Federalism – important questions for Boards 2027

CBSE Class 10 Social Science

1. MCQ · 1 mark

   The Constitution describes India as a Union of States. Which statement best explains why India is nevertheless federal? (A) The Union Government alone makes all laws. (B) The Constitution provides for the sharing of power between levels of government. (C) State Governments are subordinate departments of the Union Government. (D) India has no constitutionally defined State Governments.

   Answer

   (B) The Constitution provides for the sharing of power between levels of government — it distributes legislative powers between the Union and State Governments and provides for a third tier.

2. SA · 2 marks

   What third tier of government was later added to India’s federal structure, and what does each tier’s separate jurisdiction mean?

   Answer

   Panchayats and Municipalities form the third tier, added after the Union and State governments. Each tier has a separate jurisdiction, meaning it exercises powers over its assigned subjects and responsibilities.

3. MA · 3 marks

   Explain who legislates on residuary subjects in India. Give one reason why some States have special constitutional powers and describe one area these powers may protect.

   Answer

   1. The Union Government legislates on ‘residuary’ subjects outside the three lists; computer software arose after the Constitution was made. 2. Some States, such as Assam and Nagaland, have special powers under Article 371 because of peculiar social and historical circumstances. 3. These powers may protect indigenous peoples’ land rights and culture, as well as provide preferential employment in government services.

4. LA · 4 marks

   Explain the two broad grounds on which States were created or reorganised in India. Give examples of States formed to recognise cultural, ethnic or geographical differences.

   Answer

   1. Basis — Language: Many States were reorganised to give people speaking the same language a State of their own. Although some national leaders feared this would disintegrate the country and the Central Government resisted linguistic States for some time, experience showed that they made India more united and administration easier; Andhra Pradesh was among the first States formed on a linguistic basis. 2. Basis — Cultural, ethnic or geographical differences: Some States were created to recognise the distinct identities or circumstances of their people, rather than simply to group speakers of one language. Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand are examples of States created to recognise cultural, ethnic or geographical differences. Thus, India’s States were created or reorganised both to accommodate linguistic demands and to recognise other regional differences.

5. LA · 5 marks

   Explain how legislative powers are divided between the Union and State Governments through the Union, State and Concurrent Lists. State who may legislate on each list and what happens if Union and State laws on a Concurrent List subject conflict.

   Answer

   The Constitution distributes legislative powers through three lists, assigning subjects to the Union, State or both levels of government. 1. The Union List covers subjects of national importance, such as defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. The Union Government alone can make laws on these subjects to ensure a uniform policy throughout the country. 2. The State List includes subjects of State and local importance, such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation. State Governments alone can make laws on the subjects in this list. 3. The Concurrent List covers subjects of common interest, including education, forests, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession. Both the Union and State Governments can make laws on these subjects, but the Union law prevails if the laws conflict. The lists establish which level of government may legislate on each subject.

6. VSA · 1 mark

   Name the three lists through which the Constitution divides legislative powers in India.

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7. SA · 2 marks

   What are Scheduled and non-Scheduled Languages? State how many languages belong to the Eighth Schedule and explain what India’s language data shows about whether any one language is the mother tongue of a majority.

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8. LA · 4 marks

   Explain how local self-government can encourage efficient decision-making and democratic participation. Describe the limitations of local bodies before 1992 and outline the main changes introduced by the 1992 constitutional amendment.

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9. LA · 5 marks

   Explain how coming-together federations are formed. Include their approach to sovereignty, the relative power of their constituent states, and examples.

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10. MCQ · 1 mark

    Which statement best describes changes to India’s States since Independence? (A) Their number, areas, boundaries and names have all changed. (B) Only their names have changed. (C) Their boundaries have remained unchanged. (D) No new States have been created.

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