VIKASH GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS

QUESTION BANK
SUBJECT-POLITICAL SCIENCE
CHAPTER - FEDERALISM
SECTION -A

ASSERTION & REASONING

There are two types of sentences given below as Assertion and

Reasoning.

Analyse correctly and write the answer.

OPTIONS

A.Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct
explanation of Assertion.
b. Both assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct
explanation of assertion.

c. Assertion is true but reason is false.

d. Assertion is false but reason is true.

Q.1Assertion : When the power is taken away from central and state
governments and given to local government, it is called decentralization.

Reason: The basic idea behind decentralization is that there is a large

number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local level.

Answer:-A. Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion.

Q.2 Assertion: There was a feeling of alienation among Sri Lankan

Tamils.

Reason: The Sri Lankan government denied them equal political rights
and discriminated against them in getting jobs and other opportunities.

Answer:-a. Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion.

Q.3 Assertion: Power should reside with one person and group located at
one place in a democracy.
Reason: If the power is dispersed, it will not be possible to take decision
quickly and enforce it.

Answer:- Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion.

Q.4 Assertion: Democratic government is certainly better than its

alternatives.

Reason: Democratic government may be slow, less efficient but it is

legitimate and people’s own government.

Answer:- Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion.

Q.5 Assertion: Governments at different levels should agree to some rules

of power-sharing.

Reason: Mutual trust and agreement to live together is required for a

federal system.

Answer:- Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion.

Q.6 Assertion: Power Sharing is good for democracy.

Reason: It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social

groups.

Answer:- Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion.

Q.7 Assertion: Third-tier of government is local government.

Reason: It made democracy weak.

Answer:- Assertion is true but reason is false.

Q.8 Assertion: Democracy is a guarantee of Economic Development.

Reason: Economic Development depends on population, location and co-

operation from other countries.

Answer:- Assertion is False but reason is True.

Q.9 Assertion: Democracies are based on political equality.

Reason: All individuals have equal say in electing representatives.

Answer:- Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion.
Q.10 Assertion: Sri Lanka adopted ‘Tamil’ as the official language of the
State.

Reason: The Government of Sri Lanka adopted a series of majoritarian

measures.

Answer:- Assertion is false but reason is true.

Q.11 Assertion: Hinduism is an official religion for India State.

Reason: Like the status of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, that of Islam in

Pakistan and that of Christianity in England.

Answer:- Assertion is false but reason is true.

Q.12 Assertion: Democracy is an accountable, responsive and legitimate

government.

Reason: Democracies have regular, free and fair elections and decision-
making is based on norms and procedures.

Answer:- Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion.

Q.13 Assertion: Belgium and Spain has ‘holding together’ federation.

Reason: A big country divides power between constituent states and

national government.

Answer:- Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion.

Q.14 Assertion: The Indian Union is not based on the principles of

federalism.

Reason: The Constitution of India declared India as a Union of States.

Answer:- Assertion is false but reason in true.

Q.15 Assertion: Sinhala was recognised as only official language of Sri

Lanka.

Reason: The Government of Sri Lanka wanted to establish the supremacy

of Sinhala community.

Answer:- Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion.

Q.16 Assertion: Major steps towards decentralisation of power were

taken through the 69th Constitutional Amendment.

Reason: Decentralisation in a federal structure promotes the unity and

integrity of the country.
Answer:- Assertion is false but reason in true.

Q.17 Assertion: In Belgium, the leaders realized that the unity of the
country is possible by respecting the feelings and interest of different
communities

Reason: Belgium favoured Dutch speaking community.

Answer:- assertion is true but reason is false.

Q.18 Assertion: India is a federation.

Reason: Power resides with the central authority.

Answer:- Assertion is true but reason is false.

Q.19 Assertion: Belgium managed to accommodate its diversities.

Reason: It took care of the interests of both French and Dutch speaking
communities.

a. Both assertion and reason are false.

Answer:– Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion.

MCQs (1m)
1. Federalism is a system in which–
a. Power is divided at different levels of government.
b. Power is concentrated in a single hand.
c. Power is divided among the organs of the government.
d. None of these.
e. Ans-a.Power is divided at different levels of government.
2. Which is not a federal feature-?
a. Constitutional division of power. b.Flexible constitution
c.Separate jurisdiction. d.Independent judiciary
Ans-. b.Flexible constitution
3. In which country we can find coming together federation?
a. India b.Spain c.Belgium d.Australia
Ans-d.Australia
4. Which government/governments can make law from residuary
subjects?
a. Central government b.State government
c.Both Union and State governments d.Local Self Government
Ans-a.Central government
5. Railway is the subject under which list?
a. Union list b.State list c.Concurrent list d.residuary
list
Ans-a.Union list
6. Which state in India is not formed on the basis of culture and
ethnicity?
 a. Nagaland b.Uttarakhand c.Jharkhand
d. Madhya Pradesh
Ans-d.Madhya Pradesh
7. In1965whichlanguagewasbannedfortheofficialpurposesinIndia?
a. Hindi b.English c.Tamil d.Marathi
Ans-b.English
8. Who is the chairperson of Corporation?
a. Deputy chairman b.Chairman C.Mayor d.None of
these
Ans-c.Mayor

11. Usually,a federation has how many levels of government ?

A) One. B)Two. C)Three. D) Five
Ans-Two
12.who among the following acts as an umpire if dispute arise between
different levels of government?
(A)Tribunal court. B) High court of Delhi
C)Supreme Court. D)president
Ans- Supreme Court

13.The area over which someone has legal authoritativeness:

B)Federation B) Justice c)constitution d)Jurisdiction
Ans-jurisdiction
14.Under the unitary system of government there is:
A.One level of government
B.Two level of government
C.Three level of government
D.Four level of government
Ans-one level of government
15.World wide how many countries have federal political system?
A.20. b)25. C) 30. D) 35
Ans-25
16.The creation of which kind of states was the first and a major
test for democratic politics in our country .
a)Princely states. b)linguistic States. C)regional States. d)
provincial States
Ans- Linguistic States
17.when was the boundaries of several old states of India where
changed to create new
States?
a)1930. b)1945. C).1947. d)1950
Ans-1947
18. According to the constitution the use of English for official purpose
was to stop in the
year:
a)1955. B)1965. C) 1975. d)1985
Ans-1965
19.By which year there was the rise of regional political parties in
many states of the
country:
a)1960. B) 1970. C) 1980. d)1990
Ans-1990
20.Hindi is the mother tongue of only about how many percent of
Indians?
a)30%. b)40%. C)42%. d)48%
Ans-40%
21.A major step towards decentralisation was taken in the
year :a)1990. b)1992. C) 1995. D)1997
Ans- b) 1992
22.Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of
the local self government for:
A.SCs. b) STs. C)OBCs. D)All of these
Ans-d)All of these
23 . What percentage of all positions are reserved for women in
local self government ?
A..One-third. B)One-fourth. C)One-fifth. D) One-
sixth
Ans-a) One- third
24 .The panchayat works under the overall supervision of:
A.Zilla Parishad. b)BDO. C) Gram Sabha. D) Mayor
Ans- c)Gram Sabha
25.The political head of a municipal corporation is the:
a) Chairman. B) Mayor. C)Collector.
D)Councilor
Ans- b)Mayor

FILL IN THE BLANKS

26.In the regional governments of Belgium was given

constitutional powers ?
Ans–1993
27. Belgium shifted from a to a federal form of Government.
Ans-Unitary
28. is a system of government in which the power is
dividedbetweenaCentralauthorityandvariousconstituentunitsoft
hecountry.
Ans–federalism
29. federation include the countries like USA Switzerland and
Australia.
Ans- Coming together
30. Federation include the countries like India Spain and Belgium.
Ans- Holding together
1Mark Questions
Give appropriate terms for the following questions
31. The originally provided system of government by the
constitution of India: .
Ans- A two-tier system of government
32. The subjects like defence foreign affairs and banking included in this
list:
.
Ans-Union list
33 . The list contains subjects of states and local importance such as
police,trade,commerce,agriculture and irrigation: .
Ans- state list
34.. The list that includes subjects of common interest to both the Union
and State governments such as education,forest,
marriage ,adoption
,succession: .
Ans-concurrent list
35.according to our constitution the union government has the power to
legislate on the subjects which do not fall in any of the three list called
as:
3 & 5 Marks Questions & Answers

Q.1.Contrast a federal system of government with a unitary setup.

 Ans- Federalism s a system of government in which power is
dividedbetweenacentralauthorityandvariousconstituentunits.
 FEDERALGOVERNMENT
 Usuallyafederationhastwolevelsofgovernment-FederalandUnitary.
 One is the government for the entire country and responsible for
subjects of common national interest.
 The others are the government at the levels of provinces or states
that look after day-to-day administration of the state.
 UNITARYGOVERNMENT
 Under Unitary system, there is only one level of government or
the sub-units are subordinate to the central government.
 The central government can pass orders to the provincial
or local government.
Q.2.Highlight the two type of routes through which the federations are
formed
. Give example .
 Ans- There are two kinds of routes through which federations have
been formed.-, Coming Together Federation’ and‘Holding
Together Federation’
 The first route involves independent state coming together on their
own to form bigger unit,
 So that by pooling sovereignty and retaining identity they can
increase their security.
 .For example-USA,Switzerland and Australia.
 In this category of federations,all the constituent states have equal
power and strong vis-à-vis the states.
 The second route is where a large country decides to divide its
power between the constituent tstate and the national
government.
 For example :-India, Spain and Belgium .
 In this category central government tends to be more powerful
vis-à-vis the states.
Q.3.Discuss the dual objectives of federalism?
Ans- The federal system has dual objectives:
 To safeguard and promote unity of the country
 And to accommodate regional diversity.
 The above two aspects are crucial for the institutions and
practice of federalism .
 The government at different levels should agree to some rules of
power sharing .
 An ideal federal system has both aspects-mutual trust and
agreement to live together
Q.4.Explain the role of union list, state list and concurrent list with
context to India .
Ans-

 Union list includes those subjects which are of national interest

and on which a uniform policy is needed in the whole country .
 The union government makes laws on these subjects for
example defence,foreign affairs ,banking .
 State list includes subjects of state and local importance . For
example :-police ,trade, agriculture .
 concurrent list includes subjects of common interest to the union
government and state government.For example
education,health,fores etc .
Q.5.How can it be said that India is a federal country?
Ans- India can be said as a federal country because of the following
reasons-

 After independence , princely states became part of the country.

 The constitution declared India as a ‘union of states’- it is based on
the principle of federalism.
 Theconstitutionoriginallyprovidedtwo-tiersystemofgovernment
– the union or central government representing the union of India and
the state governments.
 Later a third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats
and Municipalities.
 The constitution provided a three-fold distribution of
legislativepowersbetweenUnionandstategovernmentcontainingthre
elists.
 BoththeUnionandstategovernmentsfunctionindependently.
 Union government is more powerful.
 Neither the parliament nor the state legislative assemblies can
make any change in the constitution.
 Any change to it has to be first passed by both the houses of
parliament with at least 2/3rdmajority.
 Then it has to be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the
total states.
 The judiciary plays an important role in overseeing
theimplementationofconstitutionalprovisionsandprocedures
.
 In case of any dispute about the division of powers , the High
courts and Supreme court make a decision.
 The union and the state governments have the power to raise
 resources by levying taxes in order to carry on the
governments.
Q.6.. Is it easy to make changes to power sharing arrangement between
centre and state ? Explain .
Ans- No, it is not easy to make changes in the power sharing
arrangements between the centre and the state .
 The Parliament alone cannot make any decision relating to the
power sharing arrangements .
 In these days the influence of regional and state political
parties has been increased .
 Any proposed change has to be first approved by both the houses of
the Parliament.
Q.7 . Why is the central government of India not compelling States
to adopt Hindi as their official language?
 Ans- India is multilingual country.
 According to the census of 1991 recorded more than 1500
distinct languages people mention their mother tongues.
 Hindi is the mother tongue of only 40% of the people of India.
 There are 21languages recognised by the constitution .
Q.8.What are the features of Federalism?
 There are two or more levels of government.India has three levels
 Different tiers of government govern the same citizens but each tier has
its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and
administration
 The jurisdiction of the respective levels or tiers of government are
specified in the constitution
 Courts have the power to interpret the constitution settle disputes
between different levels of government
 Fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally
changed by one level of government
 Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to
ensure its financial autonomy
 So ideal feature has both aspects – mutual trust and agreement to live
together.
Q.9.Write down the features of coming together federations.
 Ans- There are two kinds of routes through which federation have
been formed .
 . coming together federation involves independent States coming
together on their own to form a bigger unit .
 In this category of federations all the constituent units usually have
equal power and are strong vis-a-via the federal government.
 Incoming together units try to increase their security by pooling
sovereignty and retaining identity .
 USA , Switzerland and Australia are under the coming together
federation .
Q.10.Write down the features of holding together federations.
 Ans-There are two kinds of routes through which federation have
been formed .
 The second route is where a large country decides to divide its power
between the constituent states and the national government .
 In this category the central government tends to be more powerful vis-a-
vis the state .
 very often different constituent units of the federation have an equal
 powers.
 Some units are granted special powers.

Q.11. Explain how power is shared among the different levels of

the government .
 Ans-The different tiers of government enjoy separate jurisdiction.
 The Constitution clearly provided a three fold distribution of legislative
powers between the union government and the state government.
 Thus it contain three list:
 Union list:-subject of national importance like defence,foreign affairs
,atomic energy ,banking post and telegraph are included in the union list .
 Only the central government can pass laws on these subjects because we
need a uniform policy on important for National issues through out the
country the union listhas97subjects.
 State lists:-It comprises those important subjects on which the state
government can pass laws .
 Subjects like police,local government,trade and commerce,agriculture
are within the state included in the state list .The state list has 66subjects
 Concurrent list:-The concurrent list comprises the subjects which are of
common concern both to the centre and state government.
 Both Central and state government can frame laws on the subjects.The
concurrent list has 47subjects .
 Residuary Powers:-subjects which are not included in the division of
powers are known as Residuary powers .
 The central government has been given the power to legislate on the
residuary subjects ..
 ex-IT
Q.12.Describe the language policy of India?
 Ans- The constitution of India does not give the status of national
language to any of the language.
 Though Hindi was identified as the official language but the
central government has not imposed Hindi on states where people
speak a different language .
 Besides Hindi there are 21 other languages recognised as
scheduled languages by the constitution.
 Most of the states have their own official languages which are used in the
offices .
 According to constitution the use of English for official purpose was to
stop in 1965 which was not liked by some of the states.
 So the central government responded by agreeing to continue the use of
English along with Hindi as official language.
Q.13.What policies strengthened the federalism of India?
Ans-The real success of federalism in India can be attributed to the democratic
politics in our country. Some are listed below-
Linguistic States:-
 Since 1947 many changes have been done in the political map of India.
 Many old States have vanished and many new States have been created .
 Areas boundaries and names of the states have been changed. In 1947 the
boundaries of several old states of India where changed in order to
create new states.
 This was done to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived
in the same state .
 somestateswerecreatedtorecognisedifferencesbasedoncultureethnicityorge
ography .
 Language policy-
 Our constitution did not give the status of national language to any one
language.
 States too have their own official languages.
 Hindi is identified as the official language.
Centre- state relations in India :-
 In India for a long time the same party ruled both at the centre and states .
 This meant the state government did not exercise the rights as autonomous
federal units .
 as and when ruling party at state level was different the parties that ruled
at the Central level tried to undermine the powers.
 But after 1990s significant changes occurred.
 There was rise of regional political parties in many states of the country.
 This was also the beginning of the era of coalition governments at the
centre
Q.14.Explain the features of third tier of the rural government.
 Ans- The rural local government is popularly known by the name
of Panchayati Raj.
 Each village or group of villages in some state has a gram panchayat.
 This is a council consisting of members called 5 and a President called
sarpanch .
 They are directly elected by the adult population living in the ward
or village.
 The panchayats works under the supervision of the gram sabha . All the
voters of the village are the members of Gram Sabha .
 The local government structure goes right up to the district level .
 A few Gram Panchayats are grouped together to form Block samiti .

 The members of all the Block samitis are elected by the panchayat
members of the area.
 All the Panchayat samiti or Mandals in a district together constitute the
zilla Parishad .
73 .What major steps weretakenin1992towardsdecentralization?
 Ans- Some major steps were taken in 1992 towards
decentralisation.They are :
 Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold bodies.
 States are preserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of this
institutions for scheduled castes scheduled tribe and other backward
classes.
 At least one third of all positions are reserved for women.
 An independent institution called the state election commission has been
created in each state to conduct Panchayat and municipal elections.
 the state governments are required to share some powers and revenue
with local government bodies.
 The nature of sharing varies from state to state

(Short question and answer)

1. What is federalism?

 Answer: Federalism is a system of government under which power is

divided between a central authority and its various constituent units.
 The various constituent units and the central authority run their
administration independently and do not interfere unnecessarily in the
affairs of one another.

2. What is Unitary Government?

 Answer: Under the unitary system, either there is only one level of
government or the sub units are subordinate to the central
government.

3. ‘The federal system has dual objective’. Mention the dual objectives.

 Answer: To safeguard and promote the unity of the country,

 while at the same time accommodate regional diversity.

4. Mention any two features of federalism.

 Answer: (i) There are two or more levels of government.

 (ii) Different tiers of government govern the same citizens.

5. ‘There are two kinds of routes through which federations have been
formed.’ Name the two routes by giving one example of each.

 Answer: (i) Coming together federations – USA, Australia

 (ii) Holding together federations – India, spain

6. Mention the three tier system prevailing in India.

Answer: (i) Union Government

(ii) State Government

(iii) Local Government

7. Categorise the following under Union list or Concurrent list.

(i) Currency (ii) Education

 Answer: (i) Currency – Union List

 (ii) Education – Concurrent List

10. What is a Union List?

 Answer: Subjects of national importance like defence, foreign affairs,

atomic energy, banking, post and telegraph are included in the Union
List.
 Only the central government can pass laws on the subjects mentioned
in the Union List because we need a uniform policy on important or
national issues throughout the country.

11. What is a State List?

 Answer: It comprises those important subjects on which the state

government can pass laws.

 Subjects like police, local governments, trade and commerce,

agriculture within the state are included In the State List. .

12. What are Residuary Powers?

 Answer: Matters which are not included in the division of powers, are
known as residuary powers.

 It was felt that there can be subjects which are not mentioned in either
of these lists.

 The central government has been given the power to legislate on these
‘residuary’ subjects.

13. Name an Indian state which enjoys a special status.

Answer: Jammu and Kashmir.

14. What are Union Territories?

Answer: These are areas which are too small to become an independent
State but which could not be merged with any of the existing states.

15. Who governs the Union Territories?

Answer: The Union Government/ The Central government

16. What is the importance of judiciary in a federal government?

 Answer: The judiciary plays an important role in overseeing the

implementation of constitutional provisions and procedures.

 In case of any dispute about the division of powers, the High Courts
and the Supreme Court make a decision.

17. What is decentralisation?

Answer: When power is taken away from Central and State governments
and given to local government, it is called decentralisation.

18. What is Gram Panchayat?

Answer: It is a council consisting of several ward members, often called

panch and a president or sarpanch
19. What is Panchayat Samiti?

Answer: A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form a

Panchayat Samiti or block or mandal.

20. How are village Sarpanch or Panches elected?

Answer: They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that
ward or village.

21. How judiciary acts as an umpire in a federal nation?

 Answer: Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution and the
powers of different levels of government.

 The highest court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between

different levels of government in the exercise of their respective
powers.

22. What is Zila Parishad?

Answer: All the Panchayat Samiti’s or Mandals in a district together

constitute the Zilla Parishad.

23. Who is a Mayor?

Answer: He is an elected Chairperson of the Municipal Corporation.

24. How had federalism helped Belgium to solve the ethnic problem?

 Answer: (i) Before 1993 most of the powers in Belgium were in the
hands of the central government, i.e., Belgium had a unitary
government.

 (ii) After 1993 the regional governments were given constitutional

powers. Thus Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of
government.

25. Which law will remain prevalent if there is any conflict over a subject
mentioned in the Concurrent list?

Answer: The law passed by the Union Government will prevail.

26. How many languages have been recognised as scheduled languages?

Answer: 22 languages.

27. Which two languages have been identified as the official languages?

Answer: English and Hindi.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

 1. “Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of government”.
What key changes were brought in the political system under the
above mentioned shift ?

Answer:

 (i) Many powers of the central government were given to state

governments of the two regions of the country.

 (ii) The regional governments were given constitutional powers that

were no longer dependent on the central government.

 (iii) Apart from the central government and the state government
there is a third kind of government known as community government.
This government has the power regarding cultural, educational and
language related issues.

2. “Federations are contrasted with unitary governments”. Explain by

giving examples from Sri Lanka and Belgium.
 Answer: Under the unitary system, either there is only one level of
government or the sub-units are subordinate to the Central
government.

 The Central government can pass on orders to the provincial or the

Local government. For example in Sri Lanka is a unitary country and
the Union government passed a new law stipulating that the state shall
protect and foster Buddhism.

 Whereas under federal system, the Central government cannot order

the State government to do something.

 State government has powers of its own for which ‘ it is not

answerable to the Central government. Both these governments are
separately answerable to the people.

3. Mention any three features of an ideal federal system.

 Answer: (i) The federal system which safeguards and promotes unity
of the country, while at the same time accommodates regional
diversity.

 (ii) Governments at different levels should agree to some rules of

power-sharing. They should also trust that each would abide by its
part of the agreement.

 (iii) An ideal federal system has both aspects : mutual trust and
agreement to live together.
 4. Mention any two subjects which are r included in the union list.
Explain by giving reasons why these are included in the union list.
 Answer: Defence and foreign affairs.

Reasons:

 These are subjects of national importance.

 We need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country.

5. ‘All states in the Indian Union do not have identical powers.

Justify. –
 Answer: (i) Some states like Jammu and Kashmir has its own
Constitution.

 Many provisions of the Indian Constitution are not applicable to this

State without the approval of the State Assembly.

 Indians who are not permanent residents of this State cannot buy land
or house here. Similar special provisions exist for some other States
of India as well.

6. “Federal power sharing is more effective today than it was in the

early years after the Constitution came into force”. Explain.
Or

How is federal power sharing more effective today than in the early
years? Explain.

 Answer: (i) Centre-State relations: As and when the ruling party at the
State level was different, the parties that ruled at the Centre tried to
undermine the power of the states.

 The Central Government has been misusing the Constitution to

dismiss the State governments that were controlled by rival parties.

 This undermined the spirit of federalism.

 All this changed significantly after 1990.

 This period saw the rise of regional political parties in many states of
the country.

(ii) Coalition Governments and autonomy of states:

 The era of coalition has changed the relationship between the centre
and state governments
 since no single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha,

 the major national parties had to enter into an alliance with many
parties including several regional parties to form a government at the
Centre.

 This led to a new culture of power sharing and respect for the
autonomy of State Governments.

(iii) Judgement of the Supreme Court:

 The Supreme Court of India has established strict guidelines for

imposing President’s rule.

 With new guidelines it is very difficult for the Central Government to

dismiss state governments in an arbitrary manner.

 Thus, federal power sharing is more effective today than it was in the
early years after the Constitution came into force.

7. ‘The sharing of power between the Union government and the state
governments is basic to the structure of the Indian Constitution’.
Explain.
 Answer: (i) Under a federal government, the fundamental provisions
cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of the government and the
same is true for India,

 (ii) The Parliament cannot on its own change the fundamental

structure of the Constitution.

 Any change in it has to be first passed by both the Houses of the

Parliament with at least two-third majority.

 Then it has to be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the total

states.

8. “There is a need for power sharing within the states”. Explain.

 Answer: (i) A vast country like India cannot be run only through these
two-tiers.

 States in India are as large as independent countries of Europe. In

terms of population, Uttar Pradesh is bigger than Russia, Maharashtra
is about as big as Germany.

 (ii) Many of Indian states are internally very diverse. There is thus a
need for power sharing within these states.
 (iii) The third tier is also required to principle of decentralisation of
power.

9. Mention any four difficulties of the local government in India.

 Answer: (i) Most states have not transferred significant powers to the
local governments.

 (ii) There is a shortage of resources.

 (iii) Elections are not held regularly.

 (iv) The Gram Sabhas are not held regularly.

10.What are the advantages of local governments?

 Answer: (i) Constitutional status for local government has helped to

deepen democracy in our country.

 (ii) It has also increased women’s representation and voice in our

democracy.

 (iii) This allows people to directly participate in decision making.

 (iv) Local people have better ideas and knowledge about the local
problems.

11.Explain two achievements and two difficulties of the Icoal self-

governments in India.

 Answer: Achievements:

(i) It has made the country more united and stronger.

(ii) It has also made the administration easier.

 Difficulties:

(i) There is a shortage of resources.

(ii) Elections are not held regularly.

12.What is Gram Sabha? Mention its functions.

 Answer: Every adult of the village who is 18 years of age constitute

the Gram Sabha.
  It is the decision-making body of the entire village.

 The village Panchayat works under the supervision of the

Gram Sabha.

 It approves the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat.

13.What is a Panchayati Raj? What is its importance?

 Answer: The rural local government is known as the Panchayati Raj.

Importance:

 It helps the people to directly participate in decision-making.

 It helps in the decentralisation of power.

 It reduces the burden of the central government.

14.Which is the highest tier of the Panchayati Raj ? Explain its

composition.

 Answer: The highest institution of the Panchayati Raj in rural areas is

the Zila Parishad.

 The Zilla Parishad coordinates the activities of all the Block Samitis
in the whole district.

 Most members of the Zila Parishad are elected. Members of the Lok
Sabha and the MLAs of that district along with some other officials of
other district level bodies are also its members.

 The Zila Parishad’s Chairperson is the political head of the Zila

Parishad.

16. Define:

(a) Gram Panchayat

(b) Panchayat Samiti

© Zilla Parishad

(d) Mayor

Answer: (a) It is a council consisting of several ward members, often

called the Panch and a president or a Sarpanch.
(b) A few Gram Panchayats are grouped together to form a Panchayat
Samiti or Block or a Mandal.

© All the Panchayat Samitis or Mandals in a district together constitute

the Zilla Parishad.

(d) A Mayor is an elected Chairperson of the Municipal Corporation.

15.What is a Concurrent List?

 Answer: The Concurrent List comprises of the subjects which are of
common concern both to the centre and the state governments.

 Ordinarily both the central and the state governments can frame laws
on these subjects.

 However, if there is a conflict between the central law and the state
law, over a subject in the Concurrent List, the central law would be
effective.

 This List includes subjects like criminal and civil procedure, marriage
and divorce, education, economic planning, trade unions etc.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

1. Explain the major key features of federalism.
Or

Describe any four features of the federalism.

Answer: (i) Two or more levels of government :

 Federalism is a system of government in which the governmental

power is divided between a central authority and its various
constituent units.

 Usually, a federation has two levels of government. One is the

government for the entire country, and the other governments at the
state or provincial level.

 (ii) Sources of Revenue

(iii) Same Citizens Separate jurisdiction : Different tiers of the

government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own
jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and
administration.
 (iv) Superiority of Constitution : The jurisdictions of the
respective levels or tiers of the government are specified in the
Constitution. So the existence and authority of each tier of the
government are constitutionally safeguarded.

(v) Rigid Constitution : The fundamental provisions of the

Constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of the
government. Such changes require the consent of the both the
levels of the government.

(vi) Supreme authority of the courts : Courts have the power to

interpret the Constitution, and the powers of different levels of
the government.

 The highest court acts as an umpire in case of disputes arising

between different levels of the government in the exercise of their
respective powers

 Dual objectives : The federal system, thus has dual objectives :

 to safeguard and promote the unity of the country,

 while at the same time, to accommodate the regional diversity.

2. ‘India is a federal country.’ Explain by giving examples.

Or

Explain the three fold distribution of legislative powers between the

Union Government and the State Governments.

Or

Mention any five main features which make India a federal country.

Answer: (i) Division of powers: The Constitution demarcates the powers

of the central and the state governments into different lists of subjects.
There are three lists :

(a) Union List.

(b) State List.

© Concurrent List.

(ii) Three-tier system : As discussed earlier, under a federal government

different tiers of the government govern the same citizens. This is true for
India. In India, we have a three-tier system of government, i.e.,
• Union Government

• State Government

• Local Self-Government.

(ii) Not equal powers to all administrative units : Most of the

federations that are formed by ‘holding together’ do not give
equal powers to its constituent units.

 Thus, all states in the Indian Union do not have identical powers.
Some states enjoy a special status. Jammu and Kashmir has its own
Constitution.

 Many provisions of the Indian Constitution are not applicable to this

state without the permission of the state assembly.

(iii) Consent of both the levels of the government : Under a

federal government, the fundamental provisions cannot be
unilaterally changed by one level of the government, and the
same is true for India.

 The Parliament cannot on its own change the fundamental structure of

the Constitution.

Implementation of constitutional provisions and procedures. The

same is true for India. In case of any dispute about the division of powers,
the High Courts and the Supreme Court take a decision.

(iv) Separate sources of income : A clear mention regarding the

financial powers of the centre and the states has been made in
the Indian Constitution.

 Income tax, excise duty, corporation tax, etc., are levied and
collected by the central government, whereas land revenue, stamp
duty, building tax, etc., come under the state government.

3. How is federalism practised in India ? Explain.

Or

‘The real success of federalism in India can be attributed to the nature of

democratic politics in India.’ Explain.
Answer: (i) Linguistic States : After independence, in 1950, the
boundaries of several old states were changed in order to create new
states.

 This was done to ensure that the people who spoke the same
language, share common culture, ethnicity or geography could live in
the same state.

(ii) Language Policy : The Indian Constitution did not give the status of
national language to any one of the languages.

 Though Hindi was identified as the optional language, but the central
government has not imposed Hindi on states where people speak a
different language.

 Besides Hindi, there are 22 other languages recognised as Scheduled

Languages by the Indian Constitution.

(iii) Centre-State relations : Improving the Centre-State relations is one

more way in which federalism has been strengthened in practice.

 Though Indian Constitution has demarcated the powers of the Union

and the state governments but still the Union government can have
influence over the state in many ways.

 In the past, the Central government has often misused the

Constitution to dismiss the state governments that were controlled by
rival parties.

 This undermined the spirit of federalism, and that of democracy.

 The judiciary has played a major role in improving the autonomy of

the state governments because many a time, it has rescued state
governments which were dismissed in an arbitrary manner.

4. “The creation of linguistic states was the first and major test for
democratic politics in our country.” Justify this statement.

 Answer: In 1947, the boundaries of several old States of India were

changed in order to create new States.

 This was done to ensure that people who spoke the same language
lived in the same State.

 Some States were created not on the basis of language but to

recognize differences based on culture, ethnicity or geography.

 These include States like Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand.

 When the demand for the formation of States on the basis of language
was raised, some national leaders feared that it would lead to the
disintegration of the country.

 The Central Government resisted linguistic States for some time.

 But the experience has shown that the formation of linguistic States
has actually made the country more united.

 It has also made administration easier.

5. Explain how law making powers are shared between centre and states
in India ? Mention three subjects each of Union List and State List.

Or

Describe the division of power between the central and the state
governments in India.

Or

How are the powers divided between the states and centre? Explain with
examples.

 Answer: Union List includes subjects of national importance such as

defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and
currency.

 They are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on

these matters throughout the country. The Union Government alone
can make laws relating to the subjects mentioned in the Union List.

 State List contains subjects of State and local importance such as

police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation.

 The state Governments alone can make laws relating to the subjects
mentioned in the State List.

 Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both the

Union Government as well as the State Governments, such as
education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession.

 Both the Union as well as the State Governments can make laws on
the subjects mentioned in this list.
 If their laws conflict with each other, the law made by the Union
Government will prevail.

 Under a federal government, the fundamental provisions cannot

be unilaterally changed by one level of the government and the
same is true for India,

 The Parliament cannot on its own change the fundamental

structure of the Constitution.

 Any change in it has to be first passed by both Houses of the

Parliament with at least two-third majority.

 Then it has to be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of

the total states.

6. ‘Most federations that are formed by ‘holding together’ do not give

equal power to its constituent units.’ Is it true for India? Explain.

Or

“Holding together federations” do not give equal power to its constituent

units. Explain the statement with the help of examples in context to India.

Answer: Yes, the above statement is true for India.

 All states in the Indian Union do not have identical powers.

Some states enjoy a special status. Jammu and Kashmir has its
own Constitution.

 Many provisions of the Indian Constitution are not applicable

to this state without the permission of the state assembly.

 Indians who are not permanent residents of this state cannot

buy land or house here.

 Similar special provisions exist for Assam and the hill states of
North-East India.

 There are some units of Indian Union which enjoy very little
power.

 These are areas which are too small to become an independent

state but which could not be merged with any of the existing
states.

 These areas, like Chandigarh, or Lakshadweep or the capital

city of Delhi, are called the Union Territories.

 These territories do not have the powers of a state. The central

government has special powers in running these areas.
7. Why were the linguistic states created? What are their advantages?

 Answer: (i) Common Language: Many states were created on the

basis of language to ensure that people who speak the same language
lived in the same state.

 (Ii)Common culture, ethnicity or geography: Some States

were created not on the basis of language but to recognise
differences based on culture, ethnicity or geography.

 These include States like Nagaland, Uttarakhand and

Jharkhand.

Advantages:

 The experience has shown that the formation of linguistic States has
actually made the country, more united. It has also made
administration easier.

8. Explain the language policy of Indian Federal. How is it different from

Sri Lanka?

Or

Write any four characteristics of language policy of India.

Or

Describe in brief the language policy of India.

Answer: (i) No National Language: Our Constitution did not give the
status of national language to any one language.

 Hindi was identified as the official language. But Hindi is the mother
tongue of only about 40 per cent of Indians.

 Therefore, there were many safeguards to protect other languages.

(ii) Scheduled Languages: Besides Hindi, there are 22 other languages

recognised as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution.

 A candidate in an examination conducted for the Central Government

positions may opt to take the examination in any of these languages.
States too have their own official languages.

 Much of the government work takes place in the official language of

the concerned State.
 (i) Spread of Hindi with cautious approach: Unlike Sri Lanka, the
leaders of our country adopted a very cautious attitude in
spreading the use of Hindi.

 According to the Constitution, the use of English for official

purposes was to stop in 1965.

 However, many non-Hindi-speaking States demanded that the use of

English continue.

 In Tamil Nadu, this movement took a violent form.

 The Central Government responded by agreeing to continue the use

of English along with Hindi for official purposes.

 Promotion of Hindi continues to be the official policy of the

Government of India.

 Promotion does not mean that the Central Government can impose
Hindi on States where people speak a different language.

(ii) Language policy of Sri Lanka: In 1956, an Act was passed by

the Sri Lankan government to recognise Sinhala as the only
official language whereas in case of India the government agreed
to continue the use of English along with Hindi for official
purposes.

9. ‘Restructuring the Centre-State relations is an important way in which

the Indian Federalism has been strengthened in practice.’ Explain.

 Answer: (i) After 90s, many regional political parties have emerged in
many states of the country.

 (ii) The regional parties are playing a very vital role in forming the
Union government.

 Iii.The judiciary has played a major role in improving the

autonomy of the state governments because many a time, it has
rescued the state governments which were dismissed in an
arbitrary manner.

10. Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is
similar to any one feature that is different from that of Belgium.

Answer: One similar feature of Federalism between India and

Belgium : India and Belgium are both holding together federations where
the Central Governments tend to be more powerful vis-à-vis the states.

One different feature of Federalism between India and Belgium : In

Belgium, there are three kinds of government – government at the centre,
government at the state level and third kind of government is the
community government.

 The community government has the power regarding cultural,

educational and language related issues.

 But in India, there is no third kind of government, there is no

community government.

11. What is decentralisation? What is the importance or need for

decentralisation?

Or

“Do you take decentralisation as a mean to minimise the conflicts ?” Give

your view point.

 Answer: When power is taken away from the Central and State
governments, and given to the Local governments, it is called
decentralisation.

 The basic idea behind decentralisation is that there are a large

number of problems and issues which are best settled at the
local level.

 People have a better knowledge of problems in their localities.

They also have better ideas on where to spend money, and how
to manage things more efficiently.

 At the local level, it is possible for the people to directly

participate in decision, making.

 This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation.

Basically the local government is the best way to realise one
important principle of democracy, namely the Local Self-
Government.

12. Name the three tier government system in India. What steps have
been taken by the government to make the third tier more powerful and
effective ?

Or

How has the third tier of government in our country been made more
effective and powerful by the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 ?

Or

Explain any four provisions that have been made towards decentralisation
in India after the constitutional amendment in 1992.
Answer: Three tier system :

1. Union Government

2. State Governments

3. Local Governments.

Steps :

 Now, it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to the

local government bodies.

 Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of
these institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and the
Backward Classes.

 At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.

 An independent institution called the State Election Commission has

been created in each state to conduct free and fair elections for the
panchayat and the municipalities.

 The State governments are required to share some powers and

revenue with the Local government bodies.

 The nature of sharing varies from state to state.

13. Explain the advantages of decentralisation.

Or

Explain any four features of the third tier of government.

Or

Explain how the federal experiment has been successful in the matter of
formation of states in India.

Or

Give two arguments in favour of decentralisation of powers to local

governments. Give two provisions under the amendment of 1992 which
empowers local governments in India.

OR

Assess the need for local government.

Answer: (i) Locals have better knowledge : The basic idea behind
decentralisation is that there are a large number of problems and issues
which are best settled at the local level.

 People have better knowledge of problems in their localities.

 They also have better ideas on where to spend money, and how to
manage things more efficiently.

 Direct participation of the people : Decentralisation makes it

possible for the people to directly participate in decision
making. This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic
participation.

 The Local government is the best way to realise one important

principle of democracy, namely the Local Self-Government.

 Foundation of democracy : Local governments are most

important in a democratic system.

 These are training schools for local citizens and local leadership.

 These provide political education.

 The people get familiar about the electoral process, and the proper use
of their vote, which is the very foundation of democracy.

 Reduction of burden of the Central Government : It reduces

the burden of the Central or State governments.

 These can concentrate on matters of national or state importance

in a better way.

 In this way, the Local Self-Government ensures efficiency

everywhere, at all the three levels of today’s governance.

 Indian leaders have recognised the need for decentralisation.

(i) Women empowerment : At least one-third of all positions are

reserved for women in all the local bodies. This has lead to
women empowerment.