1. How many types of Centre–State relations are there in the Indian Constitution?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
Answer: c) Three
Explanation: The Constitution divides Centre–State relations into Legislative, Administrative, and Financial relations.
2. Which Part of the Constitution deals with Centre–State relations?
a) Part IX
b) Part XI
c) Part XII
d) Part XIV
Answer: b) Part XI
Explanation: Part XI (Articles 245–263) deals with legislative and administrative relations.
3. Which Schedule of the Constitution contains the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists?
a) 6th Schedule
b) 7th Schedule
c) 8th Schedule
d) 9th Schedule
Answer: b) 7th Schedule
Explanation: The 7th Schedule provides division of powers between Union and States.
4. The Union List originally contained how many subjects?
a) 66
b) 97
c) 47
d) 59
Answer: b) 97
Explanation: The Union List originally had 97 subjects (now reduced due to GST).
5. The State List originally contained how many subjects?
a) 66
b) 97
c) 47
d) 59
Answer: a) 66
Explanation: The State List had 66 subjects initially (now reduced to 61).
6. The Concurrent List originally contained how many subjects?
a) 47
b) 52
c) 66
d) 97
Answer: a) 47
Explanation: The Concurrent List had 47 subjects (now 52 after constitutional amendments).
7. In case of conflict between Union and State law on a Concurrent subject, which prevails?
a) State law
b) Union law
c) Both
d) Judiciary decides
Answer: b) Union law
Explanation: Article 254 gives Union law supremacy over State law on concurrent matters.
8. Residuary powers of legislation are vested in:
a) States
b) Centre
c) Both
d) Supreme Court
Answer: b) Centre
Explanation: Article 248 vests residuary powers in Parliament, unlike the USA.
9. Under which Article can Parliament legislate on State List subjects in national interest?
a) Article 248
b) Article 249
c) Article 250
d) Article 251
Answer: b) Article 249
Explanation: Article 249 allows Parliament to legislate on State subjects in national interest if Rajya Sabha passes a resolution.
10. Parliament can legislate on State subjects during National Emergency under:
a) Article 248
b) Article 249
c) Article 250
d) Article 252
Answer: c) Article 250
Explanation: Article 250 empowers Parliament to legislate on State subjects during a National Emergency.
11. With the consent of two or more States, Parliament can legislate on State subjects under:
a) Article 248
b) Article 250
c) Article 252
d) Article 253
Answer: c) Article 252
Explanation: Article 252 allows Parliament to legislate on State subjects if two or more States consent.
12. International treaties and agreements are implemented in India under:
a) Article 249
b) Article 251
c) Article 253
d) Article 254
Answer: c) Article 253
Explanation: Article 253 empowers Parliament to legislate for implementing treaties.
13. Which Article deals with inconsistency between laws made by Parliament and State legislatures?
a) Article 251
b) Article 252
c) Article 253
d) Article 254
Answer: d) Article 254
Explanation: Article 254 deals with inconsistency between Union and State laws on Concurrent subjects.
14. Which Article empowers the Union to give directions to States?
a) Article 355
b) Article 356
c) Article 357
d) Article 360
Answer: a) Article 355
Explanation: Article 355 makes it the duty of the Union to protect States and ensure constitutional governance.
15. Which Article provides for President’s Rule in States?
a) Article 352
b) Article 355
c) Article 356
d) Article 360
Answer: c) Article 356
Explanation: Article 356 allows President’s Rule if a State government fails to function constitutionally.
16. Who has the power to reorganize state boundaries?
a) State Assembly
b) Parliament
c) President
d) Supreme Court
Answer: b) Parliament
Explanation: Article 3 empowers Parliament to reorganize states.
17. The Inter-State Council is established under which Article?
a) Article 263
b) Article 264
c) Article 265
d) Article 280
Answer: a) Article 263
Explanation: Article 263 provides for the establishment of an Inter-State Council.
18. Who can establish the Inter-State Council?
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Parliament
d) Rajya Sabha
Answer: a) President
Explanation: Under Article 263, the President can establish an Inter-State Council.
19. Which body recommends financial distribution between Union and States?
a) NITI Aayog
b) Finance Commission
c) Planning Commission
d) Inter-State Council
Answer: b) Finance Commission
Explanation: The Finance Commission (Article 280) recommends financial distribution.
20. Grants-in-aid to States are provided under:
a) Article 268
b) Article 270
c) Article 275
d) Article 280
Answer: c) Article 275
Explanation: Article 275 provides for statutory grants to States.
21. Which type of tax is levied by the Union but collected and assigned to States?
a) Customs duty
b) Income tax
c) GST
d) Corporation tax
Answer: b) Income tax
Explanation: Certain taxes like income tax are levied by Union but distributed among States.
22. 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 mandates the Finance Commission be appointed every 5 years.
23. The Sarkaria Commission (1983) dealt with:
a) Electoral reforms
b) Panchayati Raj
c) Centre–State relations
d) Judicial reforms
Answer: c) Centre–State relations
Explanation: The Sarkaria Commission examined Centre–State relations.
24. The Punchhi Commission (2007) was set up for:
a) Electoral reforms
b) Review of Centre–State relations
c) Judicial reforms
d) Administrative reforms
Answer: b) Review of Centre–State relations
Explanation: The Punchhi Commission (2007) reviewed Centre–State relations.
25. Which term best describes Indian federalism?
a) Dual federalism
b) Quasi-federalism
c) Confederalism
d) Confederation
Answer: b) Quasi-federalism
Explanation: India is often described as a Quasi-federal state with a strong Centre.
26. Who decides whether a matter falls under Union List or State List in case of dispute?
a) Parliament
b) President
c) Supreme Court
d) Inter-State Council
Answer: c) Supreme Court
Explanation: The Supreme Court is the final interpreter of the Constitution and settles disputes on legislative competence.
27. Which Article empowers the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance?
a) Article 352
b) Article 355
c) Article 356
d) Article 360
Answer: b) Article 355
Explanation: Article 355 makes it the duty of the Union to protect States.
28. Which Article empowers the President to impose President’s Rule in States?
a) Article 352
b) Article 355
c) Article 356
d) Article 360
Answer: c) Article 356
Explanation: President’s Rule is imposed under Article 356.
29. How many times has President’s Rule been imposed in Punjab between 1950–1990?
a) 3 times
b) 5 times
c) 7 times
d) 8 times
Answer: d) 8 times
Explanation: Punjab saw 8 instances of President’s Rule due to political instability and militancy.
30. Which Article empowers the Union Government to issue directions to States regarding use of official language?
a) Article 343
b) Article 344
c) Article 350
d) Article 350A
Answer: d) Article 350A
Explanation: Article 350A directs States to provide primary education in mother tongue.
31. Which taxes are levied by the Union but collected and appropriated by the States?
a) Excise duty
b) Stamp duties
c) Customs duties
d) Corporation tax
Answer: b) Stamp duties
Explanation: Certain taxes like stamp duties and excise duty on medicinal products are levied by Union but collected by States.
32. Corporation tax is levied and collected by:
a) States
b) Union
c) Both Union and States
d) RBI
Answer: b) Union
Explanation: Corporation tax is levied and collected solely by the Union.
33. Which Article provides for the establishment of Finance Commission?
a) Article 263
b) Article 280
c) Article 275
d) Article 246
Answer: b) Article 280
Explanation: Article 280 provides for Finance Commission every 5 years.
34. Which tax was subsumed under GST?
a) Customs duty
b) Excise duty on alcohol
c) Corporation tax
d) Service tax
Answer: d) Service tax
Explanation: Service tax is now included under GST.
35. Which of the following is a concurrent subject?
a) Police
b) Public order
c) Criminal law
d) Agriculture
Answer: c) Criminal law
Explanation: Criminal law is in the Concurrent List; both Centre and States can legislate.
36. Agriculture is a subject under:
a) Union List
b) State List
c) Concurrent List
d) Residuary powers
Answer: b) State List
Explanation: Agriculture is a State subject (though some aspects like research fall under Union).
37. Which of the following is NOT a Union List subject?
a) Defence
b) Atomic energy
c) Police
d) Citizenship
Answer: c) Police
Explanation: Police is in the State List, not Union List.
38. Which subject was moved from State List to Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment?
a) Education
b) Police
c) Agriculture
d) Land
Answer: a) Education
Explanation: 42nd Amendment (1976) transferred education to the Concurrent List.
39. Which Article deals with freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse between States?
a) Article 301
b) Article 302
c) Article 303
d) Article 304
Answer: a) Article 301
Explanation: Article 301 guarantees freedom of trade and commerce across India.
40. Restrictions on trade and commerce between States can be imposed by:
a) State Legislature
b) Union Parliament
c) President
d) Judiciary
Answer: b) Union Parliament
Explanation: Parliament may impose restrictions in public interest (Article 302).
41. The GST Council is constituted under which Article?
a) Article 268
b) Article 279A
c) Article 280
d) Article 285
Answer: b) Article 279A
Explanation: Article 279A establishes the GST Council.
42. The GST Council is chaired by:
a) Prime Minister
b) Finance Minister
c) Home Minister
d) President
Answer: b) Finance Minister
Explanation: The Union Finance Minister is the Chairperson of GST Council.
43. Who appoints the Finance Commission?
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Parliament
d) Finance Minister
Answer: b) President
Explanation: President appoints the Finance Commission every 5 years.
44. Which Article provides that taxes cannot be levied or collected without authority of law?
a) Article 246
b) Article 265
c) Article 266
d) Article 280
Answer: b) Article 265
Explanation: Article 265 states no tax can be levied or collected without legal authority.
45. Consolidated Fund of India is mentioned in:
a) Article 266
b) Article 267
c) Article 268
d) Article 270
Answer: a) Article 266
Explanation: Article 266 deals with Consolidated Fund of India and States.
46. Contingency Fund of India is under the authority of:
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Finance Minister
d) Parliament
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Article 267 provides for Contingency Fund at disposal of the President.
47. Which Article provides for distribution of revenues between Union and States?
a) Article 268–281
b) Article 301–307
c) Article 310–323
d) Article 352–360
Answer: a) Article 268–281
Explanation: Articles 268–281 deal with financial relations.
48. Which Article empowers Parliament to make laws for adjudication of inter-State water disputes?
a) Article 246
b) Article 262
c) Article 263
d) Article 280
Answer: b) Article 262
Explanation: Article 262 gives Parliament power for inter-State river disputes.
49. Inter-State Water Disputes Act was passed in:
a) 1956
b) 1960
c) 1972
d) 1980
Answer: a) 1956
Explanation: The Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956 was passed under Article 262.
50. Who decides inter-State water disputes if not settled by negotiation?
a) Supreme Court
b) High Court
c) Tribunal
d) President
Answer: c) Tribunal
Explanation: Under Article 262, disputes are referred to a tribunal, not Supreme Court.
51. Which Article provides for establishment of an Inter-State Council?
a) Article 263
b) Article 262
c) Article 280
d) Article 356
Answer: a) Article 263
Explanation: Article 263 provides for an Inter-State Council to coordinate between Union and States.
52. Who constitutes the Inter-State Council?
a) Parliament
b) Prime Minister
c) President
d) Supreme Court
Answer: c) President
Explanation: The President can establish an Inter-State Council under Article 263.
53. The Inter-State Council was set up in:
a) 1980
b) 1985
c) 1990
d) 1992
Answer: c) 1990
Explanation: The Inter-State Council was set up in 1990 on the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission.
54. Who is the Chairman of the Inter-State Council?
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Home Minister
d) Finance Minister
Answer: b) Prime Minister
Explanation: The Prime Minister is the Chairman of Inter-State Council.
55. Which Article empowers Parliament to adjudicate disputes regarding inter-State rivers?
a) Article 262
b) Article 263
c) Article 280
d) Article 356
Answer: a) Article 262
Explanation: Article 262 empowers Parliament to adjudicate disputes related to inter-State rivers.
56. Which of the following is NOT a financial relation between Centre and State?
a) Distribution of taxes
b) Grants-in-aid
c) Loans from RBI
d) Residuary powers
Answer: d) Residuary powers
Explanation: Residuary powers are legislative, not financial.
57. Grants-in-aid to States are provided under:
a) Article 266
b) Article 275
c) Article 280
d) Article 356
Answer: b) Article 275
Explanation: Article 275 provides for statutory grants-in-aid to States.
58. Which body recommends distribution of taxes between Centre and States?
a) Planning Commission
b) NITI Aayog
c) Finance Commission
d) Inter-State Council
Answer: c) Finance Commission
Explanation: Finance Commission recommends financial distribution.
59. The residuary powers of legislation are vested in:
a) State Legislature
b) Union Parliament
c) Both Union and States
d) President
Answer: b) Union Parliament
Explanation: Article 248 vests residuary powers in Union Parliament.
60. Which subject is included in the Union List?
a) Police
b) Agriculture
c) Defence
d) Public health
Answer: c) Defence
Explanation: Defence is a Union subject.
61. Which subject is included in the State List?
a) Railways
b) Police
c) Citizenship
d) Banking
Answer: b) Police
Explanation: Police is a State subject.
62. Which subject is included in the Concurrent List?
a) Defence
b) Agriculture
c) Criminal law
d) Banking
Answer: c) Criminal law
Explanation: Criminal law is in the Concurrent List.
63. Residuary powers in the Indian Constitution are taken from:
a) USA
b) Canada
c) Australia
d) UK
Answer: b) Canada
Explanation: Indian system of residuary powers being with Union is inspired from Canada.
64. Which Article deals with borrowing powers of the Union and States?
a) Article 266
b) Article 268
c) Article 292–293
d) Article 280
Answer: c) Article 292–293
Explanation: Articles 292 (Union) and 293 (States) deal with borrowing powers.
65. Which Article allows the Union to provide grants for welfare of Scheduled Tribes in States?
a) Article 275
b) Article 280
c) Article 244
d) Article 330
Answer: a) Article 275
Explanation: Article 275 provides special grants for development of STs and SCs.
66. Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog in:
a) 2012
b) 2014
c) 2015
d) 2016
Answer: c) 2015
Explanation: NITI Aayog was formed in 2015, replacing Planning Commission.
67. Which body replaced the Planning Commission in 2015?
a) Finance Commission
b) GST Council
c) NITI Aayog
d) Inter-State Council
Answer: c) NITI Aayog
Explanation: NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015.
68. The first Finance Commission was constituted in:
a) 1949
b) 1950
c) 1951
d) 1952
Answer: c) 1951
Explanation: The First Finance Commission was set up in 1951, chaired by K.C. Neogy.
69. Finance Commission is appointed after every:
a) 3 years
b) 4 years
c) 5 years
d) 10 years
Answer: c) 5 years
Explanation: Finance Commission is constituted every 5 years.
70. Which Article provides for Finance Commission?
a) Article 263
b) Article 275
c) Article 280
d) Article 356
Answer: c) Article 280
Explanation: Article 280 provides for Finance Commission.
71. Who decides the distribution of grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of India?
a) Prime Minister
b) Finance Minister
c) Finance Commission
d) President
Answer: c) Finance Commission
Explanation: Finance Commission recommends distribution of grants-in-aid.
72. Which Article deals with the establishment of Consolidated Fund of India and States?
a) Article 266
b) Article 267
c) Article 275
d) Article 280
Answer: a) Article 266
Explanation: Article 266 establishes Consolidated Fund of India and States.
73. Who is the custodian of the Consolidated Fund of India?
a) President
b) Finance Minister
c) Parliament
d) Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
Answer: a) President
Explanation: The President is the custodian of Consolidated Fund of India.
74. Contingency Fund of India can be operated by:
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Finance Minister
d) RBI
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Article 267 provides that the President operates Contingency Fund.
75. Which Article provides for Public Accounts of India?
a) Article 266
b) Article 267
c) Article 148
d) Article 149
Answer: a) Article 266
Explanation: Article 266 mentions Public Account of India along with Consolidated Fund.
76. Which Commission is most famous for reviewing Centre–State relations?
a) Sarkaria Commission
b) Punchhi Commission
c) Mandal Commission
d) Nanavati Commission
Answer: a) Sarkaria Commission
Explanation: The Sarkaria Commission (1983–1988) comprehensively reviewed Centre–State relations.
77. The Punchhi Commission on Centre–State Relations was set up in:
a) 2005
b) 2007
c) 2008
d) 2010
Answer: b) 2007
Explanation: The Punchhi Commission was set up in 2007, headed by former CJI Madan Mohan Punchhi.
78. Which Article provides that the Union Government can give directions to a State?
a) Article 355
b) Article 356
c) Article 365
d) Article 368
Answer: a) Article 355
Explanation: Article 355 imposes duty on Union to protect States and ensure governance according to Constitution.
79. Which Article provides that President can impose President’s Rule in States?
a) Article 352
b) Article 355
c) Article 356
d) Article 360
Answer: c) Article 356
Explanation: Article 356 provides for President’s Rule in States.
80. Maximum duration of President’s Rule in a State (with Parliament approval) is:
a) 1 year
b) 2 years
c) 3 years
d) 4 years
Answer: c) 3 years
Explanation: President’s Rule can last maximum 3 years, with periodic approvals every 6 months.
81. Financial Emergency can be declared under:
a) Article 352
b) Article 356
c) Article 360
d) Article 365
Answer: c) Article 360
Explanation: Article 360 provides for Financial Emergency.
82. Which Article empowers the Union to assume functions of State government in case of failure?
a) Article 355
b) Article 356
c) Article 360
d) Article 365
Answer: b) Article 356
Explanation: Article 356 allows Centre to assume State functions if Constitution is not followed.
83. The Governor is the agent of the:
a) State Government
b) Union Government
c) President
d) Parliament
Answer: b) Union Government
Explanation: Governor acts as a constitutional link between Union and State governments.
84. Which Schedule contains division of powers between Union and States?
a) 6th Schedule
b) 7th Schedule
c) 8th Schedule
d) 9th Schedule
Answer: b) 7th Schedule
Explanation: 7th Schedule distributes subjects into Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.
85. The Union List originally contained how many subjects?
a) 66
b) 97
c) 47
d) 77
Answer: b) 97
Explanation: Originally, Union List had 97 subjects (now 100).
86. The State List originally contained how many subjects?
a) 59
b) 66
c) 47
d) 97
Answer: b) 66
Explanation: Originally, State List had 66 subjects (now 61 after transfers).
87. The Concurrent List originally contained how many subjects?
a) 47
b) 52
c) 42
d) 36
Answer: a) 47
Explanation: Concurrent List originally had 47 subjects (now 52).
88. The Centre can legislate on State List subjects under which condition?
a) During Emergency
b) With President’s consent
c) With State’s request
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Centre can legislate on State subjects during Emergency, on State’s request, or under national interest.
89. Which Amendment transferred Education to Concurrent List?
a) 24th Amendment
b) 42nd Amendment
c) 44th Amendment
d) 52nd Amendment
Answer: b) 42nd Amendment
Explanation: 42nd Amendment (1976) moved Education, Forests, Weights & Measures, and Protection of Wildlife to Concurrent List.
90. Residuary subjects in India fall under:
a) Union List
b) State List
c) Concurrent List
d) Both Union & State
Answer: a) Union List
Explanation: Residuary powers belong exclusively to Union Parliament.
91. Which Article provides for adjudication of inter-State water disputes?
a) Article 262
b) Article 263
c) Article 264
d) Article 280
Answer: a) Article 262
Explanation: Article 262 deals with adjudication of inter-State water disputes.
92. Which body is related to distribution of tax revenues between Union & States?
a) Finance Commission
b) Planning Commission
c) Inter-State Council
d) CAG
Answer: a) Finance Commission
Explanation: Finance Commission (Article 280) recommends tax sharing between Union & States.
93. Equalisation of resources between rich and poor States is ensured by:
a) Finance Commission
b) Planning Commission
c) NITI Aayog
d) Inter-State Council
Answer: a) Finance Commission
Explanation: Finance Commission aims to equalise financial resources among States.
94. In case of conflict between Union and State law on Concurrent List subject, which prevails?
a) State law
b) Union law
c) Judiciary decides
d) Both valid
Answer: b) Union law
Explanation: In Concurrent List matters, Union law prevails over State law (Article 254).
95. The term “Cooperative Federalism” is related to:
a) Sarkaria Commission
b) Punchhi Commission
c) NITI Aayog
d) Finance Commission
Answer: c) NITI Aayog
Explanation: NITI Aayog promotes the concept of Cooperative Federalism.
96. Zonal Councils are established under:
a) Article 263
b) State Reorganisation Act, 1956
c) 7th Schedule
d) Finance Commission Act
Answer: b) State Reorganisation Act, 1956
Explanation: Zonal Councils were set up under State Reorganisation Act, 1956.
97. Who is the Chairman of Zonal Councils?
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Union Home Minister
d) Chief Minister of concerned State
Answer: c) Union Home Minister
Explanation: Union Home Minister is the Chairman of Zonal Councils.
98. The Constitution (101st Amendment) 2016 introduced which new institution?
a) NITI Aayog
b) GST Council
c) Finance Commission
d) Lokpal
Answer: b) GST Council
Explanation: GST Council was introduced under 101st Amendment, 2016.
99. Who is the Chairman of GST Council?
a) Prime Minister
b) Finance Minister of India
c) Home Minister
d) President
Answer: b) Finance Minister of India
Explanation: Union Finance Minister is the Chairman of GST Council.
100. India’s Centre–State Relations are considered to tilt towards:
a) Strong States
b) Weak States
c) Strong Centre
d) Equal Centre and States
Answer: c) Strong Centre
Explanation: India’s federal system is described as “quasi-federal” with a strong Centre.