Chapter 2 Solutions — Federalism

Exercises

1. 1.
   Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
2. 2.
   What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
3. 3.
   State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
4. 4.
   Fill in the blanks: Since the United States is a ___________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ___________ vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a ___________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the ___________ government has more powers.
5. 5.
   Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions. Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity. Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language. Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
6. 6.
   The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:

   • (a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments.
   • (b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
   • (c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
   • (d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.
7. 7.
   A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below. A. Defence; B. Police; C. Agriculture; D. Education; E. Banking; F. Forests; G. Communications; H. Trade; I. Marriages.
8. 8.
   Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

   • (a) State government — State List
   • (b) Central government — Union List
   • (c) Central and State governments — Concurrent List
   • (d) Local governments — Residuary powers.
9. 9.
   Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. List I: 1. Union of India; 2. State; 3. Municipal Corporation; 4. Gram Panchayat. List II: A. Prime Minister; B. Sarpanch; C. Governor; D. Mayor. Codes:

   • (a) 1-D 2-A 3-B 4-C
   • (b) 1-B 2-C 3-D 4-A
   • (c) 1-A 2-C 3-D 4-B
   • (d) 1-C 2-D 3-A 4-B.
10. 10.
    Consider the following two statements. A. In a federation, the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated. B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects. C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces. D…