Important Questions: Federalism | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Very Short Answer Type Questions

• India
• U.S.A. (United States of America)
• Canada
• Switzerland and Australia

Q2: What is the utility of a federal Government?
Ans:  The utility of a federal government includes:

• It is based on the decentralisation
• It is more democratic and natural
• It gives an opportunity for better representatives and the development of regional and local areas.
• It checks the authoritarian tendency of the Central Government

Q3: Write four federal features of the Indian constitution.
Ans: Federal Features of Indian Constituion are as follows:

• Written and rigid Constitution
• Supremacy of the Constitution
• Division of powers between the centre and states
• Bicameral Legislature at the centre
• Independent Judiciary

Q4: What is the nature of Indian federation?
Ans: The Indian federation is often described as quasi‑federal or a union of states. The Constitution calls India a "Union of States" (Article 1). India combines federal features (division of powers, written constitution, judiciary) with unitary features (strong centre, single citizenship, integrated judiciary), resulting in a federal structure with a comparatively strong Central Government.

Q5: Write four unitary features of Indian constitution.
Ans: Unitary Features of Indian Constituion are as follows :

• Single Constitution and Single Citizenship: One constitution governs the whole country, and citizens have a common nationality.
• Central dominance: Parliament has wide powers over state matters, especially under certain conditions.
• Emergency provisions: President’s emergency powers (Articles 352, 356, 360) strengthen the centre.
• Governors and All‑India Services: Governors are appointed by the President; All‑India Services (e.g. IAS, IPS) serve both the Union and the States.

Q6: What is cooperative federalism?
Ans: Cooperative federalism is a system where the Union and State governments work together to formulate and implement policies for mutual benefit. It emphasises collaboration rather than the strict separation of functions. Examples of cooperative institutions in India include the Inter‑State Council, the Finance Commission, and the GST Council. The term is discussed by scholars such as K.C. Wheare.

Q7: Explain special provisions for some states.
Ans: The Constitution provides special provisions for certain states to recognise their unique historical, social or geographical conditions. Key examples include:
These provisions primarily affect:

• North Eastern States: Such as Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, which have significant indigenous tribal populations with distinct cultures.
• Hilly States: Including Himachal Pradesh, as well as states like Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Sikkim, and Telangana.
• Former special status: Jammu & Kashmir previously had special status under Article 370; this was abrogated and the region reorganised in 2019.

Short Answer Type Questions

• Origin: In the USA the Union is formed by the states (a classical federation). In India the Constitution creates the Union and the states are units in that Union.
• Distribution of Powers: USA has stronger state powers and residual powers lie with states. In India residual powers lie with the Centre.
• Representation in Upper House: US Senate gives equal representation to each state. Rajya Sabha gives representation based on population, so it is not strictly equal.
• Constitutional Rigidity: Both have written constitutions, but the US amendment process is more state‑centric. India allows Parliament greater role in amendment and reorganisation of states.
• Centre–State Relations: The US system tends to be more federal in practice; India is more centralised though federal features exist.

Q9: Write the main features of a federal system.
Ans: Federalism, as a principle of Government, has evolved differently in different situations yet there are some basic features which are generally considered essential for a federal system. 
These areas under.

• Written Constitution & double Constitution
• Rigid Consitution
• The institutional mechanism to accommodate two sets of politics.
• Two sets of identities and loyalties of the people to their region as well as their nation.
• Distribution of powers between two sets of Government one at centra! level and other at the state level.
• Bicameral legislative
• Independent Judiciary
• Double Citizenship
• Supremacy of Constitution
• Residual powers with the states

Q10: What is President Rule?
Ans: Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution Governor can recommend President's Rule in the state in the following circumstances:

• If the law and order is broke down in the state
• There is political instability in the state
• No party has secured a majority for the formation of a Government and there is political hoarding
• If the constitutional machinery has failed and the government is not being run according to the provisions of the Constitution.
• It is the discretionary power of the Governor to see that such a situation has arisen or not as to warrant the imposition of President Rule.

Q11: Write the discretionary powers of the Governor.
Ans:  The Governor, appointed by the President of India, holds two key roles: as the nominal head of the state and as the agent of the central government. 
His discretionary powers include:

1. Referring a bill passed by the state legislature to the President.
2. Deciding whom to invite to form the government when no party has a majority.
3. Assessing political instability in the state.
4. Recommending the imposition of President's Rule in the state.

Q12: Do you support the creation of new states?
Ans: The Constitution allows reorganisation of states (Article 3). Arguments in favour include improved administration, better local governance, and addressing regional aspirations. Arguments against include increased administrative cost and potential risks of fragmentation. Successful examples of state creation for administrative reasons include Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. Any decision must balance administrative efficiency, development and national unity.

Q13: Mention special provisions in the Constitution for some states.
Ans:  The Indian Constitution provides special provisions for certain states due to their unique social, cultural, and historical circumstances. 
Key examples include:

• North Eastern States: States like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram have special provisions under Article 371, recognising their distinct tribal populations and cultures.
• Jammu and Kashmir: Previously granted special status under Article 370, this state had its own Constitution and significant autonomy. However, this status was revoked in 2019, leading to its reorganisation into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
• Hilly States: States like Himachal Pradesh also enjoy special provisions due to their geographical and cultural characteristics.

These provisions aim to address the specific needs and challenges faced by these regions.

Q14: Define federalism. Why it is needed in a plural society?
Ans:  Federalism is a system of government where powers are divided between the central and state governments. In a true federation, states give up certain powers to the centre, which handles national and international issues, while the states manage local matters.
In a plural society, where multiple states are formed based on administrative convenience, federalism helps address regional and cultural aspirations. It allows for the realization of linguistic and cultural identities, ensuring that regional needs are met while fostering unity and development.

Long Answer Type Questions

• Written Constitution: The Indian Constitution clearly outlines the distribution of powers.
• Division of Powers: Responsibilities are divided between the centre and the states.
• Bicameral Legislature: There are two houses in Parliament, ensuring representation.
• Independent Judiciary: Courts resolve disputes between different levels of government.

To maintain national unity, the Constitution also incorporates several unitary features:

• Unequal power distribution, with more authority given to the centre.
• Residual powers are retained by the centre.
• Emergency powers for the President (Article 352).
• President's rule in states (Article 356).
• Integrated judiciary and bureaucracy.
• Governors are appointed by the President and act as agents of the centre.
• Amendment powers are primarily with the centre.
• Central dominance in bodies like the National Development Council and Finance Commission.

Therefore, Indian federalism balances regional autonomy with a strong central authority to ensure unity in diversity.

Q16: Explain the unity in diversity in India.
Ans:  Unity in Diversity in India India is often described as a continent due to its vast diversity. 
Key aspects include:

• Over 20 major languages and hundreds of minor ones.
• Multiple religions coexisting, including Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity.
• Various indigenous groups with distinct cultures.

Despite these differences, we share:

• A common land and history.
• Joint efforts in the struggle for independence.
• Shared hopes and aspirations for the future.

This collective experience has led leaders to view India as a nation where there is unity in diversity. Over the past 75 years, this principle has proven resilient, demonstrating that our differences can coexist harmoniously.

Q17: Write the main unitary features of Indian constitution.
Ans: The Indian Constitution, while structurally appearing federal, has several unitary features. 
These include:

• No mention of the term federation; it refers to India as a Union of States.
• Unequal distribution of powers between the central and state governments.
• Unequal representation of states in the upper house of Parliament.
• Emergency powers granted to the President.
• An integrated judiciary system.
• Implementation of President's Rule in states.
• Key appointments made by the President.
• The Governor acts as the central government's agent in states.
• A single Constitution for the entire country.
• Provision for single citizenship.
• Central dominance over the Election Commission, Planning Commission, and NDC.
• Growing influence of the All India Government Service.

Q18: Explain the executive relations between the centre and states.
Ans:  Executive relations between the centre and states are defined by the Constitution, particularly Article 257. 
This article outlines the following key points:

• The executive power of each state must not impede the executive power of the Union.
• The Union government can issue directions to states when necessary.
• During an emergency, the President can direct states, leading to a situation known as President's Rule, where state administration becomes unitary.
• The Governor acts as the centre's representative and can recommend the imposition of President's Rule in certain circumstances.
• All India Services, such as IAS and IPS, play a crucial role in maintaining law and order and state development.
• States cannot take disciplinary action against these officers, as they are under the control of the central government.

Furthermore, the Constitution grants the Parliament the authority to protect officials during martial law, reinforcing the Union government's powers. This centralisation of powers can lead to tensions, particularly during emergencies, when the central government can legislate on state matters.

Q19: Discuss the controversy regarding the role of Governors in the state.
Ans: The role of Governors in India has become highly controversial over the past thirty years due to various factors:

• The Governor is not elected; instead, they are appointed, often leading to questions about their impartiality.
• Many Governors have been former politicians, which raises concerns about their partisan behaviour.
• Notable figures like Ram Lai Chauhan, J.D. Tapas, and Buta Singh have faced criticism for their biased actions.
• The misuse of Article 356, which allows for the imposition of President's rule, has sparked significant debate.
• Discretionary powers of Governors have been questioned, as their decisions can vary under similar circumstances.
• In some cases, state governments with a majority have been dismissed on the Governor's recommendations.

These issues contribute to the ongoing controversy surrounding the role of the Governor in India's political landscape.

Q20: Discuss the working of the federal system in India under the era of coalition Government.
Ans:  India's federal system has evolved significantly, particularly during the era of coalition government. 
The dominance of a single party, especially the Congress, has diminished, leading to:

• A sharp increase in the number of political parties, driven by populism.
• Regional parties gaining power both at the state and central levels.
• A shift towards a more cooperative federal system.

Key developments include:

• Parties like DMK, AIDMK, and others advocating for greater powers for states.
• Formation of alliances such as the Janata Dal, National Front, United Front, NDA, and UPA, comprising regional and national parties.

This political landscape has led to:

• A greater emphasis on state autonomy.
• Recognition of diversity within the federal framework.
• A more mature approach to federalism, respecting the demands for autonomy.