Federalism — Practice

Question 1

What is federalism?

Accepted Answer

A system in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments, each with its own sphere guaranteed by the Constitution.

✦ Answer: constitutional sharing of power between central and regional governments.

Question 2

Give one subject each from the Union List and the State List.

Accepted Answer

Union: defence (or foreign affairs). State: police (or agriculture).

✦ Answer: defence (Union), police (State).

Question 3

Which amendments strengthened local self-government in 1992?

Accepted Answer

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.

✦ Answer: 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992).

Question 4

State any two key features of federalism.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — There are two or more levels of government, each with its own jurisdiction.

Step 2 — Powers are specified and constitutionally guaranteed, protected by the courts.

✦ Answer: multiple levels with own jurisdiction; constitutionally guaranteed powers.

Question 5

What is the Concurrent List, and what happens if Union and State laws conflict?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — It contains subjects on which both the Centre and States can make laws (education, forests, marriage).

Step 2 — If their laws conflict, the Union law prevails.

✦ Answer: shared subjects; the Union law prevails on conflict.

Question 6

How does India's language policy promote unity?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Hindi is the official language but not imposed as the only one; 22 languages are scheduled.

Step 2 — States have their own official languages and English continues, respecting diversity.

✦ Answer: it recognises many languages and avoids imposing one, respecting diversity.

Question 7

What is decentralisation, and why is it needed?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Decentralisation transfers power from Union and State governments to local governments.

Step 2 — Local people best understand and solve local problems.

Step 3 — It deepens democracy by involving citizens directly.

✦ Answer: transferring power to local bodies so local problems are solved locally, deepening democracy.

Question 8

State three provisions of the 73rd/74th Amendments.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Regular elections to local bodies every five years, run by a State Election Commission.

Step 2 — Reservation of seats for SCs, STs, OBCs, and one-third for women.

Step 3 — Sharing of powers and revenue with local bodies.

✦ Answer: regular elections, reservations (incl. 1/3 for women), and power/revenue sharing.

Question 9

Differentiate 'coming together' and 'holding together' federations with examples.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Coming together: independent states unite as equals (e.g. USA).

Step 2 — Holding together: a large country divides power among regions, centre often stronger (e.g. India).

✦ Answer: coming together (USA, equal states) vs holding together (India, stronger centre).

Practice — Federalism

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