1. The Indian Constitution establishes a system that is:
a) Unitary
b) Federal
c) Quasi-federal
d) Confederal
Answer: c) Quasi-federal
Explanation: The Indian Constitution is often described as quasi-federal with a strong unitary bias. It has both federal and unitary features.
2. Which country’s model influenced India’s federal system the most?
a) USA
b) UK
c) Canada
d) Australia
Answer: c) Canada
Explanation: The Indian federal system is inspired by Canada, with a strong Centre and distribution of powers between Centre and States.
3. The term ‘federation’ has been used in which Article of the Indian Constitution?
a) Article 1
b) Article 2
c) Article 3
d) Article 4
Answer: a) Article 1
Explanation: Article 1 describes India as a “Union of States”, not a federation, to stress the indestructible nature of the Union.
4. The distribution of powers between Centre and States in India is based on:
a) American Constitution
b) British Constitution
c) Government of India Act, 1935
d) Canadian Constitution
Answer: c) Government of India Act, 1935
Explanation: The three-fold division of powers (Union, State, Concurrent Lists) is borrowed from the Government of India Act, 1935.
5. How many subjects are in the Union List?
a) 66
b) 97
c) 100
d) 101
Answer: c) 100
Explanation: Originally, the Union List had 97 subjects; after amendments, now there are 100 subjects.
6. How many subjects are in the State List?
a) 52
b) 61
c) 66
d) 72
Answer: b) 61
Explanation: The State List originally had 66 subjects; after the 42nd Amendment, it has 61 subjects.
7. How many subjects are in the Concurrent List?
a) 42
b) 47
c) 52
d) 55
Answer: c) 52
Explanation: The Concurrent List now has 52 subjects (originally 47). Both Centre and States can legislate on them.
8. Which list has the ‘Residuary Powers’?
a) Union List
b) State List
c) Concurrent List
d) President’s discretion
Answer: a) Union List
Explanation: Residuary powers are vested in the Union Government under Article 248.
9. The division of powers between Centre and States is mentioned in which Schedule?
a) 6th Schedule
b) 7th Schedule
c) 8th Schedule
d) 9th Schedule
Answer: b) 7th Schedule
Explanation: The 7th Schedule contains Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.
10. The Indian federal system is called “Union of States” to indicate:
a) States have right to secede
b) States have no right to secede
c) India is confederal
d) States are supreme
Answer: b) States have no right to secede
Explanation: The expression “Union of States” signifies that states cannot separate from the Union.
11. Which Article deals with Parliament’s power to reorganize states?
a) Article 1
b) Article 2
c) Article 3
d) Article 4
Answer: c) Article 3
Explanation: Article 3 empowers Parliament to form new states, alter boundaries, or change names of states.
12. The residuary powers in the USA are vested in:
a) Centre
b) States
c) President
d) Judiciary
Answer: b) States
Explanation: In contrast to India, residuary powers lie with the States in the USA.
13. Who described the Indian Constitution as “federal in form but unitary in spirit”?
a) K. M. Munshi
b) B. R. Ambedkar
c) Granville Austin
d) K. C. Wheare
Answer: d) K. C. Wheare
Explanation: K. C. Wheare, a constitutional expert, described the Indian system as quasi-federal.
14. Which feature makes India’s federal system different from the USA?
a) Dual citizenship
b) Single citizenship
c) Division of powers
d) Supremacy of Constitution
Answer: b) Single citizenship
Explanation: Unlike the USA, India has single citizenship for the entire country.
15. Who is the head of the Union Executive?
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Chief Justice of India
d) Speaker of Lok Sabha
Answer: b) President
Explanation: The President is the constitutional head of the Union Executive.
16. Who is the head of the State Executive?
a) Chief Minister
b) Governor
c) High Court Chief Justice
d) President
Answer: b) Governor
Explanation: The Governor is the constitutional head of the State Executive.
17. Under normal conditions, residuary powers belong to:
a) States
b) Centre
c) Both Centre and States
d) Judiciary
Answer: b) Centre
Explanation: Article 248 vests residuary powers in Parliament.
18. Which list includes subjects like Police, Public Health, and Agriculture?
a) Union List
b) State List
c) Concurrent List
d) None
Answer: b) State List
Explanation: The State List includes subjects of local importance such as police, health, and agriculture.
19. Which list includes subjects like Education, Forests, and Marriage?
a) Union List
b) State List
c) Concurrent List
d) Residuary
Answer: c) Concurrent List
Explanation: Both Centre and States can legislate on subjects in the Concurrent List, but Union law prevails in conflict.
20. Which body resolves disputes between Centre and States?
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Supreme Court
d) Parliament
Answer: c) Supreme Court
Explanation: The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution and resolves Centre-State disputes (Article 131).
21. Which Article provides for Inter-State Council?
a) Article 262
b) Article 263
c) Article 280
d) Article 300
Answer: b) Article 263
Explanation: Article 263 provides for Inter-State Council to promote coordination between Centre and States.
22. The Inter-State Council was established in:
a) 1989
b) 1990
c) 1992
d) 1995
Answer: b) 1990
Explanation: The Inter-State Council was set up in 1990 by a Presidential order based on the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission.
23. Who is the Chairman of the Inter-State Council?
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Home Minister
d) Vice President
Answer: b) Prime Minister
Explanation: The Prime Minister is the Chairman of the Inter-State Council.
24. Which Article empowers Parliament to adjudicate disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers?
a) Article 260
b) Article 261
c) Article 262
d) Article 263
Answer: c) Article 262
Explanation: Article 262 empowers Parliament to adjudicate disputes relating to inter-state rivers and waters.
25. Which body is empowered to make recommendations on Centre-State financial relations?
a) Inter-State Council
b) Finance Commission
c) Planning Commission
d) Parliament
Answer: b) Finance Commission
Explanation: The Finance Commission (Article 280) recommends distribution of taxes and grants between Centre and States.
26. Which Commission recommended the establishment of the Inter-State Council?
a) Sarkaria Commission
b) Punchhi Commission
c) Rajamannar Committee
d) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Answer: a) Sarkaria Commission
Explanation: The Sarkaria Commission (1983) recommended setting up an Inter-State Council to improve Centre-State relations.
27. The Finance Commission is appointed after every:
a) 3 years
b) 5 years
c) 6 years
d) 10 years
Answer: b) 5 years
Explanation: Under Article 280, the President constitutes a Finance Commission every five years.
28. The Planning Commission was replaced by:
a) GST Council
b) Finance Commission
c) NITI Aayog
d) Economic Council
Answer: c) NITI Aayog
Explanation: In 2015, NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission as a policy think tank.
29. Which body recommends the distribution of GST revenues between Centre and States?
a) GST Council
b) Finance Commission
c) Planning Commission
d) Inter-State Council
Answer: a) GST Council
Explanation: The GST Council (Article 279A) recommends rates, distribution, and structure of GST.
30. The GST Council is chaired by:
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Finance Minister
d) RBI Governor
Answer: c) Finance Minister
Explanation: The Union Finance Minister is the Chairman of the GST Council.
31. Which body is known as the “super cabinet” of India?
a) Inter-State Council
b) GST Council
c) Finance Commission
d) Planning Commission
Answer: b) GST Council
Explanation: The GST Council is often called the “super cabinet” because it influences both Union and State financial policies.
32. Under Article 200, the Governor can:
a) Dissolve State Legislature
b) Reserve a Bill for President’s consideration
c) Dismiss Chief Minister
d) Issue Ordinances
Answer: b) Reserve a Bill for President’s consideration
Explanation: The Governor has the power to reserve certain State Bills for the President under Article 200.
33. The residuary powers in India are vested in:
a) States
b) Centre
c) Both Centre & States
d) Judiciary
Answer: b) Centre
Explanation: Article 248 gives residuary powers to the Parliament (Centre).
34. Which Article deals with Freedom of Trade, Commerce, and Intercourse?
a) Article 300
b) Article 301
c) Article 302
d) Article 303
Answer: b) Article 301
Explanation: Article 301 ensures freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse throughout India.
35. Restrictions on trade between states can be imposed by:
a) President
b) Parliament
c) Governor
d) Supreme Court
Answer: b) Parliament
Explanation: Under Article 302, only Parliament can impose restrictions on inter-state trade and commerce.
36. Which Article empowers the President to establish Inter-State Council?
a) 262
b) 263
c) 280
d) 356
Answer: b) 263
Explanation: Article 263 provides the basis for establishing an Inter-State Council for coordination.
37. Zonal Councils were set up under the recommendation of:
a) Rajamannar Committee
b) States Reorganisation Act, 1956
c) Sarkaria Commission
d) Punchhi Commission
Answer: b) States Reorganisation Act, 1956
Explanation: Zonal Councils were created under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 to promote cooperation between states.
38. How many Zonal Councils are there in India?
a) 4
b) 5
c) 6
d) 7
Answer: b) 5
Explanation: There are five Zonal Councils – North, South, East, West, and Central.
39. Which states/UTs are covered under the North-Eastern Council?
a) 5 States + 2 UTs
b) 6 States + 1 UT
c) 7 States + 1 UT
d) 8 States
Answer: d) 8 States
Explanation: The North-Eastern Council covers all 8 states of the region (7 sisters + Sikkim).
40. The power to reorganize the boundaries of States belongs to:
a) States
b) President
c) Parliament
d) Supreme Court
Answer: c) Parliament
Explanation: Under Article 3, only Parliament has the power to reorganize state boundaries.
41. The Constitution of India is more:
a) Federal than Unitary
b) Unitary than Federal
c) Confederal
d) Presidential
Answer: b) Unitary than Federal
Explanation: India is quasi-federal but leans towards unitary features for strong national unity.
42. Which Article provides for adjudication of disputes relating to inter-state waters?
a) 260
b) 261
c) 262
d) 263
Answer: c) 262
Explanation: Article 262 empowers Parliament to adjudicate inter-state water disputes.
43. Which Act provided the first federal structure in India?
a) Regulating Act, 1773
b) Government of India Act, 1919
c) Government of India Act, 1935
d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
Answer: c) Government of India Act, 1935
Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1935 introduced federal features in India.
44. How many types of emergencies can affect the federal structure in India?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
Answer: c) Three
Explanation: The Constitution provides for three emergencies – National, State, and Financial – which impact federalism.
45. During a National Emergency, India becomes:
a) More Federal
b) More Unitary
c) Confederal
d) Presidential
Answer: b) More Unitary
Explanation: During an Article 352 National Emergency, powers concentrate in the Centre, making India unitary.
46. Which Article mentions that Union law prevails over State law in case of conflict?
a) 251
b) 252
c) 253
d) 254
Answer: d) 254
Explanation: Article 254 provides that Union law prevails in case of conflict on a Concurrent List subject.
47. Which list includes subjects like defence, railways, foreign affairs, and atomic energy?
a) Union List
b) State List
c) Concurrent List
d) Residuary List
Answer: a) Union List
Explanation: Subjects of national importance like defence and foreign affairs belong to the Union List.
48. Which list includes subjects like marriage, adoption, bankruptcy, and contracts?
a) Union List
b) State List
c) Concurrent List
d) Residuary List
Answer: c) Concurrent List
Explanation: The Concurrent List includes subjects of joint concern like marriage, contracts, and bankruptcy.
49. Which entry was shifted from State List to Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment, 1976?
a) Defence
b) Education
c) Agriculture
d) Police
Answer: b) Education
Explanation: The 42nd Amendment moved Education from the State List to the Concurrent List.
50. Which Article mentions that Parliament can legislate on State subjects with consent of States?
a) 249
b) 250
c) 252
d) 253
Answer: c) 252
Explanation: Under Article 252, Parliament can legislate on a State subject if two or more State legislatures pass a resolution.
51. The Constitution of India is described as a:
a) Federation of States
b) Union of States
c) Confederation of States
d) Quasi-Federal Union
Answer: b) Union of States
Explanation: Article 1 declares India as a “Union of States”, emphasizing the indestructible union.
52. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Indian federalism?
a) Supremacy of Constitution
b) Independent Judiciary
c) Dual Citizenship
d) Division of Powers
Answer: c) Dual Citizenship
Explanation: Unlike the USA, India provides single citizenship to promote unity.
53. In India, residuary powers are vested in the:
a) States
b) Centre
c) Both Centre & States
d) President
Answer: b) Centre
Explanation: Article 248 vests residuary powers with the Union Parliament.
54. The power to legislate on Union List subjects lies with:
a) State Legislature
b) Parliament
c) Both Centre & States
d) Judiciary
Answer: b) Parliament
Explanation: The Union List includes subjects of national importance like defence, railways, foreign affairs etc.
55. The power to legislate on Concurrent List subjects lies with:
a) Parliament only
b) State Legislatures only
c) Both Parliament & State Legislatures
d) President only
Answer: c) Both Parliament & State Legislatures
Explanation: On Concurrent List subjects, both Union and State legislatures can make laws (Article 246).
56. Which Article provides that Parliament can legislate on State subjects in the national interest with Rajya Sabha approval?
a) 248
b) 249
c) 250
d) 251
Answer: b) 249
Explanation: Article 249 allows Parliament to legislate on a State subject if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by 2/3 majority.
57. During a National Emergency, Parliament can legislate on:
a) Union List only
b) State List only
c) Both Union and State Lists
d) Residuary List only
Answer: c) Both Union and State Lists
Explanation: Under Article 250, Parliament can make laws on State subjects during a National Emergency.
58. In case of conflict on Concurrent List laws, which prevails?
a) State Law
b) Union Law
c) Judiciary decides
d) President decides
Answer: b) Union Law
Explanation: Article 254 states that Union law prevails over State law in case of conflict.
59. The Rajamannar Committee was appointed by which State Government?
a) Karnataka
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Kerala
d) West Bengal
Answer: b) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: The Rajamannar Committee (1969) was appointed by Tamil Nadu to examine Centre-State relations.
60. Which Commission reviewed Centre-State relations in 1983?
a) Sarkaria Commission
b) Punchhi Commission
c) Rajamannar Committee
d) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Answer: a) Sarkaria Commission
Explanation: The Sarkaria Commission (1983) made key recommendations for Centre-State relations.
61. Which Commission on Centre-State relations was set up in 2007?
a) Rajamannar Committee
b) Punchhi Commission
c) Sarkaria Commission
d) None of these
Answer: b) Punchhi Commission
Explanation: The Punchhi Commission (2007) reviewed Centre-State relations and gave its report in 2010.
62. Which Article empowers Parliament to legislate for two or more states by their consent?
a) 248
b) 249
c) 250
d) 252
Answer: d) 252
Explanation: Article 252 allows Parliament to legislate on State subjects if two or more States pass a resolution.
63. Which Amendment established the Inter-State Council in 1990?
a) 42nd Amendment
b) 44th Amendment
c) 52nd Amendment
d) Presidential Order
Answer: d) Presidential Order
Explanation: The Inter-State Council was set up in 1990 by Presidential order under Article 263.
64. Which type of federalism does India follow?
a) Dual Federalism
b) Co-operative Federalism
c) Competitive Federalism
d) Confederalism
Answer: b) Co-operative Federalism
Explanation: India follows co-operative federalism, encouraging Centre and States to work together.
65. The concept of “co-operative federalism” in India is strengthened by:
a) GST Council
b) Finance Commission
c) Inter-State Council
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Institutions like GST Council, Finance Commission, and Inter-State Council promote cooperative federalism.
66. Which Article provides for adjudication of inter-state water disputes?
a) 260
b) 262
c) 263
d) 280
Answer: b) 262
Explanation: Article 262 empowers Parliament to provide for adjudication of inter-state water disputes.
67. Which tribunal is related to inter-state water disputes?
a) Green Tribunal
b) Water Disputes Tribunal
c) Interstate Tribunal
d) Arbitration Tribunal
Answer: b) Water Disputes Tribunal
Explanation: Parliament has established Water Disputes Tribunals under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956.
68. The President can establish an Inter-State Council under Article:
a) 261
b) 262
c) 263
d) 280
Answer: c) 263
Explanation: Article 263 empowers the President to establish an Inter-State Council for coordination.
69. Zonal Councils are headed by the:
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Union Home Minister
d) Governor
Answer: c) Union Home Minister
Explanation: The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of all Zonal Councils.
70. Who is the Vice-Chairman of a Zonal Council?
a) Governor of a State
b) Chief Minister of a State (on rotation)
c) President
d) Prime Minister
Answer: b) Chief Minister of a State (on rotation)
Explanation: The Chief Minister of a state acts as Vice-Chairman of a Zonal Council by rotation.
71. How many subjects are there in the Union List at present?
a) 97
b) 100
c) 101
d) 98
Answer: a) 97
Explanation: The Union List presently contains 97 subjects (reduced from 100 by 42nd Amendment).
72. How many subjects are there in the State List at present?
a) 61
b) 66
c) 67
d) 68
Answer: b) 66
Explanation: The State List currently has 66 subjects (reduced from 61 by 42nd Amendment, later adjusted).
73. How many subjects are there in the Concurrent List?
a) 47
b) 48
c) 49
d) 52
Answer: a) 47
Explanation: The Concurrent List has 47 subjects, including education, forests, and marriage laws.
74. Which list gives power to Parliament to make laws on international treaties and agreements?
a) Union List
b) State List
c) Concurrent List
d) Residuary Powers
Answer: a) Union List
Explanation: International treaties and agreements are included in the Union List.
75. Which list includes criminal law, marriage, divorce, and succession?
a) Union List
b) State List
c) Concurrent List
d) Residuary Powers
Answer: c) Concurrent List
Explanation: These subjects are included in the Concurrent List, allowing both Union and States to legislate.
76. Which Schedule of the Constitution deals with the division of powers between Union and States?
a) 6th Schedule
b) 7th Schedule
c) 8th Schedule
d) 10th Schedule
Answer: b) 7th Schedule
Explanation: The 7th Schedule contains three lists – Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
77. The 7th Schedule contains how many lists?
a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five
Answer: b) Three
Explanation: The Union List, State List, and Concurrent List are part of the 7th Schedule.
78. The Indian federation is described as “Quasi-Federal” because:
a) States are stronger than Centre
b) Centre is stronger than States
c) Both are equal
d) States can secede
Answer: b) Centre is stronger than States
Explanation: India has a federal system with unitary bias, giving more power to the Centre.
79. Which Article declares India a ‘Union of States’?
a) Article 1
b) Article 3
c) Article 5
d) Article 7
Answer: a) Article 1
Explanation: Article 1 declares India as a “Union of States.”
80. Under which Article can new states be formed or existing states be altered?
a) Article 1
b) Article 2
c) Article 3
d) Article 4
Answer: c) Article 3
Explanation: Article 3 empowers Parliament to form new states or alter boundaries.
81. Financial relations between Union and States are dealt with in:
a) Part IX
b) Part XII
c) Part XIII
d) Part XIV
Answer: b) Part XII
Explanation: Part XII (Articles 268–293) deals with financial relations between Union and States.
82. Which body recommends distribution of financial resources between Union and States?
a) Planning Commission
b) Finance Commission
c) NITI Aayog
d) Inter-State Council
Answer: b) Finance Commission
Explanation: The Finance Commission (Article 280) recommends financial distribution.
83. The Finance Commission is appointed after every:
a) 3 years
b) 5 years
c) 6 years
d) 10 years
Answer: b) 5 years
Explanation: Article 280 provides for the appointment of a Finance Commission every 5 years.
84. Which tax is levied by the Union but collected and appropriated by the States?
a) Corporation tax
b) GST
c) Stamp duties
d) Customs duty
Answer: c) Stamp duties
Explanation: Certain duties like stamp duties and excise duties on medicinal preparations are levied by Union but collected by States.
85. GST Council is an example of:
a) Competitive federalism
b) Co-operative federalism
c) Confederalism
d) Dual federalism
Answer: b) Co-operative federalism
Explanation: The GST Council promotes Centre-State co-operation in taxation.
86. Which Article provides for the establishment of a Finance Commission?
a) Article 280
b) Article 281
c) Article 282
d) Article 283
Answer: a) Article 280
Explanation: Article 280 provides for the establishment of a Finance Commission.
87. Grants-in-aid to States are provided under:
a) Article 270
b) Article 275
c) Article 280
d) Article 281
Answer: b) Article 275
Explanation: Article 275 provides for grants-in-aid to certain States from the Consolidated Fund of India.
88. The Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog in the year:
a) 2012
b) 2014
c) 2015
d) 2016
Answer: c) 2015
Explanation: The Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015 to promote cooperative federalism.
89. Which body is described as the “Think Tank of India”?
a) Finance Commission
b) Planning Commission
c) NITI Aayog
d) Inter-State Council
Answer: c) NITI Aayog
Explanation: The NITI Aayog is called the “Think Tank of India.”
90. The residuary powers of legislation in India belong to:
a) States
b) Union Parliament
c) Both Centre and States
d) Judiciary
Answer: b) Union Parliament
Explanation: Unlike the US, in India residuary powers are vested in the Centre (Article 248).
91. In financial matters, if there is a conflict between Union and State law, which prevails?
a) Union law
b) State law
c) Both cease to exist
d) Judiciary decides
Answer: a) Union law
Explanation: In case of conflict, Union law prevails over State law.
92. Which of the following is NOT true about Indian federalism?
a) Single Constitution
b) Dual Citizenship
c) Strong Centre
d) Supremacy of Constitution
Answer: b) Dual Citizenship
Explanation: India has single citizenship, unlike true federations like the USA.
93. Which country’s federal system influenced Indian federalism the most?
a) USA
b) Canada
c) UK
d) Australia
Answer: b) Canada
Explanation: The Indian model of strong Centre federalism is closer to Canada than USA.
94. In case of failure of constitutional machinery in a state, President’s Rule can be imposed under:
a) Article 352
b) Article 356
c) Article 360
d) Article 365
Answer: b) Article 356
Explanation: Article 356 provides for President’s Rule in case of breakdown of state machinery.
95. Financial Emergency can be declared under:
a) Article 350
b) Article 352
c) Article 356
d) Article 360
Answer: d) Article 360
Explanation: Article 360 empowers the President to proclaim a Financial Emergency.
96. Which Article empowers the Union to give directions to the States to ensure compliance with laws?
a) Article 355
b) Article 356
c) Article 357
d) Article 360
Answer: a) Article 355
Explanation: Article 355 imposes a duty on the Union to protect States and ensure constitutional compliance.
97. The power to reorganize the boundaries of States rests with:
a) President
b) State Legislatures
c) Parliament
d) Prime Minister
Answer: c) Parliament
Explanation: Article 3 gives Parliament the power to reorganize States.
98. The Sarkaria Commission recommended maximum use of:
a) Article 356
b) Article 360
c) Article 263
d) Zonal Councils
Answer: d) Zonal Councils
Explanation: The Sarkaria Commission recommended strengthening Zonal Councils to improve Centre-State relations.
99. The Punchhi Commission recommended that President’s Rule under Article 356 should be used:
a) Frequently
b) Rarely, as a last resort
c) Regularly in coalition governments
d) At the will of Centre
Answer: b) Rarely, as a last resort
Explanation: The Punchhi Commission stressed that Article 356 should be used sparingly.
100. The ultimate aim of federalism in India is to:
a) Strengthen the States
b) Strengthen the Centre
c) Balance unity with diversity
d) Allow States to secede
Answer: c) Balance unity with diversity
Explanation: Indian federalism ensures national unity while respecting state diversity.