Introduction to Federalism
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements best describes federalism?

  • Federalism mandates that regional governments cannot legislate independently.
  • Federalism divides power between a central authority and various constituent units. (correct)
  • Federalism is limited to countries with large populations only.
  • Federalism is a system where a single central government holds all power.
  • What major constitutional change occurred in Belgium in 1993?

  • Regional governments were constitutionally empowered independent of the central government. (correct)
  • The regional governments lost all of their power.
  • The central government was given more power over regional governments.
  • Belgium transitioned from a federal system to a unitary system.
  • Which of the following countries is considered an exception to the trend of large countries having federal systems?

  • Sri Lanka (correct)
  • India
  • Canada
  • Brazil
  • In a federal system, what is usually the responsibility of the central government?

    <p>To oversee a limited number of subjects of common national interest. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a federal system from a unitary system?

    <p>Federal systems allow for significant regional autonomy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an outcome of Sri Lanka's governmental structure?

    <p>Demands from Tamil leaders for a federal structure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which countries exemplify federal political systems according to the content?

    <p>Germany and the United States of America (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does power distribution function in a federal system?

    <p>Each level of government operates independently of the other. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one significant outcome of creating linguistic States in India after 1947?

    <p>It made the country more united. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not a reason for the creation of new States in India?

    <p>Economic disparities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which language is recognized as the official language of India, but is the mother tongue of only about 40% of Indians?

    <p>Hindi (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many Scheduled Languages are recognized by the Indian Constitution?

    <p>22 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major political change occurred in India after 1990?

    <p>Rise of regional political parties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did the Central Government take in response to the demand for English to remain an official language?

    <p>It agreed to continue English along with Hindi. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key feature differentiates a coalition government?

    <p>It forms from the alliance of multiple parties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about the relationship between Centre and State governments is accurate?

    <p>States have their own autonomy and rights. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Constitutional provision was aimed at ensuring the linguistic diversity of India?

    <p>Identifying multiple Scheduled Languages. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What fear did national leaders have regarding the formation of States based on language?

    <p>It could cause threats to national unity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'federalism' refer to in the context of Indian governance?

    <p>Equal power distribution between national and state governments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what manner did the Supreme Court influence Centre-State relations?

    <p>It limited the Centre's arbitrary powers over States. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the Indian population identifies Hindi as their mother tongue?

    <p>40% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of how linguistic diversity is organized in India?

    <p>Grouping similar languages into major languages. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which subjects can only be legislated by the Union Government?

    <p>Defence and foreign affairs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What power do the State Governments have in relation to the State List?

    <p>They can legislate exclusively on those subjects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In case of conflicting laws between Union and State on subjects in the Concurrent List, which law prevails?

    <p>The law made by the Union Government (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the judiciary play in the federal structure?

    <p>It oversees the implementation of constitutional provisions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following states enjoys special provisions under Article 371?

    <p>Nagaland (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What constitutes residuary subjects in the context of Indian federalism?

    <p>Subjects not listed in any list. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which body must approve changes to the power-sharing arrangement between the Union and State Governments?

    <p>Both Houses of Parliament and half of State legislatures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when a new subject not mentioned in the lists arises?

    <p>The Union Government can legislate on it. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of linguistic States in the context of Indian federalism?

    <p>They represent a major test for democratic politics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a Union Territory?

    <p>Territories with minimal self-governance and managed by the Union Government. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Can the Prime Minister intervene in state police policies?

    <p>No, states have complete autonomy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following subjects is NOT included in the Concurrent List?

    <p>Defence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it difficult to change the federal structure in India?

    <p>It needs extensive consensus among various political entities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is an essential aspect of the success of federalism in India?

    <p>Democratic politics and respect for diversity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the Eighth Schedule in the Indian Constitution?

    <p>It includes all Scheduled Languages of India. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is decentralization deemed necessary in India?

    <p>To improve the efficiency of dealing with local problems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term is used to refer to the rural local government in India?

    <p>Gram Panchayat. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of positions in local government is reserved for women under the Constitution?

    <p>33% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key change was introduced in the Constitution in 1992 regarding local government?

    <p>Mandatory elections and powers for local government bodies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which body is responsible for conducting elections to panchayats and municipalities?

    <p>The State Election Commission. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the gram sabha play in rural governance?

    <p>It supervises the gram panchayat. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is inaccurate regarding the representation in local governments?

    <p>Women are fully excluded from the elected bodies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the governance structure arranged from village level upwards?

    <p>Gram panchayat → Panchayat samiti → Zilla parishad (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following states is described as being larger than entire countries in Europe?

    <p>Uttar Pradesh (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of federal power sharing in India?

    <p>Additional governmental tiers are necessary for effective administration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about Hindi as a language in India is true?

    <p>Hindi has less than 44% native speakers as of 2011. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What institutional change supports local government elections in India?

    <p>Amendment to recognize local elections constitutionally. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do people prefer local governments for decision making?

    <p>Local knowledge leads to better management of local problems. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one key characteristic that differentiates federal systems from unitary systems?

    <p>Two or more levels of government govern the same citizens. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the nature of power-sharing in a federal system?

    <p>Power-sharing arrangements can differ significantly based on historical contexts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which of the following countries would you find a 'coming together' federation?

    <p>Switzerland (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature ensures the financial independence of each level of government in a federal system?

    <p>Revenue sources are defined in the constitution. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception about federalism as reflected in the discussion among Nepalese citizens?

    <p>Federalism is unnecessary in smaller countries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the federal system accommodate regional diversity?

    <p>By granting distinct legal jurisdictions to different tiers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do courts play in a federal system?

    <p>They interpret the constitution and resolve disputes between government levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change was introduced to India's federal structure post-independence?

    <p>A third tier of local governance was added. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are some federal systems described as 'holding together' federations?

    <p>They divide power from a larger entity to constituent states. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary consideration for the framers of the Indian Constitution regarding federalism?

    <p>To prevent changes in the fundamental provisions by any government level. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of federalism can lead to unequal power distribution among constituent units?

    <p>Special powers granted to certain states. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best defines the jurisdiction in the context of federalism?

    <p>The specific legal authority over geographic or subject boundaries. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for changes to the fundamental provisions of a federal constitution?

    <p>Consent from both levels of government. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one consequence of the federal division of powers in a country like India?

    <p>State governments can exercise authority independently on local matters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Federalism

    A system of government where power is shared between a central authority and smaller political units (states or provinces).

    Federal System

    A form of government where power is divided between a central government and regional governments.

    Unitary System

    A government system where all or most power is held by a central authority.

    Levels of Government (Federation)

    In a federation, there are two main levels: a national government and regional governments (like states or provinces).

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    Indian Government Type

    India's government is a federation.

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    Power Division (Federal)

    In a federal system, both the national and regional governments have independent power, often over different areas.

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    Constitutional Powers

    Powers given to regional governments through the constitution, independent of the central government.

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    Belgium's Change

    Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of government by giving regional governments greater constitutional power.

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    Dual Objectives of Federalism

    To unite the country and accommodate regional variations/diversity.

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    Power-Sharing Agreement

    Mutual agreement between the central and state governments on dividing power.

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    Mutual Trust

    Essential element in a functioning federal system where governments trust each other.

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    Balance of Power

    The distribution of authority between the central and state governments.

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    Coming-Together Federations

    Federations created by independent states joining together.

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    Holding-Together Federations

    Federations created by a large country dividing its power among regional states.

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    Unitary Government

    A system where a single central government holds all the power, and sub-units are subordinate to it.

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    Jurisdiction

    The area over which someone or a government has legal authority.

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    Levels of Government

    Multiple layers/tiers of governing bodies in a federal system.

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    Constitutional Guarantees

    Protection of each level/tier of government's existing authority and independence within a federation.

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    Constitutional Amendment

    Changing the constitution.

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    Court's Role (Dispute Resolution)

    Courts act as an umpire to handle disagreements between government levels.

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    Financial Autonomy

    Independent financial sources for each government tier to manage finances and services.

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    Indian Union

    India's structure based on the principles of federalism.

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    Scheduled Languages

    Languages recognized and officially included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

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    Non-Scheduled Languages

    Languages not included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

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    Linguistic Diversity

    The variety of languages spoken in a region or country.

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    Mother Tongue

    The first language a person learns, usually from their family and early childhood.

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    Decentralisation

    The transfer of power and responsibility from central government to local government.

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    Local Government

    The third tier of government in India, responsible for governing specific localities.

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    Why Decentralise?

    To resolve local issues more effectively, empower communities, and foster democratic participation.

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    Panchayati Raj

    The system of rural local government in India, with three tiers: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zilla Parishad.

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    Gram Panchayat

    The village-level local government in India, elected by the villagers.

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    Gram Sabha

    A meeting of all adult voters in a village, responsible for reviewing the Gram Panchayat's performance.

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    Panchayat Samiti

    The block-level local government in India, formed by groups of Gram Panchayats and elected by their members.

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    Zilla Parishad

    The district-level local government in India, composed of elected members and representatives.

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    Municipalities

    Elected bodies responsible for managing urban areas in India.

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    Municipal Corporations

    Local government bodies that manage larger cities in India.

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    Political Head of Zilla Parishad

    The elected chairperson or president of the Zilla Parishad, responsible for leading the district council.

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    State Reorganization (1947)

    The process of redrawing state boundaries in India after independence to ensure people speaking the same language lived in the same state.

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    Linguistic States

    States formed based on the common language spoken by the majority of the population.

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    Cultural States

    States formed based on differences in culture, ethnicity, or geography, rather than language.

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    Indian Language Policy

    India's constitution doesn't assign a national language, but recognizes Hindi as the official language, with protections for other languages.

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    English in India (Post-1965)

    English continued to be used for official purposes despite plans to phase it out in 1965 due to resistance from non-Hindi speaking states.

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    Hindi Promotion in India

    The Indian government promotes Hindi as the official language, but cannot force it on states with different languages.

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    Center-State Relations in India

    The relationship between the central government and the states, where power is shared and balanced.

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    Early Center-State Relations

    In the early years, the same party often ruled both the center and states, limiting state autonomy.

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    Rise of Regional Parties

    After 1990, regional parties gained strength, leading to coalition governments and increased state power.

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    Coalition Government

    A government formed by an alliance of two or more political parties to gain a majority.

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    Center-State Relations (Present)

    Currently, power sharing between the center and states is more effective due to increased state autonomy and a culture of cooperation.

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    Supreme Court's Role in Federalism

    The Supreme Court has played a role in strengthening federalism by limiting the central government's power to dismiss state governments.

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    Linguistic Diversity of India

    India has great linguistic diversity, with over 1300 recorded languages, many grouped under major languages.

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    121 Major Languages in India

    The Census of India identified 121 major languages after grouping related languages together.

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    Union List

    Subjects of national importance like defense, foreign affairs, and currency, where the Union Government has exclusive law-making power.

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    State List

    Subjects of state and local importance like police, trade, and agriculture, where the State Governments have exclusive law-making power.

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    Concurrent List

    Subjects of common interest to both Union and State Governments like education and forests. Both can make laws, but Union law overrides in conflict.

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    What are 'residuary' subjects?

    Subjects not listed in the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists. The Union Government has the power to legislate on these.

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    Special Status in India

    Some states, like Assam and Nagaland, have special provisions due to historical or social circumstances, granting them more power over certain issues like land rights.

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    Union Territories

    Areas too small to be independent states but not merged with existing ones. They have less power than states.

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    Changing the Power-Sharing Arrangement

    It's difficult. Requires two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament AND ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.

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    Judicial Role in Federalism

    Courts act as an umpire, resolving disputes about power division between the Union and State Governments.

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    Why are there Agriculture and Commerce Ministers in the Union Cabinet?

    Even if agriculture and commerce are state subjects, the Union Government has an overall interest and can provide policy direction.

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    Can a State Government prevent the Union Government's actions?

    No, the Union has overall authority on subjects within its jurisdiction, even if a state government disagrees.

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    Can a State Government introduce new textbooks without Union approval?

    Yes, education is a state subject. The Union Government cannot dictate curriculum.

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    Can the Prime Minister intervene in State Police matters?

    Generally, no. Police is a state subject, but the Prime Minister can act in exceptional cases.

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    Beyond Constitutional Provisions

    India's federalism has succeeded not just because of strong rules, but also due to a shared democratic spirit and respect for diversity.

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    Study Notes

    Federalism

    • Federalism is a system where power is divided between a central authority and smaller units (states, provinces).
    • Typically, a federation has two levels of government: central and regional.
    • The central government handles national matters, while regional bodies manage daily state affairs.
    • Each level of government is independent of the other.
    • Federalism aims to balance national unity with regional diversity.
    • Power-sharing agreements and mutual trust are key to a successful federal system.
    • The balance of power varies across federations, influenced by historical contexts.
    • Federations can form in two ways: "coming together" (independent states uniting) and "holding together" (a larger country dividing power).
    • In "coming together" federations, constituent states often have equal power.
    • "Holding together" federations—India, Spain, Belgium—usually have a more powerful central government with unequal state powers.
    • Some states may have special powers based on historical or societal differences.
    • Federalism contrasts with unitary systems, where a single government level controls all or most powers.

    Indian Government Type

    • India's government is a "Union of States," based on federal principles, though not explicitly called a federation.
    • It has two main levels: Union (Central) and State governments.
    • A third tier, Panchyats and Municipalities, was later added.
    • Powers are divided into three lists: Union, State, and Concurrent.
    • Union List: National importance (defence, foreign affairs).
    • State List: State and local matters (police, trade, agriculture).
    • Concurrent List: Shared interest (education, forests, trade unions).
    • The Union government's laws usually take precedence over conflicting state laws in the Concurrent list.
    • The Union has power over "residuary" subjects not covered in the three lists.
    • Some states have special provisions (Article 371) due to unique historical and social factors.
    • Union Territories are areas under the direct control of the Central Government.

    Key Features of Indian Federalism

    • Multiple levels of government.
    • Different tiers govern the same citizens with specific jurisdictions over legislation, taxation, and administration.
    • Jurisdictions are constitutionally defined and guaranteed.
    • Constitutional amendments require consent from both levels of government.
    • Courts interpret the constitution and settle disputes between government levels.
    • Revenue sources for each level are clearly defined to maintain financial autonomy.

    Success of Indian Federalism

    • The creation of linguistic states has unified the country and made administration simpler.
    • India maintains a cautious language policy, preserving Hindi and recognizing other languages.
    • Centre-State relations have improved with the rise of regional political parties and coalition governments, fostering respect for state autonomy.
    • This new era respects the different state's autonomy.
    • The Supreme Court has made it more challenging for the Central Government to arbitrarily dismiss state governments.

    Decentralization in India

    • India's size and internal diversity necessitate a third tier of government—local government.
    • The rationale for decentralization is local knowledge of issues and efficient resource management.
    • The Constitution originally had local bodies under the control of state governments.
    • Amendments in 1992 strengthened local governments with constitutional provisions:
      • Regular elections
      • Reserved seats for marginalized groups (SC, ST, OBC).
      • Women's reservation.
      • Creation of state election commissions.
      • Power-sharing and revenue allocation between states and local governments.

    Challenges and Perspectives

    • Some people fear that federalism leads to reservations like in India's caste system.
    • Others argue it isn't necessary for smaller countries.
    • The need for autonomy for certain regions is also recognized.
    • Federalism can maintain unity while acknowledging regional diversity.

    Linguistic Diversity

    • India has over 1,300 distinct languages, categorized into major languages and subgroups.
    • The 2011 Census recognized 121 major languages, 22 of which are scheduled languages.
    • No single language is the majority mother tongue.
    • The largest language (Hindi) is spoken by around 44% of the population.

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    Description

    This quiz delves into the concept of federalism, a system that divides power between a central authority and regional units. It explores the dynamics of governmental structures, the balance of power in different federations, and the processes that lead to the formation of federations. Test your understanding of this essential political system and its implications for governance.

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