Dual polity
Topic: Federalism and Centre-State Relations · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 7 "Federalism"
Meaning
A dual polity means there are two sets of government: the Union and the states. Each has its own legislature (law-making body) and executive (the government that carries out laws). Each works within the powers the Constitution gives it. This is a basic federal feature. India's version is different from the USA's. India has one Constitution for both levels, single citizenship and an integrated judiciary, meaning one connected system of courts.
Example
Parliament and the Union Cabinet run the Union. Each state, such as Gujarat, has its own legislature and council of ministers. Both levels govern the same citizens. Yet an Indian has only one citizenship, while an American is a citizen of both the USA and their own state.
Don't confuse with
- Unitary system: here only one government holds real power, and any sub-units depend on it.