A Global Perspective

Chapter 31: Marriage

India

India, or as it is officially known, the Republic of India, is located in southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan. India’s history is as old as the history of mankind. Artifacts and drawings dating back as far as 500,000 years ago have been found in caves and on rocks. India is slightly more than one-third the size of the United States. Approximately 52 percent of the total population is literate.

The government of India is a federal republic. The president is the chief of state and is elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of the states. The president serves a five-year term. The head of government is the prime minister who is elected by parliamentary members of the majority party following legislative elections. The cabinet is appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister. The parliament consists of the Council of States which is made up of no more than 250 members. Up to 12 are appointed by the president and the remainder are chosen by elected members of the state and territorial assemblies. The People’s Assembly has 545 members. The president appoints two and the rest are elected by popular vote.

The legal system is based on English common law. India’s Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president and remain in office until they reach the age of 65.