2 minPolitical Concept
Political Concept

Union Government

What is Union Government?

The Union Government, also known as the Central Government, is the governing authority of India. It comprises the President, Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers. It is responsible for the administration and governance of the entire country.

Historical Background

The structure of the Union Government is based on the Westminster model, adapted from the British parliamentary system. The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, establishes the framework for the Union Government's powers and functions.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    The President is the head of state, but the real executive power lies with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.

  • 2.

    The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha.

  • 3.

    The Council of Ministers assists and advises the President in the exercise of their functions.

  • 4.

    The Union Government is responsible for matters such as defense, foreign affairs, currency, and communications.

  • 5.

    The government is accountable to the Parliament, which can hold it accountable through various mechanisms such as no-confidence motions.

  • 6.

    The Union Government's powers are defined in List I (Union List) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.

  • 7.

    The government formulates policies and implements laws for the entire country.

  • 8.

    The Union Government represents India in international forums and negotiations.

Visual Insights

Structure of the Union Government

Key components and functions of the Union Government of India.

Union Government

  • Executive
  • Legislature
  • Functions
  • Relationship with States

Recent Developments

5 developments

Recent policy initiatives by the Union Government in areas such as economic reforms, healthcare, and education.

Changes in the composition of the Council of Ministers.

Amendments to laws and regulations passed by the Parliament.

Increased focus on digital governance and citizen-centric services.

The Union Government's response to various national and international challenges.

Source Topic

Menstrual Hygiene as a Fundamental Right: SC's Push for National Policy

Social Issues

UPSC Relevance

Important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International relations). Questions are frequently asked about the structure, powers, and functions of the Union Government in both Prelims and Mains.

Structure of the Union Government

Key components and functions of the Union Government of India.

Union Government

President (Head of State)

Prime Minister (Head of Government)

Council of Ministers

Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha)

Law making

Policy implementation

Maintaining national security

Division of powers

Connections
Union GovernmentExecutive
Union GovernmentLegislature
Union GovernmentFunctions
Union GovernmentRelationship With States