India follows a parliamentary form of government, which is based on the British model. It is characterized by the following features:
- Executive- Legislature Relationship: The executive (Council of Ministers) is responsible to the legislature (Parliament). The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are part of the Parliament and must maintain its confidence to remain in office.
- Bicameral Legislature: The Parliament of India is a bicameral legislature, consisting of two houses:
- Federal Structure: India has a federal system with a strong centralizing tendency, meaning that while states have their own governments, the Union government holds significant power.
- Independent Judiciary: The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislature. The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial body, which can review laws and executive actions to ensure they conform to the Constitution.
- Separation of Powers: The Constitution provides for the separation of powers between the three branches of government—executive, legislature, and judiciary—ensuring checks and balances.