India / Government

The world's largest democracy, India follows a parliamentary system of governance. The Constitution guarantees liberty, equality and justice to all. Elections based on adult franchise, are held every five years. Parliament consists of two Houses - the Lok Sabha, with members elected by the people and the Rajya Sabha, where members are both nominated and elected. Members from both Houses and the State Assemblies, elect the President for a five-year term. The President is the head of the State and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The person enjoying majority support in the Lok Sabha is appointed Prime Minister by the President. The President appoints other Ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.

There are twenty-six States and six Union Territories. Each state has a Governor at the helm, aided by Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister as their leader.

The judiciary, independent of the executive, is the guardian and interpreter of the Constitution. The Supreme Court at the head of the judicial system is the apex court of the land.

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