Government

Under its 1950 constitution India is a federal republic. It is a federal union of 28 states and 7 union territories. The president, who is head of state, is elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of members from the national and state legislatures.

Executive power is exercised by the cabinet, headed by the prime minister. The cabinet is responsible to Parliament, which consists of the Council of States and the House of the People. Members of the Council of States are chosen by the members of the states' legislative bodies. The more than 200 council members serve six-year terms; about one-third are replaced every two years. The House of the People has more than 500 members elected directly for five-year terms.

The Supreme Court of India consists of the chief justice and not more than 17 judges appointed by the president. Each state has a governor appointed by the president, a council of ministers (cabinet), and a legislature.