The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government, although the term “federation” is not explicitly used. Article 1 describes India as a “Union of States,” implying an indestructible union formed by an agreement among the states. The federal nature is evident in the division of powers between the Union (Central) government and the State governments, the supremacy of the Constitution, an independent judiciary to settle disputes, and a bicameral legislature at the Union level. However, the Indian federation also exhibits strong unitary features, leading it to be described as a “quasi-federal” system.
Key Federal Features of the Indian Constitution:
Division of Powers: A clear demarcation of powers between the Union and the States, outlined in the Seventh Schedule through three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List.
Supremacy of the Constitution: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and both the Union and the States must operate within its framework.
Written Constitution: The existence of a detailed written Constitution ensures clarity and avoids potential disputes over the distribution of powers.
Independent Judiciary: An independent judiciary, with the Supreme Court at its apex, acts as an umpire to resolve disputes between the Union and the States or among the States themselves.
Bicameral Legislature: The Parliament at the Union level consists of two Houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), with the Rajya Sabha representing the interests of the States.
Dual Government: The existence of governments at two levels – the Union and the States – each with its own sphere of authority.
Now, let’s tackle some complex MCQs on the federal features of the Indian Constitution.
MCQs on the Federal Features of the Indian Constitution:
1. Which of the following best describes the nature of the Indian Constitution with respect to federalism?
(a) A purely federal constitution with strict separation of powers.
(b) A unitary constitution with powers concentrated in the central government.
(c) A quasi-federal constitution with a blend of federal and unitary features.
(d) A confederal system where states retain significant sovereignty.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Indian Constitution establishes a system that is predominantly federal in nature due to the division of powers and other federal characteristics, but it also contains strong unitary features, leading scholars to describe it as quasi-federal.
2. The division of powers between the Union and the States in India is primarily governed by which Schedule of the Constitution?
(a) Fifth Schedule
(b) Sixth Schedule
(c) Seventh Schedule
(d) Eighth Schedule
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List, which demarcate the legislative powers between the Union and the States.
3. Which of the following subjects falls exclusively under the Union List?
(a) Public order
(b) Agriculture
(c) Banking
(d) Education
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Banking is a subject exclusively under the legislative jurisdiction of the Union Parliament, as enumerated in the Union List. Public order and agriculture are primarily State subjects, while education is in the Concurrent List.
4. The Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule signifies:
(a) The exclusive legislative powers of the Union Parliament.
(b) The exclusive legislative powers of the State Legislatures.
(c) Subjects on which both the Union Parliament and the State Legislatures can make laws.
(d) Subjects that are under the joint administrative control of the Union and the States.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Concurrent List contains subjects on which both the Union Parliament and the State Legislatures have the power to make laws. However, in case of a conflict, the law made by the Union Parliament generally prevails.
5. The residuary powers of legislation in India are vested in:
(a) The State Legislatures.
(b) The Judiciary.
(c) The Union Parliament.
(d) A joint committee of the Union and State representatives.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 248 of the Constitution vests the residuary powers of legislation, i.e., the power to make laws with respect to any matter not enumerated in the Union List, State List, or Concurrent List, in the Union Parliament.
6. The Rajya Sabha, as the Council of States, represents the federal character of the Indian Constitution by:
(a) Having members directly elected by the people from each state based on population.
(b) Having equal representation for all states, irrespective of their population size.
(c) Having members elected by the Legislative Assemblies of the States, thus giving states a voice in the Union legislature.
(d) Having members nominated by the President based on the recommendations of the State governments.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and by a special electoral college for the Union Territories. This ensures that the States have representation in the Union Parliament.
7. Which of the following is a unitary feature of the Indian Constitution?
(a) Division of powers between the Union and the States.
(b) Supremacy of the Constitution.
(c) Single citizenship.
(d) Independent judiciary.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Single citizenship, where all citizens of India owe allegiance to the Union, unlike in some federations where dual citizenship exists, is considered a unitary feature. The other options are generally federal characteristics.
8. In case of a conflict between a law made by the Union Parliament and a law made by a State Legislature on a subject in the Concurrent List:
(a) The State law will always prevail as States have autonomy.
(b) The Union law will always prevail.
(c) The law enacted earlier will prevail.
(d) The matter is referred to the Supreme Court for a binding decision on supremacy.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 254 of the Constitution states that if a State law on a Concurrent List subject is repugnant to a Union law on the same subject, the Union law shall prevail, and the State law shall be void to the extent of the repugnancy. However, if the State law has been reserved for the President’s consideration and has received his assent, it may prevail in that State.
9. The power of the Union Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List is possible under which of the following circumstances?
(a) During a Financial Emergency declared under Article 360.
(b) When the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority declaring that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest for Parliament to make laws on any matter enumerated in the State List.
(c) When a proclamation of Emergency is in operation (National Emergency under Article 352).
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Union Parliament can legislate on State List subjects under all the mentioned circumstances, reflecting the strong unitary bias in the Indian federal structure during emergencies or when national interest is deemed paramount by the Rajya Sabha.
10. The role of the Governor of a State, appointed by the President of India, is often seen as:
(a) A purely ceremonial head of the State with no real powers.
(b) A link between the Union Government and the State Government, highlighting the unitary aspects of the federation.
(c) An independent authority responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the State government.
(d) An elected representative of the people of the State.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Governor, being appointed by the President and holding office at the pleasure of the President, acts as a representative of the Union Government in the State, thus emphasizing the unitary control the Centre can exert over the States.
11. Which of the following is a characteristic of a strong federal system but is somewhat diluted in the Indian context?
(a) A written and supreme Constitution.
(b) Division of powers between the federal and state governments.
(c) Equality of representation of states in the upper house of the federal legislature.
(d) An independent judiciary to resolve federal disputes.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: In a typical strong federation like the United States, states have equal representation in the upper house (Senate) regardless of their population. In India, the Rajya Sabha allocates seats to states based on their population, thus diluting the principle of equality of representation among states.
12. The concept of “Union of States” in Article 1 of the Indian Constitution implies:
(a) That the States have the freedom to secede from the Union.
(b) That the Indian federation is indestructible and the States cannot break away.
(c) That the Union was formed through a voluntary agreement among the States, which can be revoked.
(d) That the powers of the Union are derived solely from the consent of the States.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The phrase “Union of States” was deliberately used to convey that the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement by independent states that can be dissolved. It signifies an indestructible union from which the states cannot secede.
13. Which of the following bodies plays a significant role in maintaining the fiscal federalism in India?
(a) The Parliament of India.
(b) The Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog).
(c) The Finance Commission.
(d) The National Development Council.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Finance Commission, constituted periodically under Article 280, plays a crucial role in recommending the distribution of certain tax revenues between the Union and the States and also lays down the principles governing grants-in-aid to the States, thus being central to fiscal federalism in India.
14. The power to create new States or alter the boundaries of existing States in India rests with:
(a) The Supreme Court of India.
(b) The President of India.
(c) The Parliament of India.
(d) The State Legislatures concerned (with mandatory consultation of the Union).
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Under Article 3 of the Constitution, the power to form new States and alter the areas, boundaries, or names of existing States rests with the Parliament of India, although the President is required to refer the bill to the concerned State Legislature for its views.
15. Which of the following is a federal feature that ensures the supremacy of the Constitution over both the Union and the States?
(a) The division of powers in the Seventh Schedule.
(b) The written nature of the Constitution.
(c) The independent judiciary with the power of judicial review.
(d) The bicameral legislature at the Union level.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The written nature of the Constitution ensures that both the Union and the States derive their powers and functions from it, establishing its supremacy as the fundamental law.
16. The integrated judiciary in India, with the Supreme Court at the apex and State High Courts below it, is often considered:
(a) A purely federal feature ensuring independence of State judiciaries.
(b) A unitary feature that allows for uniformity in the interpretation and application of laws across the country.
(c) A neutral feature that does not impact the federal or unitary balance.
(d) A feature that varies significantly from State to State, reflecting regional autonomy.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The integrated judicial system, where State High Courts are subordinate to the Supreme Court and all courts interpret and apply Union laws, is a unitary feature that promotes uniformity and ensures the supremacy of Union laws and constitutional interpretations.
17. The All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) are considered a unitary feature of the Indian federal system because:
(a) Their recruitment and training are done by the Union Government, and they serve both the Union and State Governments.
(b) They are exclusively under the control of the Union Government.
(c) They are recruited and controlled by the respective State Governments.
(d) They primarily deal with subjects in the Union List.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The All India Services are recruited and trained by the Union Government, but their members are assigned to serve in the States. This allows the Union to have a degree of administrative control and uniformity across the country, thus being a unitary feature.
18. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the balance of power between the Union and the States in India?
(a) The States are completely autonomous and can legislate on any matter within their territory.
(b) The Union Government has overriding powers in most legislative and administrative matters, especially in cases of conflict or national interest.
(c) The powers are equally balanced, with neither the Union nor the States having a dominant position.
(d) The balance of power is constantly shifting based on political dynamics and judicial interpretations.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: While the Constitution provides for a division of powers, the Union Government generally holds a stronger position, especially in matters of national interest, financial resources, and emergency provisions, reflecting the unitary bias.
19. The power of the Union Government to give directions to State Governments is a:
(a) Typical feature of a strong federation with cooperative elements.
(b) Unitary feature that allows the Centre to ensure uniformity and compliance.
(c) A power that can only be exercised with the consent of the State Governments.
(d) A power that is rarely used due to the autonomous nature of the States.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Constitution contains provisions allowing the Union Government to give directions to State Governments on certain matters (e.g., implementation of Union laws, maintenance of means of communication of national or military importance), which is a unitary feature aimed at ensuring uniformity and compliance with national policies.
20. Which of the following bodies is a platform for discussion and coordination between the Union and the State Governments on policy matters?
(a) The Supreme Court of India.
(b) The Election Commission of India.
(c) The Inter-State Council.
(d) The Finance Commission.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Inter-State Council, established under Article 263, is designed to facilitate coordination and discussion between the Union and the States on matters of common interest, promoting cooperative federalism.
21. The emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution (Articles 352, 356, 360) tend to:
(a) Strengthen the federal structure by granting more autonomy to States during crises.
(b) Transform the federal structure into a unitary one, giving overriding powers to the Union.
(c) Have no significant impact on the federal distribution of powers.
(d) Be rarely invoked and thus have minimal practical effect on federalism.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: During a National Emergency (Article 352) or President’s Rule in a State (Article 356), the federal distribution of powers is significantly altered, with the Union gaining extensive legislative and executive control over the States, effectively moving towards a unitary structure for the duration of the emergency.
22. The concept of “cooperative federalism” in India is best exemplified by:
(a) The strict adherence to the division of powers with minimal intergovernmental interaction.
(b) The Union Government unilaterally imposing its policies on the States.
(c) The Union and the States working together and sharing responsibilities to achieve common goals, often through inter-state councils and joint projects.
(d) The constant legal battles between the Union and the States over jurisdictional issues.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Cooperative federalism emphasizes the harmonious working relationship between the Union and the States, where they collaborate and share responsibilities in various domains for the overall progress of the nation.
23. Which of the following taxes is exclusively levied by the Union Government?
(a) Taxes on agricultural income.
(b) Excise duties on alcoholic liquors for human consumption.
(c) Taxes on the sale or purchase of goods other than newspapers.
(d) Taxes on income other than agricultural income.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Taxes on income other than agricultural income are levied by the Union Government, as specified in the Union List. The other taxes listed generally fall under the State List or have provisions for sharing.
24. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India is an example of:
(a) A purely unitary tax system where the Union levies and collects all taxes.
(b) A purely federal tax system where the States have exclusive powers to levy and collect GST.
(c) Cooperative federalism, involving both the Union and the States in the levy and collection of GST through the GST Council.
(d) A confederal tax system where each State decides its own GST rates and collection mechanisms.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The GST regime, with its dual structure (CGST and SGST) and the GST Council involving both Union and State representatives in decision-making, is a prime example of cooperative federalism in the fiscal domain.
25. Which of the following is a safeguard to the autonomy of the States within the Indian federal system?
(a) The power of the Union Parliament to legislate on State List subjects in national interest.
(b) The role of the Governor as an agent of the Union Government.
(c) The representation of States in the Rajya Sabha.
(d) The integrated judicial system with the Supreme Court at the apex.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The representation of States in the Rajya Sabha ensures that the States have a voice in the Union legislature and can participate in decisions that affect the nation, thus safeguarding their interests and autonomy to some extent.
26. The Sarkaria Commission (1983) was primarily set up to review:
(a) The financial relations between the Union and the States.
(b) The legislative relations between the Union and the States.
(c) The administrative relations between the Union and the States.
(d) All aspects of the Union-State relationship and suggest reforms to strengthen federalism.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: The Sarkaria Commission was established by the Union Government to examine and report on the entire gamut of Union-State relations and to recommend measures within the constitutional framework to strengthen federalism in India.
27. The concept of “asymmetrical federalism” in India refers to:
(a) The equal distribution of powers and resources among all States.
(b) The existence of different levels of autonomy and special provisions granted to certain States under specific constitutional articles.
(c) The constant power struggles and imbalances between the Union and the States.
(d) The division of the country into regions with different administrative structures.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Asymmetrical federalism in India refers to the fact that not all States have the same degree of autonomy or are governed by the same set of laws and provisions. Certain States, particularly those with unique historical, cultural, or geographical circumstances (e.g., under Articles 370 (now abrogated for J&K), 371A-J), have been granted special provisions.
28. Which of the following is a mechanism that promotes uniformity in laws across the States in India, thus exhibiting a unitary tendency within the federal structure?
(a) The exclusive legislative powers of the State Legislatures on subjects in the State List.
(b) The power of the Union Parliament to legislate on subjects in the Concurrent List, which prevails over State laws in case of conflict.
(c) The diverse legal traditions and customs followed by different States.
(d) The absence of a uniform civil code applicable to all citizens.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The supremacy of Union laws on subjects in the Concurrent List ensures a degree of uniformity in legislation across the States on these matters, showcasing a unitary aspect within the federal framework.
29. The Finance Commission’s recommendations regarding the distribution of tax revenues and grants-in-aid are:
(a) Binding on the Union Government.
(b) Only advisory in nature, and the Union Government may or may not accept them.
(c) Binding on the State Governments but not on the Union Government.
(d) Subject to approval by a joint committee of the Union and State representatives.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The recommendations of the Finance Commission are advisory in nature. While the Union Government generally accepts and implements them, it is not constitutionally bound to do so.
30. Which of the following features of the Indian Constitution leans most strongly towards a unitary system?
(a) The bicameral legislature at the Union level.
(b) The division of powers in the Seventh Schedule.
(c) The single integrated judiciary.
(d) The written and supreme Constitution.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The single integrated judiciary, with the Supreme Court at the apex, exercising appellate jurisdiction over the High Courts in the States and having the final say on the interpretation of laws (including State laws), is a very strong unitary feature.
31. The concept of “federal supremacy” generally implies that:
(a) State laws always take precedence over Union laws within their respective territories.
(b) The federal (Union) government has ultimate authority in matters of national interest and in areas of shared jurisdiction.
(c) The judiciary has the final say in determining the balance of power between the Union and the States.
(d) The Constitution explicitly grants more powers to the States compared to the Union.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Federal supremacy, as it operates in India, means that in matters enumerated in the Union List and in cases of conflict on the Concurrent List (unless the State law has received presidential assent on a specific issue), the authority of the Union Government and the laws made by the Union Parliament prevail.
32. Which of the following mechanisms allows for greater participation of the States in the Union’s legislative process on matters affecting them?
(a) The direct election of all Lok Sabha members from the States.
(b) The representation of States in the Rajya Sabha.
(c) The requirement of ratification by State legislatures for all constitutional amendments.
(d) The consultation with State Governors before the enactment of Union laws.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Rajya Sabha, as the Council of States, provides a platform for the States to have their voices heard in the Union Parliament, especially on matters that concern their interests, as their representatives participate in the legislative process.
33. The power of the Union to create new States or alter existing ones under Article 3 is often seen as a limitation on the federal principle of:
(a) Equality of States.
(b) Autonomy of States.
(c) Indestructible nature of States.
(d) Supremacy of State Constitutions.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The fact that the Union Parliament can alter the boundaries or even create new States without the absolute consent of the affected States is a departure from the principle of an indestructible union of indestructible states, which is a feature of some other federations.
34. Which of the following bodies is NOT primarily concerned with maintaining the federal balance or Union-State relations in India?
(a) The Inter-State Council.
(b) The Finance Commission.
(c) The National Human Rights Commission.
(d) Zonal Councils.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The National Human Rights Commission is concerned with the protection of human rights across the country, both at the Union and State levels, but its primary mandate is not the maintenance of the federal balance or the specific aspects of Union-State relations. The other bodies listed play significant roles in these areas.
35. The concept of “implied powers” of the Union government in India suggests that:
(a) The Union’s powers are strictly limited to those explicitly mentioned in the Union List.
(b) The Union also possesses powers that are necessary and incidental to carrying out its enumerated powers.
(c) Any power not explicitly given to the Union resides with the States.
(d) The judiciary has the sole authority to determine the extent of the Union’s powers.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The doctrine of implied powers, though not explicitly stated as in the US Constitution, is often invoked in India to argue that the Union government also possesses powers that are reasonably necessary to execute its enumerated powers effectively.
36. Which of the following taxes, though levied by the Union, is shared with the States?
(a) Corporation tax.
(b) Customs duties.
(c) Goods and Services Tax (GST).
(d) Surcharge on income tax.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a significant example of shared taxation under India’s cooperative federalism, with both the Union (CGST) and the States (SGST) levying and collecting it, and the revenues being shared as per the GST Council’s recommendations.
37. The role of Zonal Councils in India is primarily to:
(a) Resolve inter-state disputes of a political nature.
(b) Promote cooperation and coordination among States within each zone on economic, social, and other matters.
(c) Act as appellate bodies for disputes between the Union and the States.
(d) Oversee the implementation of Union government policies at the state level.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Zonal Councils are statutory bodies established to foster cooperation and coordination among groups of States (zones) on various issues of common interest, thereby promoting a spirit of federal collaboration.
38. Which of the following constitutional provisions allows the Union Parliament to legislate on any matter for implementing international treaties, even if the subject falls under the State List?
(a) Article 246 (Subject-matter of laws made by Parliament and by the Legislatures of States)
(b) Article 249 (Power of Parliament to legislate with respect to a matter in the State List in the national interest)
(c) Article 253 (Legislation for giving effect to international agreements)
(d) Article 256 (Obligation of States and the Union)
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 253 empowers the Union Parliament to make laws on any part of the territory of India for implementing any treaty, agreement, or convention with any other country or any decision made at any international 1 conference, association, or other body, even if the subject matter falls under the State List. This highlights the primacy of international obligations in the Indian system.
39. The concept of “repugnancy” between Union and State laws on a Concurrent subject is dealt with under:
(a) Article 245 (Extent of laws made by Parliament and by the Legislatures of States).
(b) Article 248 (Residuary powers of legislation).
(c) Article 254 (Inconsistency between laws made by Parliament and laws made by the Legislatures of States).
(d) Article 256 (Obligation of States and the Union).
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 254 specifically addresses the issue of inconsistency or repugnancy between laws made by Parliament and laws made by the State Legislatures on subjects enumerated in the Concurrent List, establishing the general principle of Union law prevailing.
40. Which of the following is NOT a federal feature of the Indian Constitution?
(a) A dual polity (Union and States).
(b) A written Constitution.
(c) A single unified civil service for the entire country.
(d) An independent judiciary to settle disputes between the Union and the States.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A single unified civil service (like the All India Services) is considered a unitary feature, as it involves recruitment and control by the Union government, with officers serving both at the Union and State levels, thus lending a degree of central control over administration in the States. The other options are key federal features.
41. The power of the President to promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session can be seen as having a unitary tendency because:
(a) It allows the Union executive to make laws that are applicable across the country without immediate legislative scrutiny.
(b) Ordinances require the consent of the State Governors before being promulgated.
(c) Ordinances can only be issued on subjects in the State List.
(d) The power is rarely used and has minimal impact on the federal structure.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The President’s ordinance-making power allows the Union executive to enact laws with immediate effect across the nation when Parliament is not in session, potentially bypassing the regular legislative process involving State representatives, thus exhibiting a unitary tendency.
42. Which of the following statements best describes the evolution of federalism in India?
(a) It has moved from a strong federal structure towards an increasingly unitary one.
(b) It has evolved from a strong unitary bias towards greater decentralization and cooperative federalism.
(c) It has remained largely static since the Constitution came into force.
(d) It has been characterized by a complete separation of powers with minimal interaction between the Union and the States.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Over the decades, while the Constitution has inherent unitary features, there has been a discernible trend towards greater decentralization, increased emphasis on cooperative federalism through bodies like the Inter-State Council and the GST Council, and a growing recognition of the importance of State autonomy.
43. The concept of “implied limitations” on the amending power of the Constitution, as it relates to federalism, suggests that:
(a) The basic federal structure of the Constitution cannot be altered by amendments under Article 368.
(b) States have an inherent right to veto any constitutional amendment affecting their powers.
(c) Only those federal provisions explicitly mentioned as requiring State ratification are protected.
(d) The judiciary has no power to review constitutional amendments affecting federalism.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The basic structure doctrine, as propounded by the Supreme Court, includes the federal character of the Constitution. This implies that even though Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, it cannot do so in a way that destroys or fundamentally alters the federal nature of the Indian polity.
44. Which of the following is a mechanism for inter-state cooperation and coordination beyond formal constitutional bodies?
(a) The Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction in disputes between States.
(b) Bilateral or multilateral agreements and forums established by the States themselves.
(c) The President’s power to issue directions to States.
(d) The Union government’s power to legislate on State List subjects during emergencies.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: States often enter into agreements and establish forums among themselves to address common issues and promote cooperation in various sectors, operating outside the formal constitutional mechanisms for Union-State or inter-State coordination.
45. The financial dependence of many States on grants-in-aid from the Union government is sometimes cited as:
(a) A strengthening factor for cooperative federalism based on shared resources.
(b) A unitary feature that gives the Union leverage over State policies.
(c) An indicator of the fiscal autonomy enjoyed by the States.
(d) A mechanism that ensures equitable distribution of wealth across the country.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The significant financial dependence of many States on the Union for grants can give the Union government considerable influence over the policies and priorities of the States, highlighting a unitary aspect within the fiscal federal structure.
46. Which of the following is a potential area of conflict between the principles of federalism and the need for national unity and integration in India?
(a) The existence of a written Constitution that clearly defines the powers of the Union and the States.
(b) The establishment of an independent judiciary to resolve disputes between different levels of government.
(c) Demands for greater State autonomy and regional identities sometimes clashing with the need for a strong central authority to maintain national cohesion.
(d) The bicameral nature of the Union legislature, ensuring representation of both the people and the States.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The aspirations of States for greater autonomy and the assertion of distinct regional identities can sometimes create tensions with the Union government’s need to maintain a strong central authority to ensure national unity and integration.
47. The concept of “single window clearance” for projects that span across multiple states is an example of:
(a) Increased centralization of economic decision-making by the Union.
(b) A move towards greater fiscal autonomy for the States involved.
(c) Cooperative federalism aimed at facilitating economic development through inter-state coordination.
(d) A purely state-driven initiative with minimal Union involvement.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Single window clearance mechanisms for multi-state projects often involve collaboration and coordination between the Union and the concerned State governments to streamline approvals and facilitate economic development, reflecting cooperative federalism.
48. Which of the following best describes the current trajectory of federalism in India?
(a) A steady decline in the powers and autonomy of the States.
(b) A consistent strengthening of the Union government’s control over the States.
(c) An ongoing negotiation and evolution towards a more balanced and cooperative federal structure.
(d) A clear and irreversible shift towards a unitary system of governance.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The evolution of Indian federalism is a continuous process of negotiation and adaptation, influenced by political, economic, and social factors, with an ongoing effort to strike a balance between a strong Union and autonomous, cooperative States.
49. The power to conduct elections to the State legislatures and the Parliament rests with:
(a) The respective State Election Commissions and the Union Election Commission operating independently.
(b) The Union Election Commission, which conducts elections for all levels of government in India.
(c) A joint body comprising representatives from the Union and the States.
(d) The judiciary, which oversees the electoral process.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is a single, autonomous body responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State legislatures, the offices of the President and Vice-President, highlighting a unitary aspect in the electoral machinery.
50. In the context of federalism, the term “devolution of powers” typically refers to:
(a) The concentration of more powers in the hands of the Union government.
(b) The transfer of certain powers and responsibilities from the Union government to the State governments or lower levels of governance.
(c) The assertion of greater autonomy by the States at the expense of the Union.
(d) The resolution of disputes over the existing division of powers by the judiciary.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Devolution of powers implies the transfer of authority and responsibility from a higher level of government (in this context, often the Union) to lower levels, such as the States or even local bodies, aiming at greater decentralization.