Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2021 · Polity and Constitution · Question 86

Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character?

  1. The independence of judiciary is safeguarded.
  2. The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units.
  3. The Union Cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties.
  4. The Fundamental Rights are enforceable by Courts of Law.

Answer

The independence of judiciary is safeguarded.

  • (a) Independence of judiciary is safeguarded: In a federation, an independent judiciary is essential to interpret the Constitution and adjudicate Centre-State disputes. This is widely treated as a core federal feature. Verdict: Correct.
  • (b) Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units: Federal systems usually provide representation of States/units in the second chamber, but in India Rajya Sabha members are not directly elected by the people of the States; they are elected by State Legislative Assemblies. Hence this wording is not the best statement. Verdict: Not correct as framed.
  • (c) Union Cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties: This depends on political outcomes, not constitutional design. Verdict: Incorrect.
  • (d) Fundamental Rights are enforceable by Courts of Law: This is a feature of constitutionalism and rule of law, not specifically of federalism. Verdict: Incorrect.
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