CAPF AC 2022 Q68: Indian Polity – Federalism & Centre - State Relations
- (a) Courts can interpret the Constitution and powers of different levels of the Government.
- (b) Sources of revenue for the Union Government and the State Governments are specified.
- (c) Powers of the Union and the States are specified in the Constitution.
- (d) Indian federalism is based on the principle of Separation of Powers.
Answer: (d) Indian federalism is based on the principle of Separation of Powers.
Explanation
Federalism and separation of powers
How to think: keep two ideas apart.
Federalism divides power between levels of government: Union and States.
Separation of powers divides power between organs: legislature, executive and judiciary.
So federalism rests on division of powers, not separation of powers.
| Feature of federalism | Present in India? |
|---|---|
| Two or more levels of government | Yes |
| Powers of each level written in the Constitution | Yes: the Seventh Schedule with three lists |
| Sources of revenue specified for each level | Yes |
| Courts interpret the Constitution and settle disputes | Yes |
| Based on separation of powers | No; that is a different principle |
Answer: (d).
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. This is a feature: the judiciary acts as the umpire between levels of government.
- (b) Incorrect. This is a feature: each level has its own sources of revenue.
- (c) Incorrect. This is a feature: powers are divided by the Constitution itself.
- (d) CORRECT. Federalism is based on division of powers between levels, not separation of powers.
Key point
Federal features (NCERT Class X): two tiers or more, constitutional division of powers, rigid constitution, independent judiciary, separate revenue sources. Seventh Schedule: Union, State and Concurrent Lists. India: a Union of States with a strong Centre.
Remember
Federalism = division of powers between levels.
Common mistakes
- Treating division of powers and separation of powers as the same thing.
- Thinking the courts have no role in a federal system.
- Missing the word not and marking a genuine feature.
Exam tip
Educated guess: options (a), (b) and (c) are the bullet points NCERT gives for federalism. Option (d) borrows a term from a different chapter.
Sources
- NCERT Class X Political Science — Democratic Politics II, Chapter 2: Federalism
- NCERT Class XI Political Science — Indian Constitution at Work, Chapter 7: Federalism