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Federalism

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Summary

Summary of Federalism in India

  • Definition: Federalism is a system of power-sharing among different levels of government.
  • Key Features:
    • Two or more levels of government exist.
    • Each level has its own jurisdiction.
    • Powers are constitutionally guaranteed.
    • Changes to the constitution require consent from both levels of government.
    • Courts interpret the constitution and resolve disputes.
  • Lists in the Constitution:
    • Union List: Subjects of national importance (e.g., defense, foreign affairs).
    • State List: Subjects of state and local importance (e.g., police, agriculture).
    • Concurrent List: Subjects of common interest (e.g., education, trade).
  • Special Provisions: Some states have special powers due to historical and social circumstances.
  • Local Government: Introduced as a third tier of federalism in India, consisting of Panchayats and Municipalities.
  • Judicial Role: The judiciary oversees the implementation of constitutional provisions and resolves disputes regarding power-sharing.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the concept of federalism and its significance in modern democracies.
  • Describe the federal structure of the Indian government, including the distribution of powers among different levels of government.
  • Identify the three lists in the Indian Constitution: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
  • Explain the roles and powers of the Union and State governments in relation to the subjects in these lists.
  • Analyze the impact of federalism on governance and policy-making in India.
  • Discuss the special provisions for certain states in India and their implications for federalism.
  • Evaluate the relationship between the Central and State governments in the context of federalism.

Detailed Notes

Federalism in India

Overview of Federalism

  • Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units.
  • It typically has two levels of government: a national government and regional governments (states or provinces).

Key Features of Federalism

  1. Multiple Levels of Government: There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
  2. Jurisdiction: Different tiers govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation, and administration.
  3. Constitutional Specification: The jurisdictions of the respective levels of government are specified in the constitution.
  4. Amendment Procedures: Fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government; changes require consent from both levels.
  5. Judicial Interpretation: Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of government.
  6. Revenue Sources: Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure financial autonomy.

Lists in the Indian Constitution

  • Union List: Subjects of national importance (e.g., defence, foreign affairs, banking).
  • State List: Subjects of state and local importance (e.g., police, trade, agriculture).
  • Concurrent List: Subjects of common interest to both the Union and State Governments.

Power Distribution

  • The Union Government has exclusive powers over the Union List.
  • State Governments have exclusive powers over the State List.
  • Both levels can legislate on subjects in the Concurrent List, but if there is a conflict, Union law prevails.

Special Provisions for Certain States

  • Some states in India, such as Assam and Nagaland, enjoy special powers due to their unique social and historical contexts.

Conclusion

  • Federalism in India accommodates regional diversity while maintaining national unity, reflecting the principles of power-sharing as outlined in the Constitution.

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

  • Misunderstanding the Lists: Students often confuse the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists. Remember:
    • Union List: Subjects of national importance (e.g., defense, foreign affairs).
    • State List: Subjects of local importance (e.g., police, agriculture).
    • Concurrent List: Subjects of common interest (e.g., education).
  • Incorrect Matching of Government Powers: Be careful when matching levels of government with their respective powers. For example, local governments do not have residuary powers.
  • Assuming Equal Powers: Not all states in India have identical powers. Some states have special provisions under Article 371 due to unique social and historical circumstances.

Exam Tips

  • Review the Three Lists: Make sure to memorize the subjects under each list and understand their implications for federalism in India.
  • Understand Special Status: Be aware of states like Assam and Nagaland that have special powers and the reasons behind them.
  • Practice Matching Exercises: Familiarize yourself with exercises that require matching government levels with their powers to avoid mistakes during the exam.
  • Clarify Residuary Powers: Know that the Union Government has the authority to legislate on subjects not listed in the three lists, which is a common area of confusion.

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

A.

The Union List contains subjects of national importance, and only the central government can legislate on these.

B.

The State List contains subjects of national importance, and only the central government can legislate on these.

C.

The Concurrent List contains subjects of national importance, and only the state governments can legislate on these.

D.

The Residuary List contains subjects of national importance, and only the state governments can legislate on these.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The Union List includes subjects of national importance like defense and foreign affairs, and only the central government can legislate on these subjects.

A.

The State law prevails.

B.

The Union law prevails.

C.

Both laws are invalid.

D.

The judiciary decides which law to implement.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

If the laws made by the Union and State Governments on a concurrent subject conflict, the law made by the Union Government will prevail.

A.

Union List

B.

State List

C.

Concurrent List

D.

Residuary List
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Concurrent List includes subjects on which both the Union and State governments can legislate.

A.

Union List

B.

State List

C.

Concurrent List

D.

Residuary List
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution includes subjects on which both the Union and State Governments can legislate. If there is a conflict, the Union law prevails.

A.

United States

B.

Switzerland

C.

India

D.

Australia
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

India is an example of a 'holding together' federation where the central government is more powerful.

A.

Power is concentrated at the central level.

B.

Power is divided between different levels of government.

C.

Only the central government has the authority to legislate.

D.

Local governments have residuary powers.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Federalism involves the division of power between a central authority and various constituent units, allowing different levels of government to govern the same citizens.

A.

The Union Government can legislate on residuary subjects.

B.

All States in India have equal powers.

C.

The Constitution provides a three-fold distribution of legislative powers.

D.

Special provisions exist for certain States due to their unique circumstances.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Not all States in India have equal powers; some have special provisions due to their unique social and historical circumstances.

A.

All states in India have the same powers and responsibilities.

B.

Some states in India have special powers and privileges due to historical and social circumstances.

C.

The Union Government has the power to legislate on all subjects without consulting the states.

D.

Local governments have the same powers as state governments.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Asymmetrical federalism in India refers to the special provisions and powers granted to certain states like Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram due to their unique social and historical contexts, as mentioned in Article 371 of the Indian Constitution.

A.

All states have equal powers.

B.

The central government is more powerful than the states.

C.

States have the power to secede from the federation.

D.

The constitution can be amended by the states alone.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In a 'holding together' federation like India, the central government tends to be more powerful than the states. This is in contrast to 'coming together' federations, where constituent units have equal power.

A.

New states are created solely based on economic factors.

B.

New states can be created based on linguistic, cultural, or geographical differences.

C.

New states are created only by the central government without any consultation.

D.

New states are created by merging existing states.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

New states in India have been created based on linguistic, cultural, or geographical differences.

A.

Nagaland

B.

Tamil Nadu

C.

Karnataka

D.

Kerala
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Nagaland was created not on the basis of language but to recognize cultural differences, serving as an example of state formation based on cultural rather than linguistic differences.

A.

Police

B.

Agriculture

C.

Defence

D.

Trade
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Defence is a subject of national importance and is included in the Union List.

A.

The central government can unilaterally change the powers of the states.

B.

The states have powers that are constitutionally guaranteed and independent of the central government.

C.

The central government has the authority to dismiss state governments at will.

D.

All states have equal power and are subordinate to the central government.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In a federal system, the states have powers that are constitutionally guaranteed and are independent of the central government, unlike in a unitary system where the central government can alter state powers.

A.

Defence

B.

Police

C.

Education

D.

Banking
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Education is a subject under the Concurrent List, where both the Union and State governments can legislate.

A.

Central government holds all the power

B.

Power is divided between different levels of government

C.

Provincial governments can be dissolved by the central government

D.

Only the central government can levy taxes
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A distinguishing feature of a federal government is the division of power between different levels of government, each with its own jurisdiction.

A.

Union Territories have the same powers as states.

B.

Union Territories are governed directly by the Central Government.

C.

Union Territories have more powers than states.

D.

Union Territories can legislate on residuary subjects.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Union Territories are areas that are too small to become independent states and are governed directly by the Central Government, as they do not have the powers of a state.

A.

They have the same powers as states.

B.

They are governed directly by the Central Government.

C.

They have more powers than states.

D.

They can legislate on all subjects independently.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Union Territories are governed directly by the Central Government and do not have the same powers as states.

A.

States have been created solely based on linguistic lines.

B.

States have been created based on linguistic, cultural, and geographical differences.

C.

The creation of states is solely a decision of the central government without any constitutional backing.

D.

No new states have been created since independence.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Post-independence, India has created new states not only on linguistic lines but also to recognize cultural and geographical differences.

A.

There is only one level of government.

B.

The central government can order the state government to do something.

C.

The central and state governments are separately answerable to the people.

D.

All powers are concentrated in the central government.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

In a federal system, both the central and state governments have powers of their own and are separately answerable to the people.

A.

To promote economic development.

B.

To ensure that people who speak the same language live in the same state.

C.

To reduce the power of the central government.

D.

To increase the number of states for better governance.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Linguistic states were created to ensure that people who speak the same language live in the same state, thereby promoting cultural and linguistic unity.

A.

All constituent units have equal power

B.

The central government is more powerful than the state governments

C.

The constitution can be unilaterally changed by the central government

D.

State governments have the power to secede from the union
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In 'holding together' federations like India, the central government tends to be more powerful than the state governments, and the constituent units often have unequal powers.

A.

The central government has all the powers.

B.

Powers are divided between the central and state governments, each having their own jurisdiction.

C.

State governments have more power than the central government.

D.

Local governments have residuary powers.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In a federation, powers are divided between the central and state governments, each having their own jurisdiction.

A.

Union List

B.

State List

C.

Concurrent List

D.

Residuary List
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Concurrent List allows both Union and State governments to make laws on the same subjects.

A.

There are two or more levels of government.

B.

The central government has all the power.

C.

Only the central government can make laws.

D.

Local governments have residuary powers.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Federalism involves multiple levels of government, each with its own jurisdiction.

A.

To legislate on concurrent subjects

B.

To interpret the constitution and resolve disputes between different levels of government

C.

To allocate financial resources between the central and state governments

D.

To amend the constitution to adjust the balance of power
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The judiciary in a federal system is tasked with interpreting the constitution and resolving disputes between the central and state governments to ensure that the division of powers is respected.

A.

Two or more levels of government.

B.

Central government can order the state government.

C.

Each level of government has its own jurisdiction.

D.

Constitutional guarantee of the existence and authority of each tier.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government to do something. Each level of government has powers of its own.

A.

Defence

B.

Police

C.

Education

D.

Banking
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Education is a subject in the Concurrent List, allowing both the Union and State governments to make laws on it.

A.

District Court

B.

High Court

C.

Supreme Court

D.

Family Court
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

In a federal system, the Supreme Court acts as an umpire in disputes between different levels of government and has the power to interpret the constitution.

A.

The central government has the authority to dissolve state governments.

B.

Power is divided between different levels of government.

C.

All powers are concentrated in the central government.

D.

Governments at different levels do not have separate jurisdictions.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A federal government is characterized by the division of powers between different levels of government, each with its own jurisdiction.

A.

It provides for the division of powers between the Union and State governments.

B.

It grants special provisions to certain states due to their unique circumstances.

C.

It outlines the process for amending the Constitution.

D.

It establishes the framework for local government bodies.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Article 371 of the Indian Constitution provides special provisions for certain states like Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram, due to their unique social and historical circumstances, granting them special powers and privileges.

A.

United States of America

B.

India

C.

Spain

D.

Belgium
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

In a 'coming together' federation, independent states come together to form a bigger unit, as seen in the USA.

A.

State List

B.

Union List

C.

Concurrent List

D.

Residuary List
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defense, foreign affairs, and banking.

A.

All constituent units have equal power.

B.

The central government is weaker than the states.

C.

Some units have more power than others.

D.

There is no central authority.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

In 'holding together' federations, like India, some units have more power than others, and the central government tends to be more powerful.

A.

Kerala

B.

Maharashtra

C.

Nagaland

D.

Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Nagaland, along with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram, enjoys special provisions under Article 371 of the Indian Constitution. These provisions are in place to protect the land rights and culture of indigenous peoples.

A.

Concurrent power

B.

Residuary power

C.

Exclusive power

D.

Shared power
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In a federal system, residuary powers refer to those powers which are not listed in the constitution and are thus left to the central government to legislate upon.

A.

United States

B.

Switzerland

C.

India

D.

Australia
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

India is an example of a 'holding together' federation where the central government has more power.

A.

In 'coming together' federations, the central government is more powerful.

B.

In 'holding together' federations, constituent units have equal power.

C.

In 'coming together' federations, constituent units retain identity and sovereignty.

D.

In 'holding together' federations, there is no central government.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

'Coming together' federations involve independent states coming together to form a bigger unit, retaining their identity and sovereignty, whereas 'holding together' federations often have a more powerful central government.

A.

Union List

B.

State List

C.

Concurrent List

D.

Residuary List
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution includes subjects like education and forests, on which both the Union and State Governments can legislate.

A.

Existence of multiple levels of government

B.

Jurisdiction specified in the constitution

C.

Financial autonomy of each level

D.

Constitutional guarantee of authority
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

This action violates the feature of federalism where the existence and authority of each tier of government is constitutionally guaranteed and cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government.

A.

State List

B.

Union List

C.

Concurrent List

D.

Residuary List
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Union List contains subjects of national importance, such as defense and foreign affairs, on which only the Union Government can legislate.

A.

All states have equal powers.

B.

Some states have special powers under certain constitutional provisions.

C.

The Union Government cannot legislate on any state subjects.

D.

The central government can unilaterally change the power-sharing arrangement.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Some states in India, like Assam and Nagaland, have special powers due to their unique social and historical circumstances.

A.

Union List

B.

State List

C.

Concurrent List

D.

Residuary List
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Concurrent List allows both the Union and State governments to make laws on the subjects mentioned in it.

A.

The judiciary can unilaterally change the distribution of powers between the Union and State governments.

B.

The judiciary acts as an umpire in disputes between different levels of government.

C.

The judiciary has no role in the federal structure of India.

D.

The judiciary only oversees the functioning of the Union Government.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In the Indian federal system, the judiciary, particularly the High Courts and the Supreme Court, plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution and resolving disputes between the Union and State governments, thus acting as an umpire.

A.

Central government

B.

State government

C.

Both central and state governments

D.

Local governments
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

In a federal system, subjects not enumerated in the Union, State, or Concurrent lists are considered 'residuary' subjects. According to the Indian Constitution, the central government has the power to legislate on these residuary subjects.

A.

Union Territories have the same powers as states.

B.

Union Territories are directly governed by the Central Government.

C.

Union Territories can independently legislate on all matters.

D.

Union Territories have their own separate constitution.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Union Territories are directly governed by the Central Government and do not have the same powers as states.

A.

To make laws for the central government

B.

To interpret the constitution and resolve disputes

C.

To govern local bodies

D.

To levy taxes
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The judiciary interprets the constitution and resolves disputes between different levels of government.

A.

In a federal government, the central authority has all the power.

B.

In a unitary government, the sub-units have more power than the central government.

C.

A federal government divides power between central and regional authorities.

D.

A unitary government has multiple levels of government with equal power.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

In a federal form of government, power is divided between a central authority and various regional authorities, each having its own jurisdiction.

A.

All states in India have equal powers and status.

B.

The creation of linguistic states was the first major test for Indian federalism.

C.

The Indian Constitution allows the central government to unilaterally change state boundaries.

D.

Federalism in India is based on the principle of unitary control.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The creation of linguistic states was indeed the first major test for Indian federalism, ensuring that people speaking the same language lived in the same state.

A.

To ensure uniformity in language across the country.

B.

To recognize and respect cultural and ethnic diversity.

C.

To centralize power in the hands of the Union government.

D.

To increase the number of Union Territories.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In India, states have been created not only on linguistic lines but also to recognize cultural, ethnic, and geographical differences, as seen in the creation of states like Nagaland, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand.

A.

Goa

B.

Nagaland

C.

Gujarat

D.

Kerala
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

States like Nagaland enjoy special powers under Article 371 due to their unique social and historical circumstances.

A.

State Governments

B.

Union Government

C.

Both Union and State Governments

D.

Local Governments
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

According to the Indian Constitution, the Union Government has the power to legislate on 'residuary' subjects, which are subjects not enumerated in any of the three lists.

A.

State List

B.

Union List

C.

Concurrent List

D.

Residuary List
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Union List contains subjects of national importance such as defence, foreign affairs, and banking.

A.

There are two or more levels of government.

B.

The central government has all the powers.

C.

Different levels of government govern the same citizens.

D.

Courts have the power to interpret the constitution.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In a federal government, power is divided between different levels, and the central government does not have all the powers.

A.

United States

B.

Switzerland

C.

India

D.

Australia
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

India is an example of a 'holding together' federation where a large country decides to divide its power between the constituent states and the national government.

A.

The Union Government can unilaterally change the division of powers.

B.

The division of powers is specified in the Constitution and requires mutual consent to change.

C.

The State Governments have more power than the Union Government.

D.

The division of powers is determined by the President of India.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Indian Constitution specifies the division of powers between the Union and State governments, and any changes require the consent of both levels of government.

A.

State government - Residuary powers

B.

Central government - Union List

C.

Local governments - Concurrent List

D.

Central and State governments - State List
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Central government has the power to legislate on subjects in the Union List.

A.

Union List

B.

State List

C.

Concurrent List

D.

Residuary List
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The State List contains subjects of state and local importance, such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture, and irrigation.

A.

State Government

B.

Union Government

C.

Concurrent jurisdiction of both Union and State Governments

D.

Local Government
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

According to the Indian Constitution, subjects that do not fall under any of the three lists (Union, State, Concurrent) are considered 'residuary subjects'. The Union Government has the power to legislate on these residuary subjects, which would include new technological advancements like Quantum Computing.

A.

All states have equal power.

B.

The central government is more powerful than the states.

C.

States have more power than the central government.

D.

Local governments have the most power.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In 'holding together' federations, the central government tends to be more powerful than the states, as seen in India.

True or False

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In a unitary system, the central government can pass orders to the provincial or local government, as they are subordinate to the central government.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

In India, not all states have the same powers. Some states enjoy special status and powers due to historical and social circumstances, as outlined in Article 371 of the Constitution.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Any change to the power-sharing arrangement requires a constitutional amendment, which must be passed by both Houses of Parliament with a two-thirds majority and ratified by at least half of the State legislatures.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Any change to the power-sharing arrangement has to be first passed by both the Houses of Parliament with at least a two-thirds majority and then ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the total States.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the Indian Constitution, the Union Government has the power to legislate on 'residuary' subjects, which do not fall in any of the three lists.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

While many states in India were created based on linguistic lines, some states were formed to recognize cultural, ethnic, or geographical differences, such as Nagaland, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The creation of linguistic States was indeed a major test for democratic politics in India, ensuring that people who spoke the same language lived in the same State.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the Indian Constitution, the Union Government has the power to legislate on 'residuary' subjects, which are subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Indian Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government, but later a third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Indian Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government, the Union Government and the State governments. A third tier of federalism was added later in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The judiciary, including the High Courts and the Supreme Court, has the authority to resolve disputes regarding the division of powers between the Union and State Governments.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the Indian Constitution, the Union Government has the power to legislate on 'residuary' subjects, which are those not enumerated in the State, Union, or Concurrent Lists.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Indian Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government, and a third tier was added later in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Indian Constitution provides for a division of powers between the Union and State Governments, which is a key feature of federalism.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Union List contains subjects that require a uniform policy across the country, and only the Union Government can legislate on these matters.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Indian Constitution does not explicitly use the word 'federation', but it is based on federal principles, with a division of powers between the Union and State governments.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Any change to the power-sharing arrangement must be passed by both Houses of Parliament with a two-thirds majority and ratified by at least half of the State legislatures.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Federalism is not exclusive to large countries. For example, Belgium, a relatively small country, adopted a federal system.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

In a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government to do something. State governments have powers of their own for which they are not answerable to the central government.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

In India, subjects of national importance are included in the Union List, not the State List.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

In a federal system, the state government has powers of its own for which it is not answerable to the central government.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government to do something. State governments have powers of their own for which they are not answerable to the central government. Both these governments are separately answerable to the people.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Federalism can be adopted by both large and small countries. It is a system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, and its adoption depends on the needs and circumstances of a country, not just its size.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

In a federal system, changes to the power-sharing arrangement require the consent of both levels of government and cannot be changed unilaterally by the central government.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Any change to the power-sharing arrangement between the Union and State Governments in India has to be passed by both Houses of Parliament with at least a two-thirds majority and then ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the total States.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Union Territories do not have the powers of a State. The Central Government has special powers in running these areas.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

India is a type of federation where the Union Government has more powers than the State Governments.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The formation of States based on linguistic lines was a significant challenge and test for India's democratic setup.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Federalism involves dividing power between different levels of government, typically a central government and regional governments.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In a federal system, both the central and state governments have powers of their own and are not subordinate to one another.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

In a federal system, changes to the power-sharing arrangement require the consent of both levels of government, and cannot be changed unilaterally by the central government.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Union Territories in India do not have the powers of a State. The Central Government has special powers in running these areas.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Not all States in the Indian Union have identical powers. Some States enjoy a special status due to their peculiar social and historical circumstances.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Not all States in the Indian Union have identical powers. Some States enjoy special status under certain provisions of the Constitution.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In a federal system, each level of government operates independently and has powers that are constitutionally guaranteed. The central government cannot unilaterally order the state government to take action.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

According to the Indian Constitution, the Union Government has the power to legislate on 'residuary' subjects that are not mentioned in any of the three lists.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Indian Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government, but later a third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities.