Federalism - Free MCQ Practice Test with solutions, Class 10 SST

The central government can pass on orders to the provincial or the local government. But in a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government to do something. The 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.

A mayor is the head of the Municipal Corporation. He is elected by the members of the Municipal Corporation. He is known as the first citizen of the city.

• There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
• The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution. So the existence and authority of each tier of government is constitutionally guaranteed. 
• 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. 

First route involves independent states coming together on their own to form a bigger unit this is known as coming together federation. The second route is where a large country decides to divide its power between the constituent states and the national government this is holding together federation.

• The distribution of legislative powers in India between the Union Government and the State Governments is primarily based on the subject matter.
• This arrangement ensures that laws related to specific subjects are made by the appropriate level of government, creating a clear delineation of authority and responsibilities.

• The formation of linguistic States in India initially raised concerns about potential political disintegration, as some national leaders worried about the impact on the country's unity.
• However, the experience has shown that linguistic States have actually contributed to greater national unity and administrative efficiency.

Union Territories refer to areas that are too small to become independent States but cannot be merged with existing States, and thus do not possess the powers of a State. The Central Government holds special powers in governing these areas.

The Census of India in 2011 identified over 1300 distinct languages mentioned as mother tongues, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the country.

• Assertion (A) is correct. Federalism indeed involves the division of power between a central authority and constituent units like states or provinces, as mentioned in the provided text.
• Reason (R) is also correct. In a federal system, there are typically two levels of government: one at the national level responsible for national interests, and the other at the state or provincial level managing day-to-day administration, as outlined in the passage.
• The Reason (R) serves as a correct explanation for the Assertion (A) because it elaborates on how federalism works by specifying the dual levels of government and their respective roles, aligning with the definition of federalism provided in the Assertion.

Correct answer:
b) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion

Assertion (A): The sharing of power between the Union Government and the State Governments is a key aspect of the Indian Constitution.
True – This is a fundamental feature of India’s federal structure.

Reason (R): Any change to the power-sharing arrangement between the Union Government and the State Governments requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and ratification by legislatures of at least half of the total States.
True – This is correct according to Article 368 of the Indian Constitution for certain amendments (like changes in the Seventh Schedule).

Is Reason the correct explanation of Assertion?
Not exactly. The Assertion is about federal power-sharing, while the Reason talks about how to amend it. The Reason supports the context but is not the direct explanation of the Assertion.