Three levels of government

Every democratic government works at several levels. In many countries, including India, there are three levels (or tiers): local, state (regional) and national. Each level deals with different matters.

The book's homely comparison: if a bulb at home does not light up, you first check the bulb, switch and fuse. If that does not work, you call an electrician. If the problem is outside your home, you go to the Electricity Board and complain. Three levels of dealing with one problem.

In India we have local governments, State governments, and the Central (or Union) government.

A real case: after heavy rain for some days, part of a district floods. If it is not too bad, the local authorities can deal with it. If it affects several towns and many villages, the State Government steps in and sends rescue teams. If it is a massive flood over vast areas, the Central Government may also help, sending relief supplies, the army and so on.

Many of our institutions have mottos inspired by ancient texts. The Government of India's motto is 'Satyameva Jayate', 'Truth alone triumphs'. The Supreme Court's motto is 'Yato Dharmastato Jayah', 'Where there is dharma, there is victory.'

The book's table lines up the organs against the levels:

• Judiciary: the Supreme Court of India for the whole country (there is only one, in New Delhi), and a High Court at State level.
• Legislature: nationally, two houses, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, which make national laws; at State level, the State Assembly (Vidhan Sabha). Most States have one assembly, though a few have two. (A house is an assembly where laws are discussed or passed.)

• Executive: the Central government is led by the President of India (the nominal head and Supreme Commander of the armed forces), with the Prime Minister as the executive head. A State government is led by the Governor (nominal head), with the Chief Minister as executive head. 'Nominal' means in name only: the President and the Governors are not the actual executive heads. They have some powers in special circumstances, but normally do not interfere.

Central responsibilities include defence, foreign affairs, atomic energy, communications, currency, trade between states, education and making national policies. State responsibilities include police, law and order, carrying out Central laws in the State, public health, education, agriculture, irrigation and local government. Notice that education is in both lists, and the book warns that the list is not complete.