CH 7

How does the Indian Constitution describe the country’s structure—federal or unitary?

Article 1 states 'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States'; not explicitly federal.

What is the key difference between the U.S. and Indian federalism?

U.S.: Dual federalism (clear separation of powers); India: Quasi-federal with a strong Centre.

Why did the USSR collapse despite being a federation?

Excessive centralization, lack of regional autonomy, ethnic conflicts.

What is the difference between Canadian and Indian federalism?

Canada: Decentralized federalism; India: Strong central bias (unitary tilt).

What is the difference between federal and unitary systems of governance?

Federalism shares power between Centre & States; Unitary has a strong central government.

Why is India’s federalism called 'Holding Together' federalism?

Power is asymmetrically distributed, with the Centre holding dominant control.

What is the role of the judiciary in a federal structure?

Resolves Centre-State disputes, upholds constitutional division of powers (Article 131).

How does Indian federalism ensure cooperative governance?

Through institutions like NITI Aayog, Zonal Councils, and GST Council.

What was the impact of the reorganization of States in 1956?

States were reorganized based on linguistic lines.

How does dual citizenship in some federations differ from India’s single citizenship?

U.S. & Canada: Citizens have both state & national citizenship; India: Only Indian citizenship.

What are the three lists in the Seventh Schedule?

Union List (97 subjects), State List (66), Concurrent List (47).

Under which Article can the Centre legislate on State List subjects?

Article 249: If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution with a two-thirds majority.

Who has power over Residuary Subjects in India?

The Union Government (Article 248).

What is the importance of Article 257?

States cannot act in a way that obstructs the Union's executive power.

Which constitutional amendment reduced the State List’s power?

42nd Amendment (1976) shifted many subjects from State to Concurrent List.

What role does the Finance Commission (Article 280) play in fiscal federalism?

Recommends revenue distribution between Centre & States.

What is the 'Doctrine of Territorial Nexus'?

Allows states to legislate on matters with a strong connection to their territory.

What is the importance of the Inter-State Council?

Advises on disputes between Centre & States (Article 263).

What is the significance of the NITI Aayog in federalism?

Replaced the Planning Commission to promote cooperative federalism.

What are the different types of grants-in-aid provided to States?

Statutory (Finance Commission) & Discretionary (Centre’s decision).

Under which Article can the Centre reorganize State boundaries?

Article 3 (Parliament’s approval needed, but State’s consent not mandatory).

What was the role of the States Reorganisation Commission (1953)?

Recommended linguistic reorganization of Indian States.

What is the role of Zonal Councils?

Promote Centre-State & inter-state cooperation; set up under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.

What does Article 256 state about Centre-State relations?

States must follow laws made by Parliament.

What are the three types of emergencies under the Indian Constitution?

National Emergency (Article 352), President’s Rule (Article 356), Financial Emergency (Article 360).

What are the constitutional safeguards against President’s Rule?

SC’s Bommai Case (1994) ruled that judicial review applies to Article 356.

Which case ruled that President’s Rule cannot be used for political gains?

S.R. Bommai Case (1994).

What is the maximum duration of President’s Rule in a State?

Six months, extendable to three years with Parliamentary approval.

Under which Article can Parliament legislate on State subjects during an Emergency?

Article 250.

How does the Governor influence Centre-State relations?

Appointed by the President, can recommend President’s Rule (Article 356).

What is asymmetric federalism in the Indian context?

Different states have different levels of autonomy (e.g., J&K before 2019, Nagaland, and the Northeast).

How does Article 371 provide special status to certain states?

Grants unique provisions to states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Northeastern states for governance and resource control.

What was the impact of the 101st Amendment (2016) on federalism?

Introduced GST, reducing state-level taxation powers and increasing Centre-State cooperation.

What is the significance of the Punchhi Commission (2010) on Centre-State relations?

Recommended limiting Article 356 misuse, balancing Governor’s power, and strengthening federalism.

How does the Fifth Schedule differ from the Sixth Schedule?

Fifth: Applies to Scheduled Areas in general; Sixth: Grants more autonomy to tribal areas in the Northeast.

How do Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) under the Sixth Schedule strengthen federalism?

They have legislative, executive, and judicial powers over tribal affairs.

Which Article provides for the formation of new states or alteration of boundaries?

Article 3.

What are the two key financial mechanisms to ensure fiscal federalism?

Finance Commission recommendations & GST Council decisions.

What is the role of the GST Council in fiscal federalism?

Ensures uniform taxation and revenue-sharing between Centre & States.

What is the role of NITI Aayog in federal governance?

Replaced Planning Commission to promote state involvement in policymaking.

Which case ruled that the Basic Structure of the Constitution includes federalism?

Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973).

How did the S.R. Bommai Case (1994) impact Centre-State relations?

Limited misuse of President’s Rule; established judicial review over Article 356.

Which case reinforced that State Governors should act independently and not as Centre’s agents?

Nabam Rebia Case (2016).

How does Article 280 ensure fiscal federalism?

Mandates Finance Commission to recommend devolution of taxes to States.

How does the Doctrine of Pith and Substance help resolve Centre-State disputes?

Determines the true nature of a law when it overlaps different lists in the Seventh Schedule.

What is the Doctrine of Repugnancy under Article 254?

In Concurrent List conflicts, Union law prevails over State law.

How did the Government of India Act, 1935 influence Indian federalism?

Provided for provincial autonomy & separation of powers, later adopted in our Constitution.

What is the role of the High Courts in maintaining federalism?

Power to issue writs (Article 226), judicial review over state laws.

What is the impact of centrally sponsored schemes on state autonomy?

Reduces financial independence of states, making them reliant on Centre’s funds.

Why is the Indian model called 'Cooperative but Centralized Federalism'?

Strong Centre with mechanisms like GST Council, NITI Aayog, and Finance Commission to ensure state cooperation.