1. The President of India:

• Position and Role: The President serves as the nominal head of state, symbolizing the unity and integrity of the nation. Although the President's role is largely ceremonial, the powers are exercised in the name of the President, under the guidance of the Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister.

• Qualifications: To become President, one must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and meet the qualifications necessary for a Lok Sabha member.

• Functions:

o Parliamentary Powers:The President can summon, prorogue, or dissolve Parliament sessions. Additionally, the President nominates 9 Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha and appoints 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.

o Appointments and Approvals: The President approves appointments to various key positions, such as members of the UPSC and the National Commission for Women. The President also has the authority to declare war or peace.

2. The Vice-President of India:

• Position and Role: The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and plays a significant role in the event of a vacancy in the President’s office.

• Functions:

o Acting President: The Vice-President can perform the duties of the President during their absence due to illness, resignation, or death, as per Article 65. The Vice-President also has the authority to assume presidential duties when necessary.

3. The Prime Minister of India:

• Position and Role: The Prime Minister is the real head of government and the leader of the Union Executive. Appointed by the President, the Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers and advises the President on various matters.

• Qualifications: The Prime Minister must be at least 25 years old to be a member of the Lok Sabha or 30 years old for the Rajya Sabha. They must be the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha.

• Functions:

o Legislative Leadership: Acts as a key link between Parliament and the President. The Prime Minister has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha and recommend appointments to various positions, including judges, constitutional bodies, and governors.

4. The Council of Ministers:

• Position and Role: The Council of Ministers, composed of Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers, is a constitutional body responsible for directing government policy and administration.

• Qualifications: Members must be part of either house of Parliament. If a member is disqualified based on disloyalty or other reasons, they are ineligible to remain a minister.

• Functions:

o Policy and Administration: Formulates and implements government policies and is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. The Council assists the Prime Minister in advising the President and running the government.

5. The Attorney General of India:

• Position and Role: Appointed by the President, the Attorney General provides legal advice to the government and represents it in the Supreme Court.

• Qualifications: Must be qualified to be appointed as a Supreme Court judge.

• Functions:

o Legal Representation: Has the right to audience in any court in India and enjoys legislative privileges. The Attorney General participates in Parliament proceedings and provides legal guidance to the government.

State Executive of India

The State Executive is responsible for the administration and implementation of laws at the state level. It mirrors the structure of the Union Executive but operates within the state framework.

1. The Governor of a State:

• Position and Role: The Governor acts as the nominal head of the state, appointed by the President. The Governor performs duties similar to those of the President but at the state level.

• Qualifications: The Governor must be an Indian citizen and is typically not a resident of the state to which they are appointed.

• Functions:

o Appointments and Administration: Appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers. The Governor has the authority to dissolve the state legislature and summon its sessions, representing the President in state matters.

2. The Chief Minister and the State Council of Ministers:

• Position and Role: The Chief Minister is the real executive head of the state government. The Chief Minister leads the Council of Ministers, which is composed of various ministers responsible for different state portfolios.

• Qualifications: The Chief Minister must be a member of the state legislature and is generally the leader of the majority party or coalition.

• Functions:

o Policy Formulation and Administration: Formulates state policies and administers state laws. Advises the Governor on key matters, including appointments and legislative decisions.

3. The Advocate-General of the State:

• Position and Role: Appointed by the Governor, the Advocate-General provides legal advice to the state government and represents it in state courts.

• Qualifications: Must meet the qualifications required for being a High Court judge.

• Functions:

o Legal Counsel: Provides legal advice to the state government and represents it in court proceedings. The Advocate-General plays a crucial role in ensuring the legal compliance of state actions.

Interrelationship Between Union and State Executives

The Union and State Executives operate within a federal framework, meaning that while the Union Executive handles national-level administration, the State Executive manages state-level governance. Their interrelationship is essential for ensuring effective governance across different levels.

• Implementation of Laws: The Union Executive creates and enforces national laws, whereas the State Executive implements these laws within their jurisdiction.

• Policy Coordination: Both levels of government must coordinate to ensure that policies are applied consistently and that any jurisdictional conflicts are resolved.

• Emergency Powers: During national emergencies or situations requiring central intervention, the Union Executive may influence or take over state governance temporarily.

In summary, the Union Executive and State Executive play integral roles in India's governance structure. The Union Executive, comprising the President, the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers, manages national administration, while the State Executive, consisting of the Governor, Chief Minister, and Council of Ministers, handles state governance. Their effective functioning and coordination are crucial for the smooth operation of India's federal system.