Question

UPSC Prelims 2017 Question:

Which one of the following is not a feature to Indian federalism?

  1. 1. There is an independent judiciary in India.
  2. 2. Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.
  3. 3. he federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha.
  4. 4. It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4: It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

  • India has adopted a sui generis model of federalism, taking inspiration from the American model. Australian Model, Canadian model to name a few.

  • Article 1 of the Indian Constitution describes India as a ‘Union of States’, which implies two things: firstly, it is not the result of an agreement among the States and secondly, the States have no freedom to secede or separate from the Union. 

  • The federation is a union because it is indestructible and helps to maintain the unity of the country. Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States in the 7th Schedule to the Indian Constitution.

  • A unified and Independent Judiciary is a key feature of Indian Federalism. 

  • The federating units have been given unequal representation depending upon the respective population of the federating units.

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Polity | Federalism

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