Before 1947, India was a dependency of the United Kingdom and consisted of British India, and the Princely States. It encompassed the entire area which now forms the four countries of India, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Industrialisation was limited and lop-sided. Agricultural sector exhibited features of feudal and semi-feudal institutions, resulting into low productivity. The political system was fragmented and the national unity was in danger. The Constitution of India adopted on November 26, 1949, became operative on January 26, 1950. It provides for two layers of Government, one at the Central level, and the other at the level of the States. This book presents a comprehensive description and analysis of the constitution, system of government and dynamics of politics in India, a geographically and demographically vast country inhabited by people professing different religions, speaking variety of languages and adhering to diverse socio-cultural ethos.