Question

Identify the correct statement/s about the theory of Federalism in the Indian Constitution.I. The Constitution declared India as a Union of States.II. Sharing of power between the Union Government and the State governments isbasic to the structure of the Constitution.III. It is easy to make changes to this power sharing arrangement.IV. The Parliament can on its own change this arrangement.Options:A. I &IIB. II & IIIC. I & IIID. II & IV

Answer 1

*Correct option*

A. I & II

*Explanation*

I. The constitution of India declares India as Union of States.

II. Sharing of power between the Union Government and the State governments is basic to the structure of the Constitution.

These two statements are correct.

However, the other statements are incorrect because Sharing of power between the Union Government and the State governments is basic to the structure of the Constitution. It is not easy to make changes to this power sharing arrangement. The Parliament cannot on its own change this arrangement. Any change to it has to be first passed by both the Houses of Parliament with at least two-thirds majority. Then it has to be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the total States. In case of any dispute about the division of powers, the High Courts and the Supreme Court can make a decision.

Answer 2

The correct statements about the theory of federalism in the Indian constitution are- A. I & II.

• The word federation is nowhere used in the Indian constitution. However, the Indian constitution reflects the theory of federalism by its various provisions.
• In article 1, India is declared as the union of States and this union is unbreakable.
• Besides this, the power is divided between the union government and state governments. Subjects are allocated to both central and state governments on which they can make laws.
• The sharing of powers between central and state governments forms the basic structure of the constitution. Hence, it is difficult to change this power sharing arrangement.
• The bill to amend this power sharing arrangement should be passed by both houses of parliament with a two-thirds majority and half of the total state legislatures.