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Q100 (IAS/2017) Polity & Governance › Federalism & Emergency Provisions › Indian federalism features Official Key

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

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: D
Explanation

Article 1 of the Constitution describes India as 'Union of States', and according to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, this phrase has been preferred to 'Federation of States' to indicate that the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement among the states like the American federation, and the states have no right [1]to secede from the federation.[1] Federations have commonly resulted from an agreement between independent or at least autonomous governments, surrendering a defined part of their sovereignty or autonomy to a new central organism.[2] However, India's federal system evolved differently—the Union of India cannot be said to be the result of any compact or agreement between autonomous States.[3]

In contrast, the other options are indeed features of Indian federalism: the Indian Constitution is marked by traditional characteristics of a federal system, namely, supremacy of the Constitution, division of power between the Union and the States and existence of an independent judiciary.[4] Regarding unequal representation, the seats are allotted to the states in the Rajya Sabha on the basis of population[5], making option C a feature of Indian federalism. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it is **not** a feature of Indian federalism.

Sources
  1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 14: Federal System > Federal System > p. 138
  2. [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. 60
  3. [3] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 5: NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > p. 61
  4. [4] 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
  5. [5] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Composition of Rajya Sabha > p. 223
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism ? [A] There is an independent judiciary in India. [B] Powers have been…
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a 'Gatekeeper Question'—getting this wrong disqualifies you from the race. It is a direct lift from the introductory chapters of Laxmikanth (Salient Features/Federal System) and NCERT Class XI. The core distinction between the 'American Compact' model and the 'Indian Union' model is fundamental to Article 1.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Is an independent judiciary a feature of Indian federalism?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > II Integrat ed and Independent Judiciary > p. 30
Presence: 5/5
“II Integrat ed a nd Independent Judiciary The Indian Constitution establishes a judicial system that is integrated as well as independent. The Supreme Court stands at the top of the integrated judicial system in the country. Below it, there are high courts at the state level. Under a high court, there is a hierarchy of subordinate courts, that is, district courts and other lower courts. This single system of courts enforces both the central laws as well as the state laws, unlike in USA, where the federal laws are enforced by the federal judiciary and the state laws are enforced by the state judiciary.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly describes the Indian Constitution as establishing a judicial system that is both 'integrated' and 'independent'.
  • Explains the single judicial hierarchy (Supreme Court → high courts → subordinate courts) enforcing both central and state laws, indicating judicial independence at the apex.
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
Presence: 5/5
“whether it belongs to the Federation or to the component States, is subordinate to and controlled by the Constitution. • (iv) Authority of Courts. In a Federal State, the legal supremacy of the Constitution is essential to the existence of the federal system. It is essential to maintain the division of powers not only between the coordinate branches of the government, but also between the Federal Government and the States themselves The Supreme Court has observed that the Indian Constitution is basically federal in form and is marked by the traditional characteristics of a federal system, namely, supremacy of the Constitution, division of power between the Union and the States and existence of an independent judiciary.”
Why this source?
  • Notes the Supreme Court's observation that the Indian Constitution is federal in form and includes the 'existence of an independent judiciary' as a traditional federal characteristic.
  • Directly links the concept of judicial independence with the nature of the Indian federal system.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > 4. Federal System with Unitary Bias > p. 29
Presence: 4/5
“features of a federal system, viz., two governments, division of powers, written Constitution, supremacy of Constitution, rigidity of Constitution, independent judiciary and bicameralism. However, the Indian Constitution also contains many unitary or non-federal features, viz., a strong Centre, single Constitution, single citizenship, flexibility of Constitution, integrated judiciary, appointment of state governor by the Centre, India services, emergency provisions and so on. Moreover, the term 'Federation' has nowhere been used in the Constitution. Article 1, on the other hand, describes India as a 'Union of States', which implies two things: one, the Indian Federation is not the result of an agreement by the states; and two, no state has the right to secede from the federation.”
Why this source?
  • Lists 'independent judiciary' among the classic features of a federal system.
  • Also highlights the Indian Constitution's mix of federal features and unitary/ integrated traits, showing the concept's relevance to discussions on Indian federalism.
Statement 2
Is a clear division of powers between the Centre and the States a feature of Indian federalism?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > Centre-State Relations > p. 144
Presence: 5/5
“The Constitution of India, being federal in structure, divides all powers (legislative, executive and financial) between the Centre and the states. However, there is no division of judicial power as the Constitution has established an integrated judicial system to enforce both the Central laws as well as state laws. Though the Centre and the States are supreme in their respective fields, the maximum harmony and coordination between them is essential for the effective operation of the federal system. Hence, the Constitution contains elaborate provisions to regulate the various dimensions of the relations between the Centre and the States. The Centre-state relations can be studied under three heads: • Legislative relations. • Administrative relations. • Financial relations.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the Constitution divides legislative, executive and financial powers between Centre and States.
  • Identifies the scope of division and notes the integrated judicial system as an exception, clarifying the nature of the division.
  • Frames Centre–State relations under legislative, administrative and financial heads, indicating systematic allocation of powers.
Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > What makes India a federal country? > p. 16
Presence: 5/5
“Let us go back to the seven features of federalism mentioned above. We can see that all these features apply to the provisions of the Indian Constitution. The Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government, the Union Government or what we call the Central Government, representing the Union of India and the State governments. Later, a third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities. As in any federation, these different tiers enjoy separate jurisdiction. The Constitution clearly provided a three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments. Thus, it contains three lists: Union List includes subjects of national importance, such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency.”
Why this source?
  • Notes different tiers enjoy separate jurisdiction and describes a three-fold distribution of legislative powers (three lists).
  • Specifically links constitutional provisions to separate spheres of authority for Union and State governments.
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
Presence: 5/5
“whether it belongs to the Federation or to the component States, is subordinate to and controlled by the Constitution. • (iv) Authority of Courts. In a Federal State, the legal supremacy of the Constitution is essential to the existence of the federal system. It is essential to maintain the division of powers not only between the coordinate branches of the government, but also between the Federal Government and the States themselves The Supreme Court has observed that the Indian Constitution is basically federal in form and is marked by the traditional characteristics of a federal system, namely, supremacy of the Constitution, division of power between the Union and the States and existence of an independent judiciary.”
Why this source?
  • Affirms that the Indian Constitution is marked by division of power between the Union and the States as a traditional federal characteristic.
  • Emphasises legal supremacy of the Constitution and Authority of Courts in maintaining the division of powers.
Statement 3
Is unequal representation of federating units (states) in the Rajya Sabha a feature of Indian federalism?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > SPECIAL PROVISIONS > p. 170
Presence: 5/5
“The most extra-ordinary feature of the federal arrangement created in India is that many States get a differential treatment. We have already noted in the chapter on Legislature that the size and population of each State being different, an asymmetrical representation is provided in the Rajya Sabha. While ensuring minimum representation to each of the smaller States, this arrangement also ensures that larger States would get more representation. In the case of division of powers, too, the Constitution provides a division of powers that is common to all the States. And yet, the Constitution has some special provisions for some States given their peculiar social and historical circumstances.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states India provides asymmetrical representation in the Rajya Sabha, ensuring minimum for smaller states and greater representation for larger states.
  • Frames this asymmetry as an 'extra-ordinary feature' of the Indian federal arrangement.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 12: The Union Legislature > p. 243
Presence: 5/5
“The Council of States thus reflects a federal character by representing the Units of the federation. But it does not follow the American principle of equality of State representation in the Second Chamber. In India, the number of representatives of the States to the Council of States varies from 1 (Nagaland) to 31 (Uttar Pradesh). Composition of the The House of the People has a variegated composition. House of the People.”
Why this source?
  • States that the Rajya Sabha does not follow the American principle of equal state representation.
  • Gives concrete variation in state representation (from 1 for Nagaland to 31 for Uttar Pradesh), demonstrating unequal representation.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Composition of Rajya Sabha > p. 223
Presence: 5/5
“At present, the Rajya Sabha has 245 members. Of these, 225 members represent the states, 8 members represent the union territories and 12 members are nominated by the President. The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution deals with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to the states and union territories. 1. Representation of States The representatives of states in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies. The election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. The seats are allotted to the states in the Rajya Sabha on the basis of population.”
Why this source?
  • Explains that Rajya Sabha seats are allotted to states on the basis of population (Fourth Schedule), which produces unequal representation.
  • Provides factual composition details (number of members and basis of allocation) supporting the claim of unequal representation.
Statement 4
Is Indian federalism the result of an agreement among the federating units?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 5: NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > p. 61
Presence: 5/5
“and the Union of India cannot be said to be the result of any compact or agreement between autonomous States. So far as the Provinces are concerned, the progress had been from a unitary to a federal organisation, but even then, this has happened not because the Provinces desired to become autonomous units under a federal union, as in Canada. The Provinces, as just seen, had been artificially made autonomous, within a defined sphere, by the Government of India Act, 1935. Some amount of homogeneity of the federating units is a condition for their desire to form a federal union.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the Union of India 'cannot be said to be the result of any compact or agreement between autonomous States.'
  • Contrasts Indian origin with federations formed by autonomous governments surrendering sovereignty.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 5: NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > NATURE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > p. 60
Presence: 5/5
“The peculiarity of thus converting a unitary system into a federal one can be best explained in the words of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Indian Reforms: Of course, in thus convening a unitary State into a federation, we should be taking a step for which there is no exact historical precedent. Federations have commonly resulted from an agreement between independent 0 1", at least, autonomous Governments, surrendering a defined part of their sovereignty or autonomy to a new central organism. Not the result of a. It is well worth remembering this peculiarity of the origin compact. of the federal system in India.”
Why this source?
  • Explains the usual historical origin of federations as agreements among autonomous units and notes India's origin is peculiar and not from such a compact.
  • Directly supports the claim that Indian federalism did not arise from an agreement among federating units.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 14: Federal System > Federal System > p. 138
Presence: 5/5
“They realized that the federal system not only ensures the efficient governance of the country but also reconciles national unity with regional autonomy . . However, the term 'federation' has no where been used in the Constitution. Instead, Article 1 of the Co nstitution describes India as 'Union of States'. According to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the phrase 'Union of States' has been preferred to 'Fede ra tion of States' to indicate two th ings: (i) the Indian fede ration is not the result of an agree ment among the states like the American federation ; and (ii) the states have no right to secede from the federation The Indian federal system is based on the 'Canadian model' and not on the 'American model'.”
Why this source?
  • Cites Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: 'Union of States' was preferred to indicate the federation is not the result of an agreement among the states.
  • Also implies states have no right to secede, reinforcing the non-compact character of Indian federalism.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC frequently tests 'Negative Definitions' of Indian Polity by inserting a classic American Federal feature (like 'Result of an Agreement' or 'Dual Citizenship') as a trap option. If an option sounds like the US Constitution, it's likely the answer to 'Which is NOT a feature'.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hit from Laxmikanth Chapter 4 (Salient Features) and Chapter 14 (Federal System).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The specific phrase 'Union of States' in Article 1 and Dr. Ambedkar's explanation of why 'Federation' was avoided.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the specific contrast list: US Senate (Equal State Representation) vs. Rajya Sabha (Population-based/Unequal); US (Dual Citizenship) vs. India (Single); US (Dual Judiciary) vs. India (Integrated); India as an 'Indestructible Union of Destructible States'.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When studying Federalism, always use the 'Comparative Method'. Don't just read Indian features; explicitly note where they deviate from the classic American model (Agreement, Equality of States, Dual Citizenship).
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Integrated vs. dual (federal) judicial systems
💡 The insight

Multiple references contrast India's single integrated judiciary with the US model of separate federal and state judiciaries — central to understanding how judicial structure interacts with federalism.

High-yield for UPSC: explains a core institutional difference between types of federations and helps answer questions on centre–state relations, separation of powers, and constitutional design. Connects to topics on distribution of powers and comparative federalism; useful for both mains answers and judicial federalism MCQs.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > II Integrat ed and Independent Judiciary > p. 30
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 14: Federal System > 8. Integrated Judiciary > p. 140
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 21: ORGANISATION OF THE JUDICIARY IN GENERAL > No Federal Distribution of Judicial Powers. > p. 335
🔗 Anchor: "Is an independent judiciary a feature of Indian federalism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Independent judiciary as a characteristic of federal systems
💡 The insight

References explicitly treat 'independent judiciary' as a traditional/fundamental feature of federal systems and link it to the Indian context.

Essential for framing answers on features of federalism and judicial review. Helps in evaluating assertions about Indian federalism (e.g., which features it retains or modifies) and supports balanced answers on constitutional features versus practice.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > 4. Federal System with Unitary Bias > p. 29
  • 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
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > II Integrat ed and Independent Judiciary > p. 30
🔗 Anchor: "Is an independent judiciary a feature of Indian federalism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Federal system with unitary bias (Indian specifics)
💡 The insight

Evidence highlights that while India has federal features (including judicial independence), it also exhibits unitary traits like an integrated judiciary and Centre-dominant provisions.

Crucial for nuanced UPSC answers: shows India is not a textbook federation and prepares aspirants to tackle balanced questions on 'quasi-federal' nature, Centre–State power dynamics, and emergency provisions. Enables comparative and evaluative question patterns.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > 4. Federal System with Unitary Bias > p. 29
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > 4. Federal System with Unitary Bias > p. 29
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 21: ORGANISATION OF THE JUDICIARY IN GENERAL > No Federal Distribution of Judicial Powers. > p. 335
🔗 Anchor: "Is an independent judiciary a feature of Indian federalism?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Division of legislative, executive and financial powers
💡 The insight

The central claim is about a constitutional division of powers; several references explicitly state that legislative, executive and financial powers are distributed between Centre and States.

High-yield for UPSC because many questions test the threefold distribution (Union, State, Concurrent lists) and Centre–State relations. Mastering this helps answer questions on legislative competence, financial devolution, and administrative jurisdiction; link it to fiscal federalism and constitutional lists for comparative questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > Centre-State Relations > p. 144
  • Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Federalism > What makes India a federal country? > p. 16
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Division of Powers > p. 158
🔗 Anchor: "Is a clear division of powers between the Centre and the States a feature of Ind..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Integrated judiciary — exception to power division
💡 The insight

References point out the judiciary is an integrated system and judicial power is not divided, a crucial qualification to the general division of powers.

Important nuance: UPSC often asks for features of Indian federalism and exceptions. Understanding the integrated judiciary ties into topics on judicial review, supremacy of Constitution, and Centre–State dispute resolution; prepares one for analytical questions contrasting Indian federalism with other federations.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > Centre-State Relations > p. 144
  • 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
🔗 Anchor: "Is a clear division of powers between the Centre and the States a feature of Ind..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Asymmetry / special provisions for some States
💡 The insight

Evidence shows the Constitution provides common division of powers but also special provisions and differential treatment for some States, qualifying the notion of a uniform division.

High relevance: questions probe asymmetrical federal features (special provisions, differential representation). Knowing this helps answer balanced questions on federal character, state autonomy, and Centre’s powers in exceptional circumstances.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > SPECIAL PROVISIONS > p. 170
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 14: Federal System > CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM > p. 143
🔗 Anchor: "Is a clear division of powers between the Centre and the States a feature of Ind..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Asymmetrical representation in Rajya Sabha
💡 The insight

Directly addresses whether states have unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha—a core point in the statement and present in the references.

High-yield for federalism questions: clarifies how Indian federalism departs from strict equality among units. Helps answer comparison questions (India vs. USA) and explain legislative federal features. Useful for essays and prelims/CSAT mains linkage questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > SPECIAL PROVISIONS > p. 170
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 12: The Union Legislature > p. 243
🔗 Anchor: "Is unequal representation of federating units (states) in the Rajya Sabha a feat..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The word 'Federation' is used NOWHERE in the Constitution. Also, the logical sibling concept: India is an 'Indestructible Union of Destructible States' (Parliament can redraw state boundaries), whereas the USA is an 'Indestructible Union of Indestructible States'.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Apply 'Historical Evolution Logic': The US was formed by 13 independent colonies coming together (Agreement). India was a Unitary British colony that was administratively broken down into states (Devolution). Therefore, an 'Agreement' is historically impossible in the Indian context.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 (Federalism & Secessionism): The fact that India is NOT a result of an agreement is the legal basis for denying the 'Right to Secede'. This connects directly to answers on National Integrity and why demands for separate nations (like Khalistan) are unconstitutional.

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