Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

The Union and its Territories

“Understanding the composition of the Indian Union and the classification of its territories as per the Constitution.”

The Indian Union

The Indian Union consists of states and union territories governed by a single sovereign government. The Constitution defines the political and administrative organization of the Union.

States of India

States have their own governments with legislative, executive, and judicial powers. They enjoy autonomy but remain under the framework of the Indian Constitution.

Union Territories

Union Territories (UTs) are regions governed directly by the Central Government through an appointed Administrator or Lieutenant Governor. Some UTs have legislatures and partial state-like powers.

  • Examples: Delhi, Puducherry (have legislatures); Lakshadweep, Chandigarh (directly governed)

Constitutional Provisions

  • Article 1: Declares India as a Union of States.
  • Article 2 & 3: Deals with admission and formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries.
  • Article 239: Provides administration of Union Territories.

Previous Year Questions

  • HSSC 2020: What is the difference between a State and a Union Territory?
  • States have their own governments, while Union Territories are governed by the Central Government.
  • SSC JE 2019: Under which article is the administration of Union Territories provided?
  • Article 239
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