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New Delhi, an urban area in Delhi, is the seat of both the State Government of Delhi and the Government of India. The National Capital Territory of Delhi has its own Legislative Assembly, Lieutenant Governor, Council of Ministers and Chief Minister. Services are split under responsibilities of state and central government. e.g. while services like transport are taken care of by the Delhi Government, services such as the police are directly under the control of the Central Government. The Legislative Assembly was re-established in 1993 for the first time since 1956, with direct federal rule in the span. In addition, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) handles civic administration for the city. New Delhi is home to some of the landmark buildings of power like the Parliament of India, the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) and the Supreme Court of India.

India is the most populous democracy in the world. For most of its democratic history, it has been led by the Indian Congress Party. The Constitution of India is the longest constitution of any other nation in the world. It defines India as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. India operates under a Westminister-style parliamentary system. The President of India is the head of state. While he holds substantial reserve powers, the Presidential role is largely ceremonial.

The Constitution authorises the Parliament of India to oversee the operation of the government. The parliament in turn consists of two houses, The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). The Council of Ministers is held responsible to the Lok Sabha. India is divided into 28 states and seven union territories. Each state has its own elected government while Union Territories are governed by an administrator appointed by the central government. The states' chief minister is the official head of his state and is responsible to the legislatures in the same way the prime minister is responsible to parliament.