Federalism in Practice in India — Long Answer Questions
Medium (Application & Explanation)
1. Explain how the three lists divide powers in India. Use education and policing as examples.
Answer:
- The Constitution uses three lists to share powers.
- The Union List is for the Centre. Example: defence, currency, railways.
- The State List is for States. Example: police, public health, local transport.
- The Concurrent List is for both. Example: education, marriage, adoption.
- If there is a conflict in the Concurrent List, the Central law wins.
- Example: The NEP 2020 was made by the Centre, but states decide how to implement it.
- This system makes roles clear, and reduces confusion.
2. How does the Supreme Court protect federalism in India? Use the Cauvery case to explain.
Answer:
- The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution.
- It settles Centre–State and State–State disputes.
- It ensures that both levels follow constitutional limits.
- In the Cauvery water dispute, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka disagreed.
- The Supreme Court gave a final verdict on water sharing.
- This shows that courts keep fairness and prevent misuse of power.
- Judicial review makes federalism work in real life.
3. How does the formation of new states show federalism in practice? Give examples.
Answer:
- The Parliament can create or alter states.
- It does this after consulting the concerned state.
- This shows that regions and peoples are recognized.
- Examples: Telangana (2014) from Andhra Pradesh.
- Also Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh (2000).
- These changes respond to local needs and identity.
- It keeps the Union strong, but also flexible.
4. What is President’s Rule under Article 356? How has its misuse been checked?
Answer:
- Article 356 allows President’s Rule in a state.
- It is used when the state government cannot function.
- Then the Centre takes over temporarily.
- Example: In 1992, it was used in Uttar Pradesh after violence.
- Earlier, it was often misused for political reasons.
- The S.R. Bommai (1994) case set strict limits on its use.
- Now, courts can review and restore elected governments.
5. Explain how the 73rd and 74th Amendments strengthened local governments.
Answer:
- The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992) gave constitutional status to local bodies.
- Panchayati Raj governs villages. Municipalities govern towns and cities.
- They handle local services like water, roads, sanitation, and street lights.
- They must hold regular elections every five years.
- This brings the third tier into federal practice.
- It makes governance more responsive and people-centered.
- Local solutions are faster and better for local problems.
High Complexity (Analysis & Scenario-based)
6. A state passes a new marriage law different from a Central law. What happens? Explain using the Concurrent List rule.
Answer:
- Marriage is in the Concurrent List.
- So both the Centre and States can make laws.
- If there is a conflict, the Central law prevails.
- The state law stands only if it does not clash with the Central law.
- The Governor may reserve the bill for the President’s assent.
- The Supreme Court can also review the conflict if challenged.
- This keeps uniformity while allowing state choices where possible.
7. During a public health emergency, who should do what? Plan a cooperative response using all three levels.
Answer:
- Public health is a State List subject.
- The State should lead hospitals, police, and local transport rules.
- Local bodies manage sanitation, water, waste, and awareness.
- The Centre can issue guidelines, give support, and help with coordination.
- If any rule falls in the Concurrent List, a Central law can guide action.
- All must share data, avoid politics, and focus on people’s safety.
- This is cooperative federalism in real life.
8. A protest starts over language use in state offices. How can the Constitution help resolve this?
Answer:
- The Constitution recognizes 22 scheduled languages.
- Each state can choose its official language for state work.
- The Centre uses Hindi and English for its official work.
- So, a state can use Tamil, Kannada, or other local languages.
- This keeps culture and identity safe within the Union.
- Dialogue should explain these rights and duties to the public.
- Using bilingual signs and services can reduce tension.
9. A regional party joins a Central coalition and demands more funds for school reforms. Explain how this affects federalism.
Answer:
- Coalition politics brings regional parties into the Centre.
- They can push state priorities in national policy.
- Example: more funds and freedom to adapt education (a Concurrent List subject).
- This gives states a voice in national decisions.
- It makes the Union more inclusive and balanced.
- But it also needs consensus and compromise to work.
- Overall, it strengthens federalism through power-sharing.
10. Imagine Parliament plans to change a state’s boundary. Outline a fair process that respects federal principles.
Answer:
- Parliament has the power to change state boundaries.
- It should first consult the concerned state and hear public views.
- It must explain the reasons and benefits clearly.
- Administrative and cultural issues should be carefully studied.
- If disputes arise, the Supreme Court can ensure constitutional limits are kept.
- The goal is to serve people, protect identity, and improve governance.
- Examples like Telangana (2014) show how such changes can be managed.