Q86 · UPSC Prelims 2021 · Set A · Polity and Governance

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Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character?

A The independence of judiciary is safeguarded.
B The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units.
C The Union Cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties.
D The Fundamental Rights are enforceable by Courts of Law.

Correct answer: (a) The independence of judiciary is safeguarded.

Explanation

  1. A

    The independence of judiciary is safeguarded.

    Independence of the judiciary. An independent court that can umpire Centre–State and federal lists is the keyed federal marker among these four.

  2. B

    The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units.

    Union Legislature with members from units. True of many unions; not the distinctive essential as keyed here.

  3. C

    The Union Cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties.

    Regional parties in the Cabinet. A coalition fact, not a federal essential.

  4. D

    The Fundamental Rights are enforceable by Courts of Law.

    Justiciable Fundamental Rights. A rights feature of unitary and federal states alike.

Summary. Official key is (a). Among the options, a safeguarded independent judiciary is the federal essential — it polices the division of powers. FR enforcement, regional ministers and a composite House are not that test.