Introduction to the Union

Government

Union Government 


• India follows a parliamentary system of government.
• The Union Government consists of the President,

of India 
Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers.
• Functions as per the Constitution of India.

PRESIDENT

 The President of India is the Head of

the State and exercises powers as
defined in the Constitution of India.
The President's Secretariat provides
secretarial assistance to the
President in discharging
constitutional, ceremonial and other
State responsibilities.
 The President of India
1. Head of State – The President of India is the ceremonial head of the country and
the supreme commander of the armed forces.
2. Constitutional Authority – The President operates as per the provisions of the
Indian Constitution and acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
3. Election Process – Elected by an electoral college consisting of Members of
Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) through a
system of proportional representation.
4. Term and Eligibility – Serves a 5-year term but is eligible for re-election. Must be
a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, and qualified to be a Lok Sabha member.
5. Powers and Responsibilities – Includes executive, legislative, judicial,
diplomatic, military, and emergency powers.
6. Oath of Office – Takes an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the
Constitution before assuming office.
7. Residency – Resides in Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence in New Delhi.
8. First President – Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India (1950–1962).
9. Current President – The present President of India is Droupadi Murmu (as of
2025), who assumed office on July 25, 2022.
10. Significance – Though largely a figurehead, the President plays a crucial role in
approving laws, addressing the Parliament, and handling emergency situations.

Functions of the President of India 3. Judicial Functions

•Has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of
punishment under Article 72.
1. Executive Functions
•Appoints the Chief Justice of India and Supreme Court Judges.
• Appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers on the advice of the
Prime Minister.
4. Diplomatic Functions
• Appoints Governors of States, the Chief Justice and judges of the •Represents India in international affairs.
Supreme Court and High Courts.
•Signs treaties and agreements with foreign countries (subject to parliamentary
• Appoints key officials like the Attorney General, Chief Election approval).
Commissioner, Comptroller and Auditor General, etc.
•Appoints Indian ambassadors and receives foreign diplomats.
• Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air
Force).
5. Financial Functions
2. Legislative Functions •Ensures that no money bill is introduced in Parliament without his/her
• Summons and dissolves Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). recommendation.
• Delivers the inaugural address at the beginning of each parliamentary •Lays the Annual Budget before Parliament.
session. •Controls the Contingency Fund of India.
• Gives assent to bills passed by Parliament to become laws.
• Can nominate members to Rajya Sabha (12 experts) and Lok Sabha (2
Anglo-Indian members, if necessary).
 The Prime Minister of India
6. Emergency Functions

•Can declare National Emergency (Article 352) in case of war or

internal threat.
•Can impose President’s Rule in States (Article 356) if constitutional  Head of the Government and leader of the ruling party.
machinery fails.  Appointed by the President.
•Can declare Financial Emergency (Article 360) in case of economic  Acts as the chief advisor to the President.
crisis.
The President acts as a constitutional head and exercises powers on the  The Prime Minister of India is the chief architect of
advice of the Council of Ministers, making the position more ceremonial national policy and plays a crucial role in governance,
decision-making, and administration.
but still crucial in governance.
 Leads the Council of Ministers.
 Represents India on international platforms.
 Frames and executes government policies.
 Acts as a link between the President and the
Parliament.

1. Executive Functions:
• Head of Government: Leads the government and oversees all ministries
and departments.
• Policy Making: Decides national policies and strategies.
• Cabinet Leader: Heads the Council of Ministers and distributes portfolios
among ministers.
• Appointment Powers: Recommends appointments of Governors, Chief
Election Commissioner, Attorney General, etc.
• Bureaucratic Control: Oversees the functioning of civil services and
bureaucracy.
2. Legislative Functions:
• Leader in Parliament: Represents the government in the Lok Sabha and
Rajya Sabha.
• Introducing Bills: Plays a key role in the introduction of laws and policies.
• Advising the President: Recommends dissolution of the Lok Sabha and
advises on summoning parliamentary sessions.
3. Foreign Affairs and Defense: The Council of Ministers
• International Relations: Represents India globally and makes foreign
policy decisions.
• Defense and Security: Oversees defense and national security
matters.  • Includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and
Deputy Ministers.
4. Emergency Powers:
 • Headed by the Prime Minister.
• Can advise the President to declare a National Emergency, State
Emergency, or Financial Emergency under constitutional provisions.  • Ministers are responsible for different departments
and portfolios.
5. Miscellaneous Functions:
• Public Communication: Addresses the nation and maintains public
confidence.
• Welfare and Development: Oversees economic, social, and
technological development.
 1. Policy Formulation
• Frames domestic and foreign policies of the government.
• Decides on economic, social, defense, and administrative matters.
• Prepares long-term national development strategies.
2. Implementation of Laws and Policies
• Ensures the execution of laws passed by the Parliament.
• Directs and supervises government departments and ministries.
3. Legislative Functions
• Introduces government bills and policies in the Parliament.
• Ensures smooth passage of laws to implement government programs.
• Answers parliamentary questions and debates on policies.
4. Financial Functions
• Prepares and presents the Union Budget to Parliament.
• Manages financial matters like taxation, public expenditure, and resource allocation.
• Oversees economic planning and financial stability.
5. Administrative Functions
• Ensures effective administration of the country.
• Makes key appointments in government positions (e.g., Governors, Ambassadors, Chief
Justices).
• Supervises various ministries and departments.

6. Defense and National Security

• Frames defense policies and oversees military preparedness.
• Advises the President on security-related matters.
Functions of the Council of
• Manages internal security, law, and order. Ministers
7. Foreign Relations and Diplomacy
• Handles international relations and foreign policy.  • Formulates policies and laws.
• Signs treaties and agreements with other nations.
 • Implements government schemes and programs.
• Represents India at global forums like the UN, WTO, and G20.
 • Advises the President on legislative and executive
8. Crisis and Emergency Management matters.
• Takes decisions during natural disasters, economic crises, or war.
• Advises the President on the imposition of Emergency (National, State, or Financial).
9. Collective Responsibility
• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• If the Lok Sabha passes a No-Confidence Motion, the entire Council must resign.
10. Advisory Role to the President
• Advises the President on key governance matters.
• Suggests the dissolution of the Lok Sabha when necessary.
Relationship Between the Conclusion
President, PM, and Council of
Ministers
 • The President acts on the advice of the PM and  • The Union Government ensures the smooth
Council of Ministers. functioning of democracy.
 • The PM and Council of Ministers are responsible to the  • The President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers
Parliament. work together for national governance.
 • The system ensures checks and balances within the  • Effective governance depends on the coordination and
government. efficiency of these key institutions.