Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?

Indian federalism is characterized by a distribution of sovereignty where both the Union and State governments derive their authority directly from the Constitution [3]. Every State Government has powers of its own, as the Constitution divides legislative, executive, and financial powers between the two levels [5]. Courts play a critical role in maintaining this federal balance by interpreting the Constitution and resolving disputes regarding the powers of different levels of government [2]. Furthermore, the Seventh Schedule clearly specifies the sources of revenue and legislative subjects for each level to ensure financial and administrative autonomy [4]. While the Indian Constitution has unitary features and a strong Centre, the States are not legally subordinate to the Central Government; rather, they are supreme within their respective constitutional spheres [4]. Therefore, the statement that States are subordinate to the Central Government is not a feature of Indian federalism.

Sources

1. [2] 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. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > STRUCTURE OF INDIAN FEDERATION > p. 11
3. [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > Centre-State Relations > p. 144
4. [5] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 15: Centre State Relations > Centre-State Relations > p. 144
5. [1] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Division of Powers > p. 158