Test: Federalism - 1 - UPSC MCQ

- Assertion: The assertion is true because federalism indeed allows for multiple levels of government (such as central and state governments) to exist, each with distinct powers and responsibilities as outlined in a constitution.

- Reason: The reason is also true, as independent judiciaries play a crucial role in resolving conflicts between central and state governments.

- Explanation: However, while the Reason is true, it does not explain the Assertion adequately; the existence of multiple levels of government in federalism is not solely to prevent conflict through a judiciary. Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

Determinants of Federation Functionality: Politics, culture, ideology, and history shape a federation's functionality.

• 1 - b (1960): Gujarat and Maharashtra were formed in 1960.
• 2 - c (1966): Punjab and Haryana were separated in 1966.
• 3 - d (2000): Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar were divided in 2000.
• 4 - a (1953): The States Reorganisation Commission was set up in 1953.

- Statement i is correct because the Union List indeed consists of 100 subjects that fall under the exclusive authority of the central government.

- Statement ii is correct as well; the State List originally had 66 subjects but was later reduced to 61 subjects.

- Statement iii is incorrect because, while both levels of government can legislate on Concurrent List subjects, in case of a conflict, central law prevails, not state law.

- Statement iv is correct because residual subjects are defined as those not listed in any of the three lists (Union, State, Concurrent) and are assigned to the central government.

- Statement i is correct as the Indian Constitution indeed establishes a strong central government aimed at addressing various national issues such as poverty and illiteracy through coordinated efforts.

- Statement ii is incorrect; the central government does have the authority to alter the territorial integrity, boundaries, and names of states as per the provisions of the Constitution.

- Statement iii is correct; during emergencies, the central government can legislate on matters that fall under the state list, centralizing power temporarily.

- Statement iv is incorrect; while the Governor has significant powers, including the ability to dissolve the Assembly, this power is exercised in conjunction with the central government, particularly in certain circumstances.

Thus, the correct answer is Option A: i and iii.

• The Assertion is true. Jawaharlal Nehru indeed played a key role in laying the foundation for Indian federalism during the 1950s, promoting a framework that balanced the powers between the center and the states.
• The Reason is also true. The Congress party's dominance during this period facilitated smoother governance and implementation of federal principles, as a unified political stance helped to avoid conflicts between the central and state governments.
• The Reason is the correct explanation for the Assertion. Nehru's leadership and the Congress party's dominance worked together to foster a stable political environment that allowed federalism to take root effectively.

- Statement i is correct because there have been significant demands from various States for a greater division of powers in their favor.

- Statement ii is incorrect as financial autonomy specifically pertains to the control over revenue and resources, not primarily cultural issues.

- Statement iii is correct since there has been notable resentment towards central government control over administrative matters, with States seeking more autonomy in this area.

- Statement iv is incorrect; the protests against Hindi imposition were largely from non-Hindi-speaking States that felt dominated, rather than from Hindi-speaking States advocating for their language.

Thus, the statements that are correct are i and iii, making Option A the right choice.

Option B is correct because river water sharing disputes in India, such as the Cauvery water dispute, often remain unresolved despite the establishment of tribunals and sometimes reach the Supreme Court. Option A is incorrect because border disputes involve territorial claims, not river water allocation. Option C is incorrect because the Punjab and Haryana dispute primarily involves border areas and the capital city of Chandigarh, not river water sharing. Option D is incorrect because the Cauvery water dispute involves Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, not Maharashtra.

Statement I is true because the special provisions for certain states in India, particularly those related to north-eastern states like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram, are due to their significant indigenous tribal populations. Statement II is false because Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 does not allow the Union government to impose financial emergencies in the state without the state's concurrence; in fact, the Union government cannot impose a financial emergency in J&K.

Article 356 allows the President to impose President's Rule in a State when the State government cannot function according to the Constitution.