Q100 · UPSC Prelims 2017 · Set A · Polity and Governance

← Q99

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

A There is an independent judiciary in India.
B Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.
C The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha.
D It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.

Correct answer: (d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.

Explanation

  1. A

    There is an independent judiciary in India.

    An independent judiciary with the Supreme Court as the apex constitutional court is a recognised feature of Indian federalism (dispute settlement between Centre and States). The question asks what is not a feature, so (a) is a true feature and not the key.

  2. B

    Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.

    The Seventh Schedule divides Union, State and Concurrent powers. Clear (if Union-tilted) division of powers is a federal feature. This option is therefore not the 'not a feature' key.

  3. C

    The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha.

    Rajya Sabha representation is unequal (population-based allotment), unlike the US Senate’s equal states. Unequal Upper House representation is still a feature of the Indian federation as designed. This option is not the key.

  4. D

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

    The Union of India is not the product of a compact among sovereign federating units. States were not independent parties to a founding treaty; India is often called 'holding together' rather than 'coming together'. That absence of an agreement among units is not a feature of US-style federalism and is the official key as the statement that is not a feature.

Summary. Official key is (d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units. India was not formed by a contract of previously sovereign states. Independent judiciary, a written division of powers, and unequal Rajya Sabha seats are actual traits of the Indian federation. The 'agreement among units' describes the US (and similar coming-together) model. Only (d) is not a feature of Indian federalism.

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2020 · Q13 · General Studies · 2 marks

    Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India defines its structure in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 2. The Constitution of India provides for 'Judicial review' to safeguard the citizens' liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. Which of the statements given above is are correct?

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