Question

Q. Consider the following features:

Which of the features given above foster the principle of Federalism in India?

• A.
  2, 3 and 4 only
• B.
  1, 3 and 4 only
• C.
  3 and 4 only
• D.
  1, 2 and 4 only

Answer 1

The correct option is B

1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:

Statement 1, 3 and 4 are correct:

Federal Features of the Indian Union:

• Governments at two levels – centre and states
• Division of powers between the centre and states – there are three lists given in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution which gives the subjects each level has jurisdiction in:Union List,State List and Concurrent List
• Supremacy of the constitution
• Independent judiciary – the constitution provides for an independent and integrated judiciary. The lower and district courts are at the bottom levels, the high courts are at the state levels and at the topmost position is the Supreme Court of India. All courts are subordinate to the Supreme Court.

Statement 2 is Incorrect:
Unitary Features of the Indian Union

• The flexibility of the constitution – the constitution is a blend of flexibility and rigidity. Certain provisions of the constitution can be easily amended. In case the amendments seek to change aspects of federalism in India, the provision to bring about such amendments is not easy.

Hence statement 2 is not correct

• More power vests with the Centre – the constitution guarantees more powers with the Union List. On the Concurrent List, the parliament can make laws that can override the laws made by a state legislature on some matters. The parliament can also make laws regarding certain subjects in the State List.
• Unequal representation of states in the Rajya Sabha