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.