Daily Olympiad: Social Science - Federalism [20260511]

Solution

Correct: D

In a truly federal system, the central government cannot simply issue orders to state/provincial governments on matters within their exclusive jurisdiction, as they are independently accountable to their respective constituencies. This describes a unitary system where sub-national governments are subordinate.

Solution

Correct: B

A unitary system of government is one where either there is only one level of government or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government. The central government is supreme and can pass orders to local or provincial governments.

Solution

Correct: C

India is an example of a 'holding together' federation, where a large country decides to divide its power between the constituent states and the national government. In such systems, the central government tends to be more powerful vis-à-vis the states. USA, Switzerland, and Australia are examples of 'coming together' federations.

Solution

Correct: B

The Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications, and currency. The Union Government alone can make laws relating to these subjects.

Solution

Correct: B

On subjects mentioned in the Concurrent List, both the Union as well as the State governments can make laws. However, if their laws conflict with each other, the law made by the Union government will prevail.

Solution

Correct: B

Subjects that do not fall under any of the three lists (Union, State, Concurrent) are known as residuary subjects. According to the Indian Constitution, the Union government has the power to legislate on these residuary subjects.

Solution

Correct: C

The judiciary acts as an umpire in a federal system. It interprets the Constitution and the powers of different levels of government, and has the power to settle disputes between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers.

Solution

Correct: C

A major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third tier of democracy (local self-government) more powerful and effective.

Solution

Correct: C

Each village or a group of villages in some states has a Gram Panchayat. This is a council consisting of several ward members (Panchas) and a President (Sarpanch). It is the decision-making body for the entire village.

Solution

Correct: B

The Constitution of India did not declare any language as the national language. While Hindi was identified as the official language, the Constitution also recognised 21 other languages as Scheduled Languages. States are allowed to have their own official languages, and the use of English for official purposes continues.

Solution

Correct: C

The era of coalition governments in India (post-1990) fostered a new culture of power-sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments. Since no single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the major national parties had to form alliances with many regional parties to form a government at the Centre. This made it difficult for the Central Government to dismiss State Governments in an arbitrary manner, thus strengthening federalism.

Solution

Correct: B

In India's federal system, state governments have independent sources of revenue (e.g., certain taxes, now also a share in GST) but are also significantly dependent on grants and devolution of funds from the central government, showcasing an interdependent financial structure.

Solution

Correct: B

In 'coming together' federations (like the USA, Switzerland, Australia), independent States come together on their own to form a bigger unit. By pooling sovereignty and retaining identity, they increase their security. In this type of federation, all the constituent States usually have equal power and are strong vis-à-vis the federal government.

Solution

Correct: B

The Gram Sabha consists of all the adult members of a village or a group of villages who are registered as voters. It is the legislative body at the village level and its role is to approve the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat and to review the performance of the Gram Panchayat.

Solution

Correct: B

The fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both the Union and State governments. In India, it requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and then must be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the total states.

Solution

Correct: C

The basic idea behind decentralisation is that there are a large number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local level. People have better knowledge of problems in their localities. They also have better ideas on where to spend money and how to manage things more efficiently. It enables direct participation of citizens in governance.

Solution

Correct: B

Education is a subject in the Concurrent List, meaning both the Union government and the State governments can make laws on it. Police and Agriculture fall under the State List, while Defence is in the Union List.

Solution

Correct: C

An independent judiciary is crucial in a federal system to act as an umpire. It interprets the constitution and the powers of different levels of government and has the power to settle disputes between different levels of government, ensuring the federal structure is maintained.

Solution

Correct: B

In 'holding together' federations, the central government tends to be more powerful vis-à-vis the states. Constituent units often have unequal powers, and some units may be granted special status. India is an example of this type of federation.

Solution

Correct: A

The Constitutional Amendment of 1992 made several mandatory provisions for decentralization, including: it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies. Other provisions included reserving seats for SCs, STs, and OBCs, reserving one-third of seats for women, creating an independent State Election Commission, and sharing revenues with local government bodies.