Features of Federalism MCQs Quiz | Class 10
This quiz on ‘Features of Federalism’ for Class X Political Science, part of the Unit on Federalism, tests your understanding of the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. Attempt all 10 multiple-choice questions and then submit to view your score. You can also download a detailed answer PDF for revision.
Understanding Federalism and Power Distribution
Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. India is a federal country, though it is often described as a ‘union of states’ with a strong centre. This system ensures that while there is a strong central government for national unity, regional diversity and local needs are also accommodated through state and local governments.
Key Features of Federalism
- Two or more levels of government: Federalism involves multiple tiers of government (e.g., central, state, local).
- Same citizens, different jurisdictions: Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation, and administration.
- Constitutional guarantee of powers: The jurisdiction of the respective levels or tiers of government is specified in the constitution. So the existence and authority of each tier of government is constitutionally guaranteed.
- Judicial interpretation: The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both levels of government. 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.
- Sources of revenue: Each level of government has its own specified sources of revenue to ensure its financial autonomy.
- Dual objectives: Federal systems have dual objectives: to safeguard and promote the unity of the country, and to accommodate regional diversity.
Distribution of Legislative Powers in India
The Indian Constitution provides a three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments, divided into three lists:
- Union List: Includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications, and currency. The Union Government alone can make laws relating to these subjects.
- State List: Contains subjects of state and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture, and irrigation. The State Governments alone can make laws relating to these subjects.
- Concurrent List: Includes subjects of common interest to both the Union as well as the State Governments, such as education, forests, trade unions, marriage, adoption, and succession. Both the Union and State Governments can make laws on these subjects. If their laws conflict with each other, the law made by the Union Government will prevail.
- Residuary Subjects: Subjects not mentioned in any of these three lists, like computer software, fall under the ‘residuary’ category. The Union Government has the power to legislate on these subjects.
Summary of Legislative Lists
| List | Key Subjects | Who can legislate? |
|---|---|---|
| Union | Defence, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Railways, Currency | Union Government |
| State | Police, Public Order, Agriculture, Local Government | State Governments |
| Concurrent | Education, Forests, Trade Unions, Marriage, Adoption | Both (Union prevails) |
Quick Revision Points
- Federalism divides power between central and state governments.
- The Constitution guarantees the powers of each level of government.
- The judiciary resolves disputes between different levels of government.
- Legislative powers are categorized into Union, State, and Concurrent Lists, plus Residuary subjects.
- Union List covers national importance; State List covers local importance.
- Concurrent List covers shared interests, where Union law prevails in case of conflict.
Practice Questions for Further Study
- Differentiate between a ‘coming together’ federation and a ‘holding together’ federation with examples.
- Explain how the judiciary plays a crucial role in the successful functioning of federalism in India.
- Why is it important for different levels of government to have their own sources of revenue in a federal system?
- Discuss the significance of the Concurrent List in India’s federal structure and its implications for governance.
- How does the Indian Constitution accommodate regional diversity while maintaining the unity of the country through its federal provisions?
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