2. Federalism
A. MCQs
1. The vertical division of power among different levels of
government is known as:
a) Federalism b) Unitary system c) Dictatorship d) None
Answer: a)
2. In a federal system, the central government:
a) Can order the state government b) Cannot order the state
government c) Is the only authority d) None
Answer: b)
3. Which of the following is NOT a feature of federalism?
a) Two or more levels of government b) Constitutionally
guaranteed jurisdiction c) Centralized power d) Independent judiciary
Answer: c)
4. Who acts as an umpire in case of disputes between levels of
government?
a) The President b) The Parliament c) The Judiciary d) The Prime
Minister
Answer: c)
5. Which level of government deals with subjects of national importance?
a) State b) Union c) Local d) None
Answer: b)
6. A system where power is divided between central and constituent
units is:
a) Unitary b) Federal c) Monarchy d) Dictatorship
Answer: b)
7. The dual objective of federalism is to:
a) Promote unity & accommodate diversity b) Only focus on
security c) Abolish states d) None
Answer: a)
8. Under which system are the sub-units subordinate to the central
government?
a) Federal b) Unitary c) Both d) None
Answer: b)
9. In a federation, the fundamental provisions of the Constitution:
a) Can be changed by the Centre b) Can be changed by States c)
Require consent of both levels d) Cannot be changed
Answer: c)
10.
The source of revenue for
each level of government is specified to ensure:
a) Dependence b) Financial autonomy c) Competition d) None
Answer: b)
11.
India is an example of a
_____ federation.
a) Coming together b) Holding together c) Unitary d) None
Answer: b)
12.
Which country is an example
of a 'Coming Together' federation?
a) India b) Spain c) USA d) Belgium
Answer: c)
13.
In 'Coming Together'
federations, states usually have:
a) Less power b) Equal power c) No power d) None
Answer: b)
14.
Which article gives special
powers to states like Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram?
a) 370 b) 371 c) 368 d) 14
Answer: b)
15.
Areas too small to be
independent states are called:
a) Districts b) Union Territories c) Panchayats d) None
Answer: b)
16.
India is declared as a:
a) Federation of States b) Union of States c) Unitary State d)
None
Answer: b)
17.
Which list includes subjects
like 'Defence' and 'Foreign Affairs'?
a) Union b) State c) Concurrent d) None
Answer: a)
18.
Which list includes 'Police'
and 'Agriculture'?
a) Union b) State c) Concurrent d) None
Answer: b)
19.
Which list includes
'Education' and 'Marriage'?
a) Union b) State c) Concurrent d) None
Answer: c)
20.
Subjects like computer
software that emerged after the Constitution are:
a) Union b) State c) Concurrent d) Residuary
Answer: d)
21.
The first major test for
democratic politics in India was:
a) Economic reforms b) Creation of linguistic states c) Foreign
policy d) None
Answer: b)
22.
When were the boundaries of
old states changed in India?
a) 1947 b) 1950 c) 1956 d) 1990
Answer: a)
23.
Which language is the
'official' language of India?
a) Hindi b) English c) No language is the national language d)
Both a and b
Answer: c)
24.
How many languages are in the
Eighth Schedule?
a) 20 b) 21 c) 22 d) 25
Answer: c)
25.
Hindi is the mother tongue of
about ____ of Indians.
a) 30% b) 44% c) 60% d) 75%
Answer: b)
26.
The creation of linguistic
states made India:
a) More united b) Divided c) Weak d) None
Answer: a)
27.
What happened to the use of
English in 1965?
a) Stopped b) Continued c) Banned d) None
Answer: b)
28.
India is perhaps the most
____ country in the world.
a) Homogeneous b) Linguistically diverse c) Simple d) None
Answer: b)
29.
States created on the basis
of culture/ethnicity include:
a) Jharkhand b) Nagaland c) Uttarakhand d) All of these
Answer: d)
30.
Non-Hindi states demanded the
continuation of:
a) Sanskrit b) English c) Urdu d) None
Answer: b)
31.
The era of 'Coalition
Governments' began in:
a) 1947 b) 1990 c) 2000 d) 1980
Answer: b)
32.
What forced the Centre to
respect State autonomy?
a) One-party rule b) Coalition governments c) Unitary system d)
None
Answer: b)
33.
The power taken from
Centre/State and given to Local gov is:
a) Centralization b) Decentralization c) Federalism d) None
Answer: b)
34.
When was the major step
toward decentralization taken?
a) 1947 b) 1992 c) 2000 d) 1950
Answer: b)
35.
The constitutional amendment
of 1992 made it mandatory to hold:
a) Annual meetings b) Regular elections c) Referendums d) None
Answer: b)
36.
One-third seats in local
bodies are reserved for:
a) SCs b) STs c) Women d) All of these
Answer: c)
37.
Which body conducts
Panchayat/Municipal elections?
a) ECI b) State Election Commission c) High Court d) None
Answer: b)
38.
Rural local government is
known as:
a) Municipal Council b) Panchayati Raj c) Zilla Parishad d) None
Answer: b)
39.
The head of the Gram
Panchayat is the:
a) Sarpanch b) Mayor c) Governor d) None
Answer: a)
40.
The Gram Sabha consists of:
a) Sarpanch only b) All voters c) Ward members d) None
Answer: b)
41.
A group of Gram Panchayats is
called:
a) Block/Mandal b) Zilla Parishad c) Ward d) None
Answer: a)
42.
The political head of a Zilla
Parishad is:
a) Chairperson b) Mayor c) Sarpanch d) MP
Answer: a)
43.
Municipal Corporations are
set up in:
a) Villages b) Small towns c) Big cities d) None
Answer: c)
44.
The political head of a
Municipal Corporation is:
a) Sarpanch b) Mayor c) Governor d) None
Answer: b)
45.
How many elected reps are
there in local gov in India?
a) 10 lakh b) 36 lakh c) 50 lakh d) None
Answer: b)
46.
What was the Brazilian city
experiment called?
a) Porto Alegre b) Brasilia c) Rio d) None
Answer: a)
47.
The Brazilian experiment
focused on:
a) Budget participation b) Religious voting c) Unitary rule d)
None
Answer: a)
48.
Federalism helps in deepening:
a) Dictatorship b) Democracy c) Monarchy d) None
Answer: b)
49.
State governments must share
_____ with local bodies.
a) Powers b) Revenue c) Both d) None
Answer: c)
50.
Local government is the
largest experiment in:
a) Democracy b) Monarchy c) Socialism d) None
Answer: a)
B. 20
Short Type Answers
1. What
is Federalism?
·
Federalism is a system of government.
·
Powers are divided between central and
state governments.
·
Both levels work independently in their
areas.
·
It promotes unity with diversity.
2. Write
any four features of federalism.
·
Two or more levels of government exist.
·
Constitution divides powers clearly.
·
Courts settle disputes between governments.
·
Sources of revenue are separately defined.
3. Differentiate
between federal and unitary government.
·
Federal system has multiple levels of
government.
·
Unitary system has one central authority.
·
States have independent powers in
federation.
·
Central government controls states in
unitary system.
4. What
are ‘Coming Together’ federations?
·
Independent states join together.
·
States keep equal powers.
·
Central government is comparatively weaker.
·
USA and Australia are examples.
5. What
are ‘Holding Together’ federations?
·
Large country divides power among states.
·
Central government is stronger.
·
States may have unequal powers.
·
India and Belgium are examples.
6. Why
is India called a federal country?
·
Constitution provides different levels of
government.
·
Powers are divided through three lists.
·
Judiciary settles Centre-State disputes.
·
Constitution cannot be changed easily.
7. What
is Union List?
·
Contains subjects of national importance.
·
Only Union Government can make laws on
them.
·
Examples: defence, banking, currency.
·
Uniform policy is needed on these subjects.
8. What
is State List?
·
Includes subjects of local importance.
·
State governments make laws on them.
·
Examples: police, agriculture, trade.
·
States administer these matters
independently.
9. What
is Concurrent List?
·
Contains subjects of common interest.
·
Both Centre and States can make laws.
·
Examples: education, forests, marriage.
·
Union law prevails during conflict.
10.
What are residuary
subjects?
·
Subjects not mentioned in any list.
·
New subjects are included here.
·
Parliament has power to make laws on them.
·
Example: computer software.
11.
Why do some Indian states
enjoy special powers?
·
Due to social and historical conditions.
·
Protect tribal culture and land rights.
·
Ensure employment opportunities for locals.
·
Examples: Nagaland and Mizoram.
12.
What are Union
Territories?
·
Areas with very small population or size.
·
They do not enjoy powers like states.
·
Central Government administers them.
·
Example: Chandigarh and Lakshadweep.
13.
How did linguistic states
strengthen India?
·
People speaking same language stayed
together.
·
Administration became easier.
·
Regional identity got recognition.
·
National unity became stronger.
14.
Explain India’s language
policy.
·
Hindi is the official language.
·
No national language was declared.
·
English continues for official work.
·
States can choose their official language.
15.
How did coalition governments
strengthen federalism?
·
Regional parties gained importance.
·
States received greater autonomy.
·
Centre had to cooperate with states.
·
Power sharing culture developed.
16.
What is decentralisation?
·
Transfer of power to local governments.
·
Helps solve local problems effectively.
·
Increases people’s participation.
·
Strengthens democracy at grassroots level.
17.
What were the major
changes after the 1992 Amendment?
·
Regular local body elections became
compulsory.
·
Seats reserved for SCs, STs and women.
·
State Election Commission was created.
·
States must share powers and revenue.
18.
What is Gram Panchayat?
·
Local government at village level.
·
Members are directly elected.
·
Head is called Sarpanch.
·
Works under Gram Sabha supervision.
19.
What is Gram Sabha?
·
Assembly of all village voters.
·
Supervises Gram Panchayat work.
·
Approves annual budget.
·
Meets at least two or three times yearly.
20.
Write any four advantages
of local government.
·
Deepens democracy.
·
Encourages people’s participation.
·
Increases women’s representation.
·
Helps solve local issues quickly.
C. Long Type Answers
1. Explain the meaning and objectives of federalism.
- Federalism is a system in
which powers are divided between central and state governments.
- Both governments work
independently in their own areas.
- It promotes national
unity.
- It also protects regional
diversity.
- Powers are
constitutionally guaranteed.
- It ensures cooperation
and mutual trust among governments.
2. Explain the key features of federalism.
- There are two or more
levels of government.
- Each level has separate
jurisdiction.
- Powers are clearly
mentioned in the Constitution.
- Constitutional changes
need consent of both levels.
- Courts settle disputes
between governments.
- Separate revenue sources
ensure financial autonomy.
3. Differentiate between federal and unitary forms of government.
- Federal government has
multiple levels; unitary has one central authority.
- States have
constitutional powers in federation.
- In unitary system, states
are subordinate to the centre.
- Federal governments share
powers constitutionally.
- Unitary governments can
change powers easily.
- India is federal while
Sri Lanka is mainly unitary.
4. Explain the two routes through which federations are formed.
- First route is ‘coming
together’ federation.
- Independent states join
together voluntarily.
- States enjoy equal powers
in this type.
- USA and Australia are
examples.
- Second route is ‘holding
together’ federation.
- India and Belgium are
examples where Centre is stronger.
5. Explain why India is called a federal country.
- India has Union, State
and Local governments.
- Constitution divides
powers among governments.
- There are Union, State
and Concurrent Lists.
- Judiciary resolves
Centre-State disputes.
- Constitution protects
powers of states.
- Constitutional amendments
need approval of states.
6. Explain the distribution of powers in India.
- Powers are divided
through three lists.
- Union List includes
defence, banking and currency.
- State List includes
police and agriculture.
- Concurrent List includes
education and forests.
- Both Centre and States
can legislate on Concurrent List.
- Residuary powers belong
to the Union Government.
7. Explain the importance of the Union List.
- It contains subjects of
national importance.
- Uniform laws are needed
throughout the country.
- Parliament alone can make
laws on these subjects.
- Defence and foreign
affairs are included.
- Banking and
communications are also included.
- It strengthens national
unity and security.
8. Explain the importance of the State List.
- It contains matters of
local importance.
- State governments make
laws on these subjects.
- Police and agriculture
are state subjects.
- States can manage local
administration effectively.
- It gives autonomy to
state governments.
- It strengthens federalism
in India.
9. Explain the importance of the Concurrent List.
- It includes subjects of
common interest.
- Both Centre and States
can make laws.
- Education and marriage
are included.
- Forests and trade unions
are also included.
- Union law prevails during
conflict.
- It promotes cooperation
between Centre and States.
10. Explain the special status given to some states in India.
- Some states enjoy special
constitutional powers.
- Article 371 provides
these powers.
- These powers protect
tribal culture and traditions.
- Land rights of indigenous
people are safeguarded.
- Employment opportunities
are protected for locals.
- Nagaland and Mizoram are
examples.
11. Explain the role of judiciary in Indian federalism.
- Judiciary interprets the
Constitution.
- Supreme Court acts as an
umpire.
- High Courts also settle
disputes.
- Courts protect
constitutional provisions.
- They maintain balance of
power.
- They ensure smooth
functioning of federalism.
12. Explain the significance of linguistic states in India.
- States were reorganised
on linguistic basis.
- People speaking same
language stayed together.
- Administration became
easier.
- Regional identity
received recognition.
- It reduced conflicts
among people.
- It strengthened national
unity.
13. Explain the language policy adopted in India.
- Hindi was made the official
language.
- No language was declared
national language.
- English continued for
official purposes.
- States can choose their
official languages.
- Scheduled Languages were
recognised constitutionally.
- Flexible policy avoided
language conflicts.
14. Explain how coalition governments strengthened federalism in India.
- Regional parties became
powerful after 1990.
- Coalition governments
were formed at the Centre.
- National parties depended
on regional parties.
- States received greater
respect and autonomy.
- Arbitrary dismissal of
state governments reduced.
- Federal power sharing
became more effective.
15. Explain the meaning and importance of decentralisation.
- Decentralisation means
transfer of powers to local governments.
- Local people understand
local problems better.
- Decision-making becomes
more efficient.
- It increases people’s
participation in democracy.
- It promotes local
self-government.
- It strengthens democracy
at grassroots level.
16. Explain the major provisions of the 1992 Constitutional Amendment.
- Local body elections
became compulsory.
- Reservation provided for
SCs, STs and OBCs.
- One-third seats reserved
for women.
- State Election Commission
was created.
- States must share powers
and revenue.
- Third tier of democracy
became stronger.
17. Explain the structure of Panchayati Raj system.
- Gram Panchayat works at
village level.
- Panchayat Samiti
functions at block level.
- Zilla Parishad works at
district level.
- Members are elected by
the people.
- Gram Sabha supervises
Gram Panchayat.
- It promotes rural
self-government.
18. Explain the functions of Gram Sabha.
- Gram Sabha includes all
adult voters of village.
- It supervises Gram
Panchayat activities.
- Approves annual budget of
panchayat.
- Reviews development work
and performance.
- Meets regularly during
the year.
- Encourages direct
participation of people.
19. Explain the urban local government system in India.
- Municipalities are formed
in towns.
- Municipal corporations
exist in big cities.
- Members are directly
elected.
- Mayor heads municipal
corporation.
- Municipal chairperson
heads municipality.
- They manage urban
services and development.
20. Explain the achievements and challenges of local governments in India.
- Local governments
deepened democracy.
- Women’s participation
increased significantly.
- Millions of
representatives were elected.
- Elections are held
regularly now.
- Many states have not
given enough powers.
- Financial resources are
still inadequate.
D. Assertion–Reason
Questions with Answers
Direction
for Assertion–Reason Questions
For
each question, two statements are given — Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Choose
the correct option from the following:
(a)
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b)
Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c)
A is true, but R is false.
(d)
A is false, but R is true.
1.
Assertion
(A): Federalism divides powers between different levels of
government.
Reason (R):
Both Central and State governments work independently in their own
jurisdiction.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2.
Assertion
(A): India is called a federal country.
Reason (R):
The Constitution divides powers between Union and State governments.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
3.
Assertion
(A): In a unitary government, states have independent
powers.
Reason (R):
Central government can pass orders to provincial governments.
Answer: A
is false but R is true.
4.
Assertion
(A): The Union List contains subjects of national
importance.
Reason (R):
Uniform policy is needed on these subjects throughout the country.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
5.
Assertion
(A): Police comes under the State List.
Reason (R):
State governments handle local law and order matters.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
6.
Assertion
(A): Education is included in the Concurrent List.
Reason (R):
Both Centre and States can make laws on education.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
7.
Assertion
(A): Residuary powers belong to State Governments in India.
Reason (R):
Parliament can make laws on subjects not included in any list.
Answer: A
is false but R is true.
8.
Assertion
(A): Some Indian states enjoy special powers.
Reason (R):
Their social and historical conditions are different.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
9.
Assertion
(A): Union Territories have powers equal to states.
Reason (R):
Central Government has special powers in Union Territories.
Answer: A
is false but R is true.
10.
Assertion
(A): Linguistic states weakened India’s unity.
Reason (R):
Formation of linguistic states made administration easier.
Answer: A
is false but R is true.
11.
Assertion
(A): Hindi is the national language of India.
Reason (R):
Hindi was identified as the official language.
Answer: A
is false but R is true.
12.
Assertion
(A): English continues to be used for official purposes in
India.
Reason (R):
Non-Hindi speaking states demanded continuation of English.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
13.
Assertion
(A): Coalition governments strengthened federalism in
India.
Reason (R):
Regional parties gained importance after 1990.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
14.
Assertion
(A): Decentralisation means taking power away from local
governments.
Reason (R):
Powers are transferred to village and town level governments.
Answer: A
is false but R is true.
15.
Assertion
(A): Local governments help people participate directly in
democracy.
Reason (R):
Local people understand their problems better.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
16.
Assertion
(A): The 1992 Constitutional Amendment strengthened local
governments.
Reason (R):
Regular elections for local bodies became compulsory.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
17.
Assertion
(A): Gram Sabha consists of all adult voters in a village.
Reason (R):
Gram Sabha supervises the Gram Panchayat.
Answer:
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
18.
Assertion
(A): Mayor is the political head of a municipal
corporation.
Reason (R):
Municipal corporations exist in big cities.
Answer:
Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
19.
Assertion
(A): Judiciary plays an important role in Indian
federalism.
Reason (R):
Supreme Court settles disputes between Centre and States.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
20.
Assertion
(A): Federalism promotes unity and diversity together.
Reason (R):
Different governments share powers through mutual trust and agreement.
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
**********