Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2017 · Polity and Constitution · Question 50

Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?

  1. There is an independent judiciary in India.
  2. Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.
  3. The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha.
  4. It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.

Answer

It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.

  • (a) Independent judiciary — Yes, this is a core feature of Indian federalism; the Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution and umpire in Centre-State disputes. Verdict: Feature.
  • (b) Clear division of powers — Yes, the Constitution divides powers through the Union, State and Concurrent Lists in the Seventh Schedule. Verdict: Feature.
  • (c) Unequal representation in Rajya Sabha — Yes, Indian federalism gives States representation broadly on the basis of population, so representation is unequal. Verdict: Feature.
  • (d) Result of an agreement among federating units — No, India is not a federation formed by an agreement among sovereign units; it is a "holding together" federation created by the Constitution. Verdict: Not a feature.

Correct answer: (d)

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