Indian Political Structure

[Gauracandra]

I was curious if anyone could fill me in on Indian politics. First, in what manner is the government set up. For instance, in the U.S. we have three branches: 2 houses of Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court. Second, India seems so diverse, so what are the major parties, and how would one define their principle philosophies. In the U.S. we have 2 major parties (Democrats & Republicans, with 2 smaller parties the Green party and Libertarian party, and after that a bunch of tiny little parties). Also, is there a lot of regional affinity to certain parties (ie. people in Rajasthan usually vote for such and such party). Finally, when is the next election, what are the major points of debate, and who is likely to win. I'm just curious how politics is played out on the other side of the ocean.

 

Gauracandra

[Tarun]

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[Guest guest]

It was originally set up as a copy of the british system.

with a parliment,prime minister,etc.

i don't keep up with the politics inovolved.

[Avinash]

When I get time, I will post in detail.

[Avinash]

The government in India consists of central government and state governments. The central government legislates on some issues and state governments on some. On some issues both the union government and state governments may legislate, though a union law generally takes precedence. Although the states exercise either sole or joint control over a substantial range of issues, the constitution establishes a more dominant role for the union government. Matters requiring legislation that are not specifically listed lie within the domain of the central government.

 

Indian Parliament consists of the Rajya Sabha, (also known as Upper House) and the Lok Sabha (also known as Lower House). The state legislative assemblies elect elect the members of Rajya Sabha. Traditionally, the members of Rajya Sabha are those who have been outstanding in various fields like arts, sports, music, etc. The citizens of India elect the members of Lok Sabha.

 

As there is Lok Sabha in Centre, there is a Vidhan Sabha (Legislative assembly) in each state. Members to the Vidhan Sabha are voted by the inhabitants of that state. The leader of the Sabha is the chief minister who appoints his own council of ministers. Every state also has a Governor who is appointed by the President.

 

The President is the titular head of Executive of the Union. But, in practice, real executive power vests in Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister as head. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. In the states, the Governor, as the representative of the President, is the head of Executive, but real executive power rests with the Chief Minister who heads the Council of Ministers. In case, there is President's rule in a state, then the power lies with governor. The Council of Ministers of a state is collectively responsible to the elected legislative assembly of the state. The Union Executive consists of the President, the Vice President and Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President.

 

Judicial authority in India is exercised through a system of national courts administering the laws of the republic and the states. All judges are appointees of the executive branch of the government, but their independence is guaranteed by a variety of safeguards. Noteworthy among the latter is a provision requiring a two-thirds vote of the national legislature to effect removal from office. At the apex of the judicial system is a Supreme Court. Next in authority are the high courts and subordinate courts in each state.

 

The entire election process in India is controlled and conducted by an Election Commission (EC). The Election Commission fixes and announces the dates for elections.

 

After counting of votes, the party getting simple majority is declared elected. Majority can be of 2 types:

 

Simple Majority (the party with the highest number of votes) and

Absolute Majority (where the party gets more than 50% of the votes).

A simple majority may, at times lead to paradoxes, in that the elected representative may win only because he has the highest number of votes but he may not have the mandate of the majority of the voting public. This leads to interesting situations in the post-election period! When such a situation arises, then often different parties come together to form the government. (This is the case in India at present).

 

There are some political parties that have influence only in certain states. But this is because of the choice of public and not because of constitution. The two major parties that have influence over whole of India are Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) and Congress. Others come after these two.