Federal power sharing in India needs another tier of government below that of the State governments, it is called $ ...........$
- AState offices.
- BDistrict government.
- ✓Local government.
- DTehsils.
Answer: C.
View full solution →Question types
Unit 3 Ch 2 : Federalism question types
718 questions across 17 question groups — pick any mix to generate a Social Studies paper with step-by-step answer keys.
718
Questions
17
Question groups
5
Question types
01
MCQ (1 Mark)
143 Q→02Assertion and Reason (1 Mark)
5 Q→03True Or False.[1 Marks Each]
1 Q→04Fill In The Blanks [1 Mark]
3 Q→05Question(1 Marks)
68 Q→06SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS(3 Mark)
64 Q→07LONG ANS. QUESTIONS(5 Mark)
49 Q→08CASE BASED QUESTIONS(4 Mark)
5 Q→09MCQ [1M - POLITICAL SCIENCE]
143 Q→10Assertion and Reason [1M - POLITICAL SCIENCE]
5 Q→11True Or False. [1M - POLITICAL SCIENCE]
1 Q→12Fill In The Blanks [1M - POLITICAL SCIENCE]
44 Q→13Question-Answer [1M - POLITICAL SCIENCE]
68 Q→14SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS [3M - POLITICAL SCIENCE]
64 Q→15LONG ANS. QUESTIONS [5M - POLITICAL SCIENCE]
49 Q→16CASE BASED QUESTIONS [4M - POLITICAL SCIENCE]
5 Q→17VSQ [2M - POLITICAL SCIENCE]
1 Q→Sample Questions
Unit 3 Ch 2 : Federalism questions
One sample from each question group in this chapter. Select any group above to see the full set with answer keys.
Choose the correct statement regarding language policy of the Indian Government.
- AEnglish is our national language.
- BCitizens are free to choose any language as national language.
- CHindi is our national language.
- ✓Constitution of India did not declare any language as national language.
Answer: D.
View full solution →Defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, currency are subjects inducted in the :
- AState list.
- BConcurrent list.
- ✓Union list.
- DNone of the above.
Answer: C.
View full solution →Who among the following is called head of the state at the state level?
- ✓Chief Minister.
- BSpeaker of Vidhan Sabha.
- CGovernor.
- DMayor.
Answer: A.
View full solution →Study the given picture and find out which of the following options best signifies this cartoon?
- AThe state representatives are begging before the central government.
- ✓The central government is undermining the spirit of federalism.
- CA lady is distributing food to the beggars.
- DNone of the above.
Answer: B.
View full solution →Direction : Mark the option which is most suitable:
Assertion $(A)$ : When power is taken away from central and state governments and given to local governments it is called decentralisation.
Reason $(R)$ : At least one third of all positions are reserved for women in local government bodies.
Assertion $(A)$ : When power is taken away from central and state governments and given to local governments it is called decentralisation.
Reason $(R)$ : At least one third of all positions are reserved for women in local government bodies.
- AIf both assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are true and reason $(R)$ is the correct explanation of assertion $(A).$
- ✓If both assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are true but reason $(R)$ is not the correct explanation of assertion $(A).$
- CAssertion $(A)$ is true but reason $(R)$ is false.
- DBoth assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are false.
Answer: B.
View full solution →Direction : Mark the option which is most suitable:
Assertion $(A)$ : Belgium shifted from a federal form of government to a unitary government.
Reason $(R)$ : Usually, a federation has two levels of government.
Assertion $(A)$ : Belgium shifted from a federal form of government to a unitary government.
Reason $(R)$ : Usually, a federation has two levels of government.
- AIf both assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are true and reason $(R)$ is the correct explanation of assertion $(A).$
- BIf both assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are true but reason $(R)$ is not the correct explanation of assertion $(A).$
- CAssertion $(A)$ is true but reason $(R)$ is false.
- ✓Both assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are false.
Answer: D.
View full solution →Direction : Mark the option which is most suitable:
Assertion $(A)$ : Besides Hindi there are $21$ other languages recognized as scheduled languages by the constitution.
Reason $(R)$ : Restructuring the centre state relations is one more way in which federalism has been strengthened in practice.
Assertion $(A)$ : Besides Hindi there are $21$ other languages recognized as scheduled languages by the constitution.
Reason $(R)$ : Restructuring the centre state relations is one more way in which federalism has been strengthened in practice.
- AIf both assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are true and reason $(R)$ is the correct explanation of assertion $(A).$
- ✓If both assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are true but reason $(R)$ is not the correct explanation of assertion $(A).$
- CAssertion $(A)$ is true but reason $(R)$ is false.
- DBoth assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are false.
Answer: B.
View full solution →Direction : Mark the option which is most suitable:
Assertion $(A)$ : A major step towards decentralization was taken in $1992.$
Reason $(R)$ : The constitution was amended to make the third tier of democracy more powerful and effective.
Assertion $(A)$ : A major step towards decentralization was taken in $1992.$
Reason $(R)$ : The constitution was amended to make the third tier of democracy more powerful and effective.
- AIf both assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are true and reason $(R)$ is the correct explanation of assertion $(A).$
- ✓If both assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are true but reason $(R)$ is not the correct explanation of assertion $(A).$
- CAssertion $(A)$ is true but reason $(R)$ is false.
- DBoth assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are false.
Answer: B.
View full solution →Direction : Mark the option which is most suitable:
Assertion $(A)$ : Both the union as well as the state Governments can make laws on the subjects mentioned in concurrent list.
Reason $(R)$ : According to our constitution the state government has the power to legislate on these residuary subjects.
Assertion $(A)$ : Both the union as well as the state Governments can make laws on the subjects mentioned in concurrent list.
Reason $(R)$ : According to our constitution the state government has the power to legislate on these residuary subjects.
- AIf both assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are true and reason $(R)$ is the correct explanation of assertion $(A).$
- BIf both assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are true but reason $(R)$ is not the correct explanation of assertion $(A).$
- ✓Assertion $(A)$ is true but reason $(R)$ is false.
- DBoth assertion $(A)$ and reason $(R)$ are false.
Answer: C.
View full solution →Union Territories are the areas run by both the Union and the State Government. $($True/ False$)$
View full solution →Fill in the blanks:
Since the United States is a ________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ________ vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a ________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the _______ government has more powers.
Since the United States is a ________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ________ vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a ________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the _______ government has more powers.
The chairperson of the municipal corporation is known as the $............$
View full solution →The highest institution of Panchayati Raj in rural areas is $............$
View full solution →Name any two subjects which are included in the Union List.
Define the term ‘Federalism'.
How can you say that, ‘Each tier of government has its own Jurisdiction?
What is ‘Unitary System’?
What are the dual objectives of a federal system?
How do state or regional political parties contribute in strengthening federalism and democracy in India? Explain with examples.
Explain the threefold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments.
Describe any three provisions of amendment made in ‘Indian Constitution’ in 1992 for making ‘Three-Tier’ government more effective and powerful.
Differentiate between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat.
How are constitutional changes made in a federal system?
Describe any four features of federal government.
Why the exact balance of power between the Centre and the State Governments varies from one Federation to another? Explain with two examples.
When did the era of Coalitions Government start in India?
‘Promotion of Hindi continues to be the official policy of government of India’. Elucidate.
In federalism, different tiers of government have their own jurisdiction, mention areas regarding which they have their own jurisdiction.
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The creation of linguistic States was the first and a major test for democratic politics in our country. Many old States have vanished and many new States have been created. Areas, boundaries and names of the States have been changed. In 1947, the boundaries of several old States of India were changed in order to create new States. This was done to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in the same State. Some States were created not on the basis of language but to recognise differences based on culture, ethnicity or geography. These include States like Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand. When the demand for the formation of States on the basis of language was raised, some national leaders feared that it would lead to the disintegration of the country. The Central Government resisted linguistic States for some time. But the experience has shown that the formation of linguistic States has actually made the country, more united. It has also made administration easier.
The creation of linguistic States was the first and a major test for democratic politics in our country. Many old States have vanished and many new States have been created. Areas, boundaries and names of the States have been changed. In 1947, the boundaries of several old States of India were changed in order to create new States. This was done to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in the same State. Some States were created not on the basis of language but to recognise differences based on culture, ethnicity or geography. These include States like Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand. When the demand for the formation of States on the basis of language was raised, some national leaders feared that it would lead to the disintegration of the country. The Central Government resisted linguistic States for some time. But the experience has shown that the formation of linguistic States has actually made the country, more united. It has also made administration easier.
- Select the two bases on which new states of India have been created.
- Religion and geography.
- Language and regional culture.
- Culture and religion.
- Language and community.
- Which state of India was first form on the bases of language?
- Karnataka.
- Tamil Nadu.
- Andhra Pradesh.
- Telangana.
- Here are four reactions to the language policy followed in India. Which are true in the case of India?
- Language based states have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
- The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
- The language policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
- It lead to the disintegration of the country.
- Which was the first test for democratic politics in our Country?
- Caste problem.
- Language problem.
- Problems related to union territories.
- Creation of linguistic state.
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The Constitution clearly provided a threefold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments. Thus, it contains three lists: Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. They are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country. Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. They are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country. The Union Government alone can make laws relating to the subjects mentioned in the Union List. l State List contains subjects of State and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation. The State Governments alone can make law relating to the subject mentioned in the state list. Concurrent list includes subjects of common interest to both the Union Government as well as the State Governments, such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession. Both the Union as well as the State Governments can make laws on these subjects. If the laws conflict with each other the law made by the union government will prevail.
The Constitution clearly provided a threefold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments. Thus, it contains three lists: Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. They are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country. Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. They are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country. The Union Government alone can make laws relating to the subjects mentioned in the Union List. l State List contains subjects of State and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation. The State Governments alone can make law relating to the subject mentioned in the state list. Concurrent list includes subjects of common interest to both the Union Government as well as the State Governments, such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession. Both the Union as well as the State Governments can make laws on these subjects. If the laws conflict with each other the law made by the union government will prevail.
- Both the union and the state government can make laws on the subjects mentioned in the:
- Union list.
- State list.
- Concurrent list.
- None of the above.
- Which of the following is not a subject of the Union List?
- Foreign affairs.
- Currency.
- Banking.
- Law and order.
- Which one of the following subjects is included in the concurrent list?
- Banking
- Trade
- Police
- Education
- What makes India a federal country?
- As per the Indian constitution, the nation follows a three-fold distribution of legislative powers.
- The distribution of powers between the union and state governments.
- There are three lists divided between the centre and state governments.
- All the above.
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
Rural local government is popularly known by the name panchayati raj. Each village, or a group of villages in some States, has a gram panchayat. This is a council consisting of several ward members, often called panch, and a president or sarpanch. They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or village. It is the decision-making body for the entire village. The panchayat works under the overall supervision of the gram sabha. All the voters in the village are its members. It has to meet at least twice or thrice in a year to approve the annual budget of the gram panchayat and to review the performance of the gram panchayat.
The local government structure goes right up to the district level. A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form what is usually called a panchayat samiti or block or mandal. The members of this representative body are elected by all the panchyat members in that area. All the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district together constitute the zilla parishad. Most members of the zilla parishad are elected. Members of the Lok Sabha and MLAs of that district and some other officials of other district level bodies are also its members. Zilla parishad chairperson is the political head of the zilla parishad.
Rural local government is popularly known by the name panchayati raj. Each village, or a group of villages in some States, has a gram panchayat. This is a council consisting of several ward members, often called panch, and a president or sarpanch. They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or village. It is the decision-making body for the entire village. The panchayat works under the overall supervision of the gram sabha. All the voters in the village are its members. It has to meet at least twice or thrice in a year to approve the annual budget of the gram panchayat and to review the performance of the gram panchayat.
The local government structure goes right up to the district level. A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form what is usually called a panchayat samiti or block or mandal. The members of this representative body are elected by all the panchyat members in that area. All the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district together constitute the zilla parishad. Most members of the zilla parishad are elected. Members of the Lok Sabha and MLAs of that district and some other officials of other district level bodies are also its members. Zilla parishad chairperson is the political head of the zilla parishad.
- What is the third tier of government in India known as?
- Village Panchayat.
- State government.
- Local self-government.
- Zila Parishad.
- Which statement is true about Panchayati Raj?
- The Panchayat samiti and Zila Parishad should be constituted with directly elected member.
- Minimum age should be 18 year to contest the election at the panchayat level.
- For the financial review of Panchayats, the state finance commission is established.
- Election of Panchayati Raj institution is conducted under the guidance of the State Election Commission.
- Which government works at district level?
- Panchayat Samiti.
- Zila Parishad.
- Village Panchayat.
- Gram Panchayat.
- What was the main purpose behind bringing the Panchayati Raj system in India?
- To Prevent Criminalization of Politics.
- Decentralization of the political power to the general public.
- To reduce election Expences.
- Development of Villages.
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The need for decentralisation was recognised in our Constitution. Since then, there have been several attempts to decentralise power to the level of villages and towns. Panchayat in villages and municipalities in urban areas were set up in all the States. But these were directly under the control of state governments. Elections to these local governments were not held regularly. Local governments did not have any powers or resources of their own. Thus, there was very little decentralisation in effective terms.
A major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective. Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections. The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.
The need for decentralisation was recognised in our Constitution. Since then, there have been several attempts to decentralise power to the level of villages and towns. Panchayat in villages and municipalities in urban areas were set up in all the States. But these were directly under the control of state governments. Elections to these local governments were not held regularly. Local governments did not have any powers or resources of their own. Thus, there was very little decentralisation in effective terms.
A major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective. Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections. The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.
- What is the basic idea behind decentralization?
- There are a large number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local level.
- Besides, at the local level it is possible for the people to directly participate in decision making. This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation.
- Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy, namely local self-government.
- All the above.
- Consider the following statements on the practice of federalism in India. Identify those which hold true for decentralisation after 1992.
- B and C
- A and C
- A and D
- B and D
- In local self-government institutions at least one-third of all positions are reserved for?
- Men.
- Women.
- Scheduled caste.
- Scheduled tribe.
- Which of these is incorrect, based on the Consitutional Amendment, 1992?
- One-fourth of positions are reserved for women.
- Regular elections should be held to the local government bodies.
- Seats are reserved for SCs, STs and OBCs.
- State Election Commission looks after these elections.
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
A second test for Indian federation is the language policy. Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the official language. But Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore, there were many safeguards to protect other languages. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution. A candidate in an examination conducted for the Central Government positions may opt to take the examination in any of these languages. States too have their own official languages. Much of the government work takes place in the official language of the concerned State. Unlike Sri Lanka, the leaders of our country adopted a very cautious attitude in spreading the use of Hindi. According to the Constitution, the use of English for official purposes was to stop in 1965. However, many non Hindi speaking States demanded that the use of English continue. In Tamil Nadu, this movement took a violent form. The Central Government responded by agreeing to continue the use of English along with Hindi for official purposes. Many critics think that this solution favoured the English speaking elite. Promotion of Hindi continues to be the official policy of the Government of India. Promotion does not mean that the Central Government can impose Hindi on States where people speak a different language. The flexibility shown by Indian political leaders helped our country avoid the kind of situation that Sri Lanka finds itself in.
A second test for Indian federation is the language policy. Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the official language. But Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore, there were many safeguards to protect other languages. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution. A candidate in an examination conducted for the Central Government positions may opt to take the examination in any of these languages. States too have their own official languages. Much of the government work takes place in the official language of the concerned State. Unlike Sri Lanka, the leaders of our country adopted a very cautious attitude in spreading the use of Hindi. According to the Constitution, the use of English for official purposes was to stop in 1965. However, many non Hindi speaking States demanded that the use of English continue. In Tamil Nadu, this movement took a violent form. The Central Government responded by agreeing to continue the use of English along with Hindi for official purposes. Many critics think that this solution favoured the English speaking elite. Promotion of Hindi continues to be the official policy of the Government of India. Promotion does not mean that the Central Government can impose Hindi on States where people speak a different language. The flexibility shown by Indian political leaders helped our country avoid the kind of situation that Sri Lanka finds itself in.
- How many languages are included in the Eight Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
- 15
- 22
- 20
- 21
- Which language is recognised as the official language by the Constitution of India?
- English
- Hindi
- Tamil
- Sanskrit
- According to the constitution, the use of English for official purpose was stop in Which year?
- 1955
- 1965
- 1975
- 1985
- Why Hindi was not given the status of national language?
- Because there were only 40% people speaking Hindi language.
- To protect other language.
- Both of these.
- None of these.
The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
- ANational government gives some powers to the provincial government.
- BPower is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
- CElected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
- DGovernmental power is divided between different levels of government.
Consider the following two statements.
- In a federation the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.
- India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
- Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
- India is no longer a federation because some powers of the States have been devolved to the local government bodies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- AA, B and C
- BA, C and D
- CA and B only
- DB and C only
Whose law prevails if there is conflict between the State government and Union government on the subject of concurrent list.
- AThe Law made by the state government.
- BThe law made by the both state and union government.
- CThe laws made by the union government.
- DThe laws would be cancelled.
Who has the power to make laws on the ‘residuary’ subjects?
- AUnion Government.
- BState Government.
- CSupreme Court.
- DNone of the above.
Who among the following is called head of the state at the state level?
- AChief Minister.
- BSpeaker of Vidhan Sabha.
- CGovernor.
- DMayor.
DIRECTION: Mark the option which is most suitable:
Reason(R): At least one third of all positions are reserved for women in local government bodies.
- If both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and reason (R) is the correct explanation of assertion (A).
- If both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true but reason (R) is not the correct explanation of assertion (A).
- Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
- Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are false.
Reason(R): At least one third of all positions are reserved for women in local government bodies.
DIRECTION: Mark the option which is most suitable:
Reason(R): According to our constitution the state government has the power to legislate on these residuary subjects.
- If both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and reason (R) is the correct explanation of assertion (A).
- If both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true but reason (R) is not the correct explanation of assertion (A).
- Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
- Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are false.
Reason(R): According to our constitution the state government has the power to legislate on these residuary subjects.
DIRECTION: Mark the option which is most suitable:
Reason(R): Usually, a federation has two levels of government.
- If both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and reason (R) is the correct explanation of assertion (A).
- If both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true but reason (R) is not the correct explanation of assertion (A).
- Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
- Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are false.
Reason(R): Usually, a federation has two levels of government.
DIRECTION: Mark the option which is most suitable:
Reason(R): The constitution was amended to make the third tier of democracy more powerful and effective.
- If both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and reason (R) is the correct explanation of assertion (A).
- If both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true but reason (R) is not the correct explanation of assertion (A).
- Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
- Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are false.
Reason(R): The constitution was amended to make the third tier of democracy more powerful and effective.
DIRECTION: Mark the option which is most suitable:
Reason(R): Restructuring the centre state relations is one more way in which federalism has been strengthened in practice.
- If both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and reason (R) is the correct explanation of assertion (A).
- If both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true but reason (R) is not the correct explanation of assertion (A).
- Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
- Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are false.
Reason(R): Restructuring the centre state relations is one more way in which federalism has been strengthened in practice.
Union Territories are the areas run by both the Union and the State Government. (True/ False)
Since the United States is a ________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ________ vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a ________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the _______ government has more powers.
When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local government, it is called ________.
The use of ________ for official purposes was to stop in 1965.
The Union Government has the power to legislate on ________ subjects.
The three lists are the Union List, State List, and ________ List.
Name any two subjects which are included in the Union List.
Define the term ‘Federalism'.
Why were the boundaries of several old states of India changed in 1947?
Why was States Reorganization Commission formed?
Why do we need local governments?
How do state or regional political parties contribute in strengthening federalism and democracy in India? Explain with examples.
Explain the threefold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments.
A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.
- Defence;
- Police;
- Agriculture;
- Education;
- Banking;
- Forests;
- Communications;
- Trade;
- Marriages;
| Union List | |
| State List | |
| Concurrent List |
Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
- Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation have strengthened national unity.
- Arman: Language based States has divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
- Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
Describe any four features of federal government.
Why the exact balance of power between the Centre and the State Governments varies from one Federation to another? Explain with two examples.
Why does the exact balance of power vary from one federation to another? Give reasons.###Why does the exact balance of power between the centre and the state governments vary from one federation to another? Explain with two examples.
Which incident was regarded as a major test for democratic politics in our country after independence?
Which government deals with the subject in the Union List?
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The need for decentralisation was recognised in our Constitution. Since then, there have been several attempts to decentralise power to the level of villages and towns. Panchayat in villages and municipalities in urban areas were set up in all the States. But these were directly under the control of state governments. Elections to these local governments were not held regularly. Local governments did not have any powers or resources of their own. Thus, there was very little decentralisation in effective terms.
A major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective. Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections. The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.
The need for decentralisation was recognised in our Constitution. Since then, there have been several attempts to decentralise power to the level of villages and towns. Panchayat in villages and municipalities in urban areas were set up in all the States. But these were directly under the control of state governments. Elections to these local governments were not held regularly. Local governments did not have any powers or resources of their own. Thus, there was very little decentralisation in effective terms.
A major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective. Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections. The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.
- What is the basic idea behind decentralization?
- There are a large number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local level.
- Besides, at the local level it is possible for the people to directly participate in decision making. This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation.
- Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy, namely local self-government.
- All the above.
- Consider the following statements on the practice of federalism in India. Identify those which hold true for decentralisation after 1992.
- B and C
- A and C
- A and D
- B and D
- In local self-government institutions at least one-third of all positions are reserved for?
- Men.
- Women.
- Scheduled caste.
- Scheduled tribe.
- Which of these is incorrect, based on the Consitutional Amendment, 1992?
- One-fourth of positions are reserved for women.
- Regular elections should be held to the local government bodies.
- Seats are reserved for SCs, STs and OBCs.
- State Election Commission looks after these elections.
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The creation of linguistic States was the first and a major test for democratic politics in our country. Many old States have vanished and many new States have been created. Areas, boundaries and names of the States have been changed. In 1947, the boundaries of several old States of India were changed in order to create new States. This was done to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in the same State. Some States were created not on the basis of language but to recognise differences based on culture, ethnicity or geography. These include States like Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand. When the demand for the formation of States on the basis of language was raised, some national leaders feared that it would lead to the disintegration of the country. The Central Government resisted linguistic States for some time. But the experience has shown that the formation of linguistic States has actually made the country, more united. It has also made administration easier.
The creation of linguistic States was the first and a major test for democratic politics in our country. Many old States have vanished and many new States have been created. Areas, boundaries and names of the States have been changed. In 1947, the boundaries of several old States of India were changed in order to create new States. This was done to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in the same State. Some States were created not on the basis of language but to recognise differences based on culture, ethnicity or geography. These include States like Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand. When the demand for the formation of States on the basis of language was raised, some national leaders feared that it would lead to the disintegration of the country. The Central Government resisted linguistic States for some time. But the experience has shown that the formation of linguistic States has actually made the country, more united. It has also made administration easier.
- Select the two bases on which new states of India have been created.
- Religion and geography.
- Language and regional culture.
- Culture and religion.
- Language and community.
- Which state of India was first form on the bases of language?
- Karnataka.
- Tamil Nadu.
- Andhra Pradesh.
- Telangana.
- Here are four reactions to the language policy followed in India. Which are true in the case of India?
- Language based states have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
- The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
- The language policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
- It lead to the disintegration of the country.
- Which was the first test for democratic politics in our Country?
- Caste problem.
- Language problem.
- Problems related to union territories.
- Creation of linguistic state.
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The Constitution clearly provided a threefold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments. Thus, it contains three lists: Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. They are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country. Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. They are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country. The Union Government alone can make laws relating to the subjects mentioned in the Union List. l State List contains subjects of State and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation. The State Governments alone can make law relating to the subject mentioned in the state list. Concurrent list includes subjects of common interest to both the Union Government as well as the State Governments, such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession. Both the Union as well as the State Governments can make laws on these subjects. If the laws conflict with each other the law made by the union government will prevail.
The Constitution clearly provided a threefold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments. Thus, it contains three lists: Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. They are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country. Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. They are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country. The Union Government alone can make laws relating to the subjects mentioned in the Union List. l State List contains subjects of State and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation. The State Governments alone can make law relating to the subject mentioned in the state list. Concurrent list includes subjects of common interest to both the Union Government as well as the State Governments, such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession. Both the Union as well as the State Governments can make laws on these subjects. If the laws conflict with each other the law made by the union government will prevail.
- Both the union and the state government can make laws on the subjects mentioned in the:
- Union list.
- State list.
- Concurrent list.
- None of the above.
- Which of the following is not a subject of the Union List?
- Foreign affairs.
- Currency.
- Banking.
- Law and order.
- Which one of the following subjects is included in the concurrent list?
- Banking
- Trade
- Police
- Education
- What makes India a federal country?
- As per the Indian constitution, the nation follows a three-fold distribution of legislative powers.
- The distribution of powers between the union and state governments.
- There are three lists divided between the centre and state governments.
- All the above.
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
Rural local government is popularly known by the name panchayati raj. Each village, or a group of villages in some States, has a gram panchayat. This is a council consisting of several ward members, often called panch, and a president or sarpanch. They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or village. It is the decision-making body for the entire village. The panchayat works under the overall supervision of the gram sabha. All the voters in the village are its members. It has to meet at least twice or thrice in a year to approve the annual budget of the gram panchayat and to review the performance of the gram panchayat.
The local government structure goes right up to the district level. A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form what is usually called a panchayat samiti or block or mandal. The members of this representative body are elected by all the panchyat members in that area. All the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district together constitute the zilla parishad. Most members of the zilla parishad are elected. Members of the Lok Sabha and MLAs of that district and some other officials of other district level bodies are also its members. Zilla parishad chairperson is the political head of the zilla parishad.
Rural local government is popularly known by the name panchayati raj. Each village, or a group of villages in some States, has a gram panchayat. This is a council consisting of several ward members, often called panch, and a president or sarpanch. They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or village. It is the decision-making body for the entire village. The panchayat works under the overall supervision of the gram sabha. All the voters in the village are its members. It has to meet at least twice or thrice in a year to approve the annual budget of the gram panchayat and to review the performance of the gram panchayat.
The local government structure goes right up to the district level. A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form what is usually called a panchayat samiti or block or mandal. The members of this representative body are elected by all the panchyat members in that area. All the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district together constitute the zilla parishad. Most members of the zilla parishad are elected. Members of the Lok Sabha and MLAs of that district and some other officials of other district level bodies are also its members. Zilla parishad chairperson is the political head of the zilla parishad.
- What is the third tier of government in India known as?
- Village Panchayat.
- State government.
- Local self-government.
- Zila Parishad.
- Which statement is true about Panchayati Raj?
- The Panchayat samiti and Zila Parishad should be constituted with directly elected member.
- Minimum age should be 18 year to contest the election at the panchayat level.
- For the financial review of Panchayats, the state finance commission is established.
- Election of Panchayati Raj institution is conducted under the guidance of the State Election Commission.
- Which government works at district level?
- Panchayat Samiti.
- Zila Parishad.
- Village Panchayat.
- Gram Panchayat.
- What was the main purpose behind bringing the Panchayati Raj system in India?
- To Prevent Criminalization of Politics.
- Decentralization of the political power to the general public.
- To reduce election Expences.
- Development of Villages.
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
A second test for Indian federation is the language policy. Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the official language. But Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore, there were many safeguards to protect other languages. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution. A candidate in an examination conducted for the Central Government positions may opt to take the examination in any of these languages. States too have their own official languages. Much of the government work takes place in the official language of the concerned State. Unlike Sri Lanka, the leaders of our country adopted a very cautious attitude in spreading the use of Hindi. According to the Constitution, the use of English for official purposes was to stop in 1965. However, many non Hindi speaking States demanded that the use of English continue. In Tamil Nadu, this movement took a violent form. The Central Government responded by agreeing to continue the use of English along with Hindi for official purposes. Many critics think that this solution favoured the English speaking elite. Promotion of Hindi continues to be the official policy of the Government of India. Promotion does not mean that the Central Government can impose Hindi on States where people speak a different language. The flexibility shown by Indian political leaders helped our country avoid the kind of situation that Sri Lanka finds itself in.
A second test for Indian federation is the language policy. Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the official language. But Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore, there were many safeguards to protect other languages. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution. A candidate in an examination conducted for the Central Government positions may opt to take the examination in any of these languages. States too have their own official languages. Much of the government work takes place in the official language of the concerned State. Unlike Sri Lanka, the leaders of our country adopted a very cautious attitude in spreading the use of Hindi. According to the Constitution, the use of English for official purposes was to stop in 1965. However, many non Hindi speaking States demanded that the use of English continue. In Tamil Nadu, this movement took a violent form. The Central Government responded by agreeing to continue the use of English along with Hindi for official purposes. Many critics think that this solution favoured the English speaking elite. Promotion of Hindi continues to be the official policy of the Government of India. Promotion does not mean that the Central Government can impose Hindi on States where people speak a different language. The flexibility shown by Indian political leaders helped our country avoid the kind of situation that Sri Lanka finds itself in.
- How many languages are included in the Eight Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
- 15
- 22
- 20
- 21
- Which language is recognised as the official language by the Constitution of India?
- English
- Hindi
- Tamil
- Sanskrit
- According to the constitution, the use of English for official purpose was stop in Which year?
- 1955
- 1965
- 1975
- 1985
- Why Hindi was not given the status of national language?
- Because there were only 40% people speaking Hindi language.
- To protect other language.
- Both of these.
- None of these.
Highlight any two key features of federalism.
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