Political Science: Federalism

Topics in this chapter

• Federalism Features and Types
• Constitutional Division of Powers
• Centre-State Relations in India
• Accommodating Linguistic Diversity
• Decentralisation and Local Government
• Political and Fiscal Federalism

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-17B858

   Which feature is essential to a federal system of government?

   1. A.All powers are concentrated in the national government.
   2. B.Constitutional division of powers exists between different levels of government.
   3. C.State governments function only as agents of the central government.
   4. D.The judiciary is controlled by the executive.
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-D56A45

   Which policy helped India manage linguistic diversity and strengthen federalism after independence?

   1. A.Replacing all regional languages with Hindi
   2. B.Reorganising states mainly on linguistic lines and adopting a flexible language policy
   3. C.Allowing only English to be used for official purposes
   4. D.Making language a subject controlled only by local governments
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-94CAF0

   Which statement correctly describes the effect of the Constitutional amendments of 1992 on local governments in India?

   1. A.Local governments became departments directly controlled by the Union government.
   2. B.Local governments received constitutional status, with regular elections and reservations for disadvantaged groups.
   3. C.State governments were completely removed from the functioning of local bodies.
   4. D.All members of local governments began to be nominated instead of elected.
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-0BE57F

   Distinguish between ‘coming together’ federations and ‘holding together’ federations. Give one example of each. (3 marks)

   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-D46B78

   Explain any two ways in which the creation of linguistic states strengthened Indian federalism. (3 marks)

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