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Overview

The Union Executive

April 10, 2024
1 min read
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Components of the Union Executive

The Union Executive implements laws and runs the government. It consists of:

  1. The President
  2. The Vice President
  3. The Council of Ministers (headed by the Prime Minister)

1. The President

  • Role: Head of State and nominal head of the Executive.
  • Functions:
    • Appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers.
    • Summons the Parliament.
    • Gives assent to bills.
  • Power: Acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers but has discretionary powers during political crises.

2. The Prime Minister (PM)

  • Role: The de facto (actual) executive authority.
  • Appointment: The President appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha as PM.
  • Functions:
    • Leads the Council of Ministers.
    • Advises the President.
    • Coordinates work among different ministries.
    • Shapes national policies.

3. The Council of Ministers

  • Composition: Chosen from MPs of both houses.
  • Responsibility: Collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
  • Civil Servants: A permanent group of officials (bureaucrats) assists the ministers in implementing laws and ensuring departments run smoothly.
Tip

Example of Moral Responsibility In 1956, Railway Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned after a train accident. Though not personally to blame, he believed a minister must take moral responsibility for their ministry. This set a high standard for accountability.

Separation of Powers?

Even though the Executive is drawn from the Legislature (Ministers must be MPs), there is a functional separation:

  • Legislature: Makes laws.
  • Executive: Enforces laws.
  • Judiciary: Checks if laws/actions are constitutional.