Which among the following is/are the feature(s) of a Federal State? 1. The powers of the Central and the State (Constituent unit) Governments are clearly laid down. 2. It has an unwritten constitution. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

A federal state is characterized by a formal division of powers between a central government and its constituent units, where the powers of both levels are clearly laid down and constitutionally entrenched [c1][c2][t1]. This division ensures that neither level can unilaterally alter the status of the other, providing legal certainty and protecting regional autonomy [c3][t5]. Crucially, a federal system requires a written constitution to serve as the supreme law of the land, documenting the distribution of authority and responsibilities [c2][t2][t5]. An unwritten constitution, such as that of the United Kingdom, is generally incompatible with federalism because the lack of explicit documentation would make the division of powers and constitutional supremacy difficult to enforce [t2][t5]. Therefore, while statement 1 is a core feature, statement 2 is incorrect as federal states necessitate written frameworks.

Sources

1. [1] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 5: NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > p. 59
2. [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > 4. Federal System with Unitary Bias > p. 29
3. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Federal States > p. 2
4. [4] https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/cepa-sessions/CEPA11th_CRP_paper%20by%20Bin%20Hao.pdf