Which one of the following is not a characteristic feature of Indian Federalism ?

The Indian federation is not the result of an agreement or consent by the federating units to form a union [2]. Unlike the American federation, which was formed by an agreement between independent states, the Indian Constitution describes India as a 'Union of States' under Article 1, implying that states have no right to secede [1]. Other features mentioned are characteristic of the Indian system: residuary powers are vested in the Centre rather than the states, and the Constitution provides for single citizenship to promote national integration [1]. Furthermore, the Seventh Schedule contains an extensive distribution of powers through the Union and Concurrent lists, reflecting a centralized federal structure [3]. While India possesses federal features like a written Constitution and division of powers, the lack of a voluntary agreement among units distinguishes it from traditional federations [2].

Sources

1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > 4. Federal System with Unitary Bias > p. 29
2. [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > 4. Federal System with Unitary Bias > p. 29
3. [3] https://eacpm.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Enumeration-of-Legislative-Powers-in-India-1.pdf