UPSC Mains 2023 GS2 Q13 — Article 356 Usage

• How did the S.R. Bommai vs Union of India (1994) judgment redefine the 'subjective satisfaction' of the President and introduce judicial review?
• What was the impact of the shift from a unipolar party system to the Era of Coalitions on federal dynamics?
• How has the proactive role of the President (e.g., K.R. Narayanan's reconsiderations) acted as a check on the Executive?
• What role do the Inter-State Council and improved Sarkaria Commission compliance play in modern cooperative federalism?

• Focusing too much on the historical misuse of Article 356 (pre-1990s) rather than explaining the 'reduction' in frequency post-1990s.
• Neglecting to mention the 'Floor Test' requirement as a mandatory legal prerequisite established by the Judiciary.
• Failing to link regional party prominence at the Centre to the political constraints on the Union's power to dismiss state governments.
• Ignoring the role of the Rajya Sabha, where the lack of a majority for the ruling party often prevents the ratification of a Proclamation.

Allocate 40% of the word count to legal factors, focusing heavily on the Bommai guidelines and judicial review. Devote another 40% to political factors like coalition compulsions and the rise of regional parties. Use the remaining 20% for an introduction defining the Article and a conclusion on the shift from 'Administrative Federalism' to 'Cooperative Federalism'.