Core Principles of Indian Polity and Governance

Posted on Aug 1, 2025 in Social sciences

State Legislatures: Vidhan Sabha & Vidhan Parishad

India’s state legislatures can be unicameral (only Vidhan Sabha) or bicameral (Vidhan Sabha & Vidhan Parishad). Their structure and functions are outlined in Articles 168-212 of the Constitution.

Composition & Strength

Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly)

  • Directly elected members from territorial constituencies.
  • Strength varies from 60 to 500, with exceptions for smaller states.

Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council)

  • A permanent body where one-third of members retire every two years.
  • Strength cannot exceed one-third of Vidhan Sabha and must have at least 40 members.

Powers & Functions

  • Legislative Powers: Can make laws on subjects in the State List (e.g., police, agriculture) and share authority with Parliament on the Concurrent List (e.g., education, marriage).
  • Financial Powers: Money Bills can only originate in Vidhan Sabha. Vidhan Parishad can delay them but cannot reject them.
  • Executive Control: Vidhan Sabha can pass a no-confidence motion, forcing the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers to resign.

Duration

  • Vidhan Sabha: 5-year term, unless dissolved earlier. Can be extended during a national emergency.
  • Vidhan Parishad: Permanent body, with staggered retirements.

Qualifications

  • Indian citizen
  • Registered voter in the state
  • Minimum age: 25 years (Vidhan Sabha), 30 years (Vidhan Parishad)

Disqualifications

  • Holding an office of profit
  • Unsound mind
  • Undischarged insolvency
  • Defection under the Tenth Schedule

Organs of the State: Branches of Government

The organs of the state are the three main branches of government that ensure the smooth functioning of a country. They work together through a system of checks and balances to prevent the misuse of power.

  1. Legislature (Law-Making Body)

    The Legislature is responsible for creating laws and policies. It consists of elected representatives who debate and pass legislation.

    Functions:

    • Drafts and passes laws.
    • Approves the budget and taxation.
    • Monitors the executive branch.
    • Can amend the Constitution.

  2. Executive (Law-Enforcing Body)

    The Executive is responsible for implementing laws and running the administration. It consists of the President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and Bureaucracy.

    Functions:

    • Enforces laws passed by the legislature.
    • Manages government departments.
    • Handles foreign relations and defense.
    • Oversees law enforcement.

  3. Judiciary (Law-Interpreting Body)

    The Judiciary ensures justice by interpreting laws and resolving disputes. It consists of courts at different levels.

    Functions:

    • Ensures laws align with the Constitution.
    • Protects fundamental rights.
    • Can declare laws unconstitutional.
    • Settles conflicts between individuals, states, and the government.

Federalism in India

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional units (such as states or provinces). Each level has independent powers but operates within a unified framework.

Key Features of Federalism:

  • Dual Government: Both central and state governments function independently.
  • Division of Powers: Responsibilities are distributed through a written constitution.
  • Supremacy of Constitution: The constitution defines the relationship between different levels of government.
  • Judicial Authority: Courts resolve disputes between the central and state governments.

India follows quasi-federalism, meaning it has federal features but with a strong central government.

Democracy: Types and Features

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, who elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Types of Democracy

  • Direct Democracy: Citizens vote on laws directly (e.g., Switzerland).
  • Representative Democracy: Citizens elect leaders to make decisions (e.g., India, USA).
  • Presidential Democracy: The President is directly elected and independent of the legislature (e.g., USA).
  • Parliamentary Democracy: The executive (Prime Minister) is chosen by the legislature (e.g., India, UK).

Features of Parliamentary Democracy

  • Executive Accountability: The government is answerable to the legislature.
  • Prime Minister as Head of Government: Chosen by the ruling party.
  • Collective Responsibility: Ministers work as a team and are accountable to Parliament.
  • Separation of Head of State & Head of Government: The President (India) or Monarch (UK) is the ceremonial head, while the Prime Minister holds real power.
  • Flexible Leadership: The government can be removed through a vote of no confidence.

Bicameralism: Two-House Legislature

Bicameralism is a system of government where the legislature consists of two separate houses or chambers. This structure ensures checks and balances, prevents hasty decision-making, and represents diverse interests.

Key Features of Bicameralism

  • Two Houses:
    • Upper House (e.g., Rajya Sabha in India, Senate in the USA) – Represents states or regions.
    • Lower House (e.g., Lok Sabha in India, House of Representatives in the USA) – Represents the people.
  • Legislative Process: Bills must be approved by both houses before becoming law.
  • Balanced Representation: Ensures that different groups (states, professionals, minorities) have a voice in governance.
  • Prevents Concentration of Power: The two houses act as a check on each other.

India follows bicameralism at the national level (Parliament) and in six states (e.g., Bihar, Karnataka).