π Chapter 11 Β· Previous Year Questions
Federalism & Centre-State Relations β Previous Year Questions
10 actual questions from UPSC, APPSC, and TGPSC previous year papers with detailed answers.
π‘ Tip: Federalism questions focus on the Three Lists, Finance Commission, GST Council, and landmark cases. These are very frequently asked.
π Note: Questions sourced from UPSC Civil Services Prelims, APPSC Group 1 & 2, and TGPSC Group 1 & 2 previous papers.
π 10 Previous Year Questions
Consider the following statements about the distribution of legislative powers in India:
1. The Union List has more subjects than the State List.
2. In case of conflict between Union and State laws on Concurrent List subjects, the State law prevails.
3. Residuary powers vest with Parliament.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. The Union List has more subjects than the State List.
2. In case of conflict between Union and State laws on Concurrent List subjects, the State law prevails.
3. Residuary powers vest with Parliament.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 2 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
β
Answer: A) 1 and 3 onlyStatements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect β in case of conflict between Union and State laws on Concurrent List subjects, the Union law prevails (Article 254), not the State law. Residuary powers vest with Parliament (Article 248).
The Finance Commission of India is constituted every:
A) 3 years
B) 5 years
C) 7 years
D) 10 years
β
Answer: B) 5 yearsThe Finance Commission is constituted by the President every 5 years under Article 280. It recommends the distribution of taxes between Centre and States and grants-in-aid to States. Its recommendations are advisory β not binding on the President.
Which of the following is NOT in the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution?
A) Education
B) Marriage and divorce
C) Defence
D) Forests
β
Answer: C) DefenceDefence is in the Union List β it is exclusively under Parliament’s jurisdiction. Education, marriage and divorce, and forests are in the Concurrent List β both Parliament and State Legislatures can legislate on these subjects.
The GST Council is chaired by:
A) Prime Minister
B) Union Finance Minister
C) President of India
D) Chief Justice of India
β
Answer: B) Union Finance MinisterThe GST Council (Article 279A) is chaired by the Union Finance Minister. The Inter-State Council (Article 263) is chaired by the Prime Minister. The Zonal Councils are chaired by the Union Home Minister.
Under which article can Parliament legislate on State List subjects to implement international treaties?
A) Article 249
B) Article 250
C) Article 252
D) Article 253
β
Answer: D) Article 253Article 253 allows Parliament to legislate on any subject (including State List) to implement international treaties, agreements, or conventions. This is important for India’s international obligations. Article 249 is for national interest (Rajya Sabha resolution), Article 250 for National Emergency, and Article 252 when States request.
The All India Services are created under which article of the Indian Constitution?
A) Article 308
B) Article 309
C) Article 312
D) Article 315
β
Answer: C) Article 312All India Services are created under Article 312, which requires a resolution by Rajya Sabha by 2/3 majority. Currently there are three AIS: IAS, IPS, and IFoS. They are recruited by UPSC and serve both Centre and States.
Which of the following is a feature of Indian federalism that makes it different from the USA?
A) Written Constitution
B) Division of powers
C) Residuary powers with the Centre
D) Independent judiciary
β
Answer: C) Residuary powers with the CentreIn India, residuary powers vest with the Centre (Parliament) under Article 248. In the USA, residuary powers vest with the States (10th Amendment). Written Constitution, division of powers, and independent judiciary are features of both Indian and American federalism.
The Inter-State Council was established in which year?
A) 1983
B) 1988
C) 1990
D) 1992
β
Answer: C) 1990The Inter-State Council was established in 1990 on the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission (1983-88). It is established under Article 263 and is chaired by the Prime Minister. It promotes coordination between States and between Centre and States.
Which of the following statements about the Zonal Councils is correct?
A) They are constitutional bodies established under Article 263
B) They are chaired by the Prime Minister
C) They are statutory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956
D) There are 6 Zonal Councils in India
β
Answer: C) They are statutory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956Zonal Councils are statutory bodies (not constitutional) established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. There are 5 Zonal Councils (not 6). They are chaired by the Union Home Minister (not PM). The Inter-State Council is the constitutional body under Article 263.
K.C. Wheare described the Indian Constitution as:
A) “Cooperative federalism”
B) “Quasi-federal”
C) “Extremely federal”
D) “A federation with strong centralising tendency”
β
Answer: B) “Quasi-federal”K.C. Wheare described the Indian Constitution as “quasi-federal” β federal in form but unitary in spirit. Granville Austin called it “cooperative federalism,” Paul Appleby called it “extremely federal,” and Ivor Jennings called it “a federation with a strong centralising tendency.”