India is divided into 36 states that form the primary tier of its three-level administrative structure. States exercise substantial autonomy under India's federal system, with powers divided between the central government and state governments according to the Constitution. Each state has its own elected legislature and executive, headed by a Chief Minister, responsible for matters including public order, police, health, agriculture, education, and local governance. States collect certain taxes, maintain their own civil services, and implement both central and state-specific policies. This arrangement allows states to address regional needs and cultural diversity while operating within the framework of national unity. The distribution of powers between the central government and states is defined through Union, State, and Concurrent Lists, which specify exclusive and shared responsibilities across different domains of governance.