Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers on the topic “Union-State Relations: Cooperative Federalism or Competitive Federalism?” suitable for Civil Services Examination preparation.
- Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the distribution of powers between the Union and the States?
- A) Article 1
- B) Article 245
- C) Article 246
- D) Article 254
Answer: C) Article 246
- What term is used to describe the division of powers between the central and state governments?
- A) Federalism
- B) Centralism
- C) Unitarism
- D) Regionalism
Answer: A) Federalism
- Which of the following is a feature of cooperative federalism in India?
- A) Rigid division of powers
- B) Independent operation of Union and State governments
- C) Interdependence between Union and States
- D) Decentralized authority
Answer: C) Interdependence between Union and States
- Which body in India is primarily responsible for resolving disputes between the Union and State governments?
- A) The Supreme Court
- B) The Parliament
- C) The Election Commission
- D) The Planning Commission
Answer: A) The Supreme Court
- The concept of ‘Federalism’ is prominently featured in which part of the Indian Constitution?
- A) Part I
- B) Part II
- C) Part III
- D) Part IV
Answer: D) Part IV
- Which schedule of the Indian Constitution contains the distribution of powers between the Union and State legislatures?
- A) 7th Schedule
- B) 8th Schedule
- C) 9th Schedule
- D) 10th Schedule
Answer: A) 7th Schedule
- Which of the following acts is a significant landmark in promoting cooperative federalism in India?
- A) The Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017
- B) The 73rd Amendment
- C) The 74th Amendment
- D) The Right to Information Act, 2005
Answer: A) The Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017
- The principle of ‘One Nation, One Tax’ is associated with which aspect of Indian federalism?
- A) Competitive Federalism
- B) Cooperative Federalism
- C) Unitary System
- D) Regional Federalism
Answer: B) Cooperative Federalism
- Which of the following is NOT a source of revenue for the States in India?
- A) State Goods and Services Tax (SGST)
- B) Income Tax
- C) Sales Tax
- D) Excise Duty
Answer: B) Income Tax
- Which Article allows the Union government to legislate on matters in the State List during national emergencies?
- A) Article 352
- B) Article 356
- C) Article 360
- D) Article 356
Answer: A) Article 352
- Which of the following is a characteristic of competitive federalism?
- A) Centralized control
- B) States as laboratories of democracy
- C) Equal distribution of resources
- D) Dominance of Union over States
Answer: B) States as laboratories of democracy
- In the context of Indian federalism, which term refers to the increasing concentration of power in the central government?
- A) Decentralization
- B) Centralization
- C) Federalization
- D) Regionalism
Answer: B) Centralization
- Which constitutional amendment added the 11th and 12th schedules, enhancing the powers of local self-governments?
- A) 61st Amendment
- B) 73rd Amendment
- C) 74th Amendment
- D) 86th Amendment
Answer: B) 73rd Amendment
- The power of the Union government to dismiss a State government is provided under which Article?
- A) Article 352
- B) Article 356
- C) Article 360
- D) Article 370
Answer: B) Article 356
- Which of the following is an example of competitive federalism?
- A) GST implementation
- B) State-specific policies on education
- C) Uniform civil code
- D) All India Services
Answer: B) State-specific policies on education
- Which body is responsible for coordinating the relations between the Union and State governments in India?
- A) National Development Council
- B) Inter-State Council
- C) Finance Commission
- D) Planning Commission
Answer: B) Inter-State Council
- Which Article empowers the President to appoint the Governors of States?
- A) Article 153
- B) Article 154
- C) Article 155
- D) Article 156
Answer: A) Article 153
- The division of powers between the Union and States is enshrined in which constitutional document?
- A) The Constitution of India
- B) The Government of India Act, 1935
- C) The Indian Independence Act, 1947
- D) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Answer: A) The Constitution of India
- Which of the following statements about cooperative federalism is true?
- A) It allows for rigid boundaries between Union and State powers.
- B) It fosters collaboration between different levels of government.
- C) It undermines the autonomy of State governments.
- D) It is exclusive to the Union government.
Answer: B) It fosters collaboration between different levels of government.
- Which one of the following is a concurrent subject in the Indian Constitution?
- A) Defense
- B) Education
- C) Police
- D) Land
Answer: B) Education
- The 42nd Amendment of the Constitution is often referred to as the ‘Mini-Constitution’ because it made significant changes to which aspect?
- A) Fundamental Rights
- B) Directive Principles
- C) Federal structure
- D) Electoral process
Answer: C) Federal structure
- What is the primary aim of the Finance Commission in India?
- A) To oversee elections
- B) To allocate financial resources between the Union and States
- C) To ensure law and order
- D) To frame economic policies
Answer: B) To allocate financial resources between the Union and States
- Which of the following Articles provides for the establishment of the Finance Commission?
- A) Article 280
- B) Article 281
- C) Article 282
- D) Article 283
Answer: A) Article 280
- The relationship between the Union and State governments can be described as ‘cooperative’ primarily in which context?
- A) Financial support
- B) Law enforcement
- C) Policy formulation
- D) Resource allocation
Answer: A) Financial support
- Which of the following is a significant challenge to cooperative federalism in India?
- A) Stronger state governments
- B) Conflicts over resources
- C) Clear demarcation of subjects
- D) Constitutional provisions
Answer: B) Conflicts over resources
- The concept of ‘dual federalism’ in the Indian context suggests:
- A) Absolute autonomy for States
- B) Equal power between the Union and States
- C) Clear separation of powers and responsibilities
- D) Complete centralization of authority
Answer: C) Clear separation of powers and responsibilities
- Which of the following Articles can the President use to dissolve the Lok Sabha?
- A) Article 85
- B) Article 86
- C) Article 87
- D) Article 88
Answer: A) Article 85
- The process of devolution of powers to local bodies in India is an example of:
- A) Competitive Federalism
- B) Cooperative Federalism
- C) Unitary Governance
- D) Centralized Administration
Answer: B) Cooperative Federalism
- Which Supreme Court case is notable for affirming the principle of federalism in India?
- A) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
- B) Minerva Mills v. Union of India
- C) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India
- D) Indira Sawhney v. Union of India
Answer: C) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India
- The principle of ‘subsidiarity’ in federalism refers to:
- A) The central government having more powers
- B) Local governments handling local issues
- C) States being subordinate to the Union
- D) Increased competition among States
Answer: B) Local governments handling local issues
These MCQs can help candidates prepare for Civil Services examinations effectively, focusing on the dynamics of Union-State relations in India.
