The Vice-President is elected in the same way as the President, and holds office for five years. Prime Minister communicates all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to administration of affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation to the President. Generally, each department has an officer designated as secretary to the Government of India to advise Ministers on policy matters and general administration. The Cabinet Secretariat has an important coordinating role in decision making at highest level and operates under direction of Prime Minister. The Legislative Arm of the Union, called Parliament, consists of the President, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
All legislation requires consent of both houses of parliament.
However, in case of money bills, the will of the Lok Sabha prevails. The Rajya Sabha consists of 245 members. The Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution, one third of its members retire every second year. The Lok Sabha is composed of representatives of the people chosen by direct election on the basis of universal adult suffrage. As of today, the Lok Sabha consists of 545 members with 2 members nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian Community.