MCQs

1. What type of federation does India follow?

a) Coming-together federation

b) Holding-together federation

c) Unitary system

d) Mixed federation

2. Which of the following lists contains subjects on which only the Central Government can make laws?

a) State List

b) Union List

c) Concurrent List

d) Residuary List

3. Which Article of the Indian Constitution gives special provisions to states like Nagaland and Mizoram?

a) Article 15

b) Article 32

c) Article 371

d) Article 356

4. What is the role of the judiciary in India’s federal system?

a) To control the powers of the central government

b) To interpret the Constitution and resolve disputes between different levels of government

c) To dissolve state governments if needed

d) To make laws for state governments

5. Which of the following is a feature of federalism in India?

a) Central Government can change state boundaries without consent

b) The Constitution specifies the power-sharing arrangement between different levels of government

c) The President has absolute power over all states

d) All states have equal power and autonomy

Answers and Explanations

1. (b) Holding-together federation.

• India is a “holding-together” federation where the Central Government retains more power than the states .

2. (b) Union List.

• The Union List includes subjects of national importance like defense, foreign affairs, and banking .

3. (c) Article 371.

• Certain states like Nagaland and Mizoram have special provisions under Article 371 due to historical and cultural factors .

4. (b) To interpret the Constitution and resolve disputes between different levels of government.

• The judiciary acts as an arbitrator in cases of conflicts between the Union and State Governments .

5. (b) The Constitution specifies the power-sharing arrangement between different levels of government.

• The Indian Constitution clearly defines the responsibilities of the Union, State, and local governments .