Indian Federalism: Structure and Governance

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason behind the tensions between the centre and the states regarding the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA)?

The states' opposition to the deployment of armed forces in 'disturbed' areas

The centre's attempt to reduce the power of the state governments

The centre's misuse of the AFSPA to further its own interests

The centre's efforts to curb state autonomy in maintaining law and order (correct)

What is the primary role of the Planning Commission in the context of centre-state relations?

To oversee the implementation of central government policies

To empower state governments in developmental processes

To act as a hindrance to state autonomy in developmental processes (correct)

To provide financial assistance to state governments

What is the primary characteristic of a federal system of government?

A system in which state governments have complete autonomy

A centralized authority with complete control over all aspects of governance

A hierarchical structure with the centre holding supreme power

A divide in sovereignty between the central government and state governments (correct)

What has been the impact of the coalition era on centre-state relations?

An increase in the bargaining power of regional parties at the centre Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of state governments regarding the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)?

The NCTC's powers to search and arrest people without keeping state governments in the loop Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of asymmetric power distribution between the centre and the states?

An increase in the bargaining power of certain states over others Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason behind the controversy surrounding the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)?

The centre's misuse of the CBI to further its own interests Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a unitary system of government?

A centralized authority with complete control over all aspects of governance Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the federation recommended by the Indian Constitution?

A multilevel or multilayered federation with multiple modes of power distribution Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the union and the substructure in the Indian federal system?

The union exercises certain fiscal and political control over the substructure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the regional development autonomous councils in the Indian federal system?

To promote state autonomy and local self-governance Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of Indian federalism according to the Constitution?

Quasi-federal Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the power distribution in the Indian federal system?

Both symmetrical and asymmetrical distribution of power Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason behind the demand for greater state autonomy?

To address the imbalance of power between the center and states Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the central government misusing Article 365?

States demand greater autonomy Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of provisions like Article 370, 371, 371A-H on the Indian federal system?

They restrict the application of union laws to certain states Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 1967 general election in Indian politics?

It marked the beginning of coalition politics Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Governor in certain states in the Indian federal system?

The Governor has special powers and responsibility in some states Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the relationship between the union and the state governments in the Indian federal system?

The union government exercises certain control over the state governments, but also shares power with them Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the Indian federal system?

To maintain unity in diversity Signup and view all the answers

Which party formed the first non-Congress coalition government at the center in 1977-79?

Janata Party Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the federal system in India?

A multilevel system with multiple modes of power distribution Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the concept of quasi-federalism in Indian politics?

It explains the asymmetric distribution of power between the center and states Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the central government having more powers than the state governments?

States demand greater autonomy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Constitutional Provisions of Indian Federation

The Indian Constitution recommends a multilevel or multilayered federation with multiple modes of power distribution.
The federation consists of a union, states, sub-state institutional arrangements, and units of local self-government at the lower levels.
The union and states constitute the federal superstructure, while the remaining two constitute the federal substructure.
Each level has constitutionally specified federal functions, which they perform almost independently of each other.

Power Distribution and Control

The superstructure exercises certain fiscal and political control over the substructures.
Developmental funds to the substructure are released by the two superstructures.
Many decisions of the regional councils are subjected to the approval by the concerned states.
The constitution promotes both symmetrical and asymmetrical distribution of competence.

Special Provisions and Arrangements

Provisions like Article 370, 371, 371A-H, fifth and sixth schedules allow for special distribution of competence and power sharing arrangements between the union and select states.
These provisions restrict the application of many union laws, delimit the territorial extent of the application of parliamentary acts, and bestow special powers and responsibility on the office of Governor in some states.

Internal Security and Centre-State Relations

Post-independence India has faced various security threats, including insurgency, naxalism, secessionist tendencies, and terrorism.
The union government has come up with laws like Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) to ensure internal security.
The act has generated tensions between the centre and states, as the latter saw the act as a union strategy to curb their autonomy.
The states have also accused the centre of misusing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to further its own interest.

Recent Trends in Indian Federalism

The structural reforms of 1991 have given states greater autonomy in developmental processes.
The role of planning commission has become a hindrance for states, causing strife.
In the coalition era of Indian politics, regional parties have acquired prominence in the centre and their respective states, leading to an increase in bargaining power.
This has emerged as a constant tension between the union and states.

Coalition Government and Federal Relations

The constitution explains a parliamentary form of government in which multiple political parties cooperate and reduce the dominance of any one party.
The 1967 general election changed the political scenario, marking the end of single-party dominance and the beginning of coalition politics.
Various regional political parties have raised their voice for state autonomy, and coalition governments have emerged at both the state and central levels.

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Description

This quiz delves into the complexities of India's federal system, exploring its multilayered structure and power distribution mechanisms. It examines the roles of the union, states, regional councils, and local governments.