Government, also known as the Central Government, is responsible for governing the entire country. Part V (Articles 52-151) of the Indian Constitution defines its structure, powers, and responsibilities.
Structure of the Union Government
The Union Government consists of three main branches:
| Branch | Head | Articles |
|---|---|---|
| Executive | President of India (nominal)/Prime MInister and council of Ministers (Real) | Articles 52-78 |
| Legislature (Parliament) | President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha | Articles 79-122 |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court of India | Articles 124-147 |
I. The Executive (Articles 52-78)
1. The President of India (Articles 52-62)
🔹 Article 52 – India shall have a President as the head of the country.
🔹 Article 53 – The President exercises executive powers of the Union.
Election of the President (Article 54)
- Elected by an Electoral College, which includes:
- Elected Members of Parliament (MPs).
- Elected Members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).
- Tenure: 5 years (can be re-elected).
- Minimum Age: 35 years.
- Oath: Administered by the Chief Justice of India.
- Impeachment: Can be removed for violating the Constitution (Article 61).
2. The Vice President of India (Articles 63-71)
- Acts as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha (Article 64).
- Becomes Acting President in case of vacancy in the President’s office.
- Elected by MPs of both Houses of Parliament.
3. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (Articles 74-75)
- The Prime Minister (PM) is the head of the government.
- Appointed by the President (Article 75).
- Council of Ministers assists the PM in decision-making.
- Article 78 – The PM must communicate all decisions of the Council of Ministers to the President.
II. The Legislature (Parliament) – Articles 79-122
The Indian Parliament is bicameral, meaning it has two houses:
| House | Members | Maximum Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Lok Sabha (House of People) | Elected by the people | 552 members |
| Rajya Sabha (Council of States) | Elected by MLAs & appointed members | 250 members |
1. Lok Sabha (Articles 81-100)
- Lower House of Parliament.
- Elected directly by citizens of India.
- Maximum strength: 552 members.
- Tenure: 5 years.
- Speaker of Lok Sabha (Article 93): Presides over Lok Sabha sessions.
2. Rajya Sabha (Articles 80-89)
- Upper House of Parliament.
- Members are indirectly elected by State Legislative Assemblies.
- Maximum strength: 250 members.
- Tenure: Permanent House, but one-third of members retire every 2 years.
- Vice President of India is the Chairman of Rajya Sabha (Article 64).
3. Powers of Parliament
✅ Legislative Powers – Can make laws on Union List and Concurrent List.
✅ Financial Powers – Controls taxation and budget.
✅ Amendment Powers – Can amend the Constitution (Article 368).
✅ Judicial Powers – Can impeach the President and judges.
III. The Judiciary (Articles 124-147)
The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial body.
1. The Supreme Court (Articles 124-147)
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) + Other Judges.
- Appointed by the President.
- Retirement Age: 65 years.
- Has the power of Judicial Review.
2. Powers of the Supreme Court
✅ Original Jurisdiction (Article 131) – Handles disputes between states and the Union.
✅ Appellate Jurisdiction (Article 132-134) – Hears appeals from lower courts.
✅ Advisory Jurisdiction (Article 143) – President can seek legal advice from the Supreme Court.
✅ Guardian of Fundamental Rights (Article 32) – Can issue writs to protect rights.
MCQs on the Union Government
1. Who is the Constitutional Head of India?
A) Prime Minister
B) Chief Justice of India
C) President
D) Lok Sabha Speaker
Answer: C) President
2. How is the President of India elected?
A) Directly by citizens
B) By Parliament and State Legislatures
C) Only by Lok Sabha
D) Only by Rajya Sabha
Answer: B) By Parliament and State Legislatures
3. What is the tenure of the Lok Sabha?
A) 4 years
B) 5 years
C) 6 years
D) Permanent House
Answer: B) 5 years
4. What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?
A) 250
B) 300
C) 245
D) 552
Answer: A) 250
5. Which Article deals with the impeachment of the President?
A) Article 51
B) Article 61
C) Article 74
D) Article 80
Answer: B) Article 61
6. Who is the Chairman of Rajya Sabha?
A) Speaker of Lok Sabha
B) Prime Minister
C) Vice President of India
D) Chief Justice of India
Answer: C) Vice President of India
7. How are the members of Rajya Sabha elected?
A) Directly by people
B) By MLAs of State Assemblies
C) By Supreme Court judges
D) By the President
Answer: B) By MLAs of State Assemblies
8. Who appoints the Chief Justice of India?
A) Prime Minister
B) Parliament
C) President
D) Supreme Court Judges
Answer: C) President
9. Who is responsible for communicating government decisions to the President?
A) Chief Justice of India
B) Speaker of Lok Sabha
C) Prime Minister
D) Home Minister
Answer: C) Prime Minister
10. Which Article allows the Supreme Court to protect Fundamental Rights?
A) Article 14
B) Article 21
C) Article 32
D) Article 51
Answer: C) Article 32
Conclusion
✅ The Union Government has three branches – Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
✅ The President is the Constitutional Head, while the Prime Minister runs the government.
✅ Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) makes laws and controls finances.
✅ The Supreme Court ensures justice and protects Fundamental Rights.
Would you like a mind map or more MCQs on this topic? 😊