NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7: Federalism (NCERT 2026–27)
These Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7 solutions cover Federalism from Indian Constitution at Work, the NCERT textbook for the 2026–27 session. The chapter explains what federalism is, the federal provisions of the Indian Constitution, the division of powers through the Union, State and Concurrent Lists, why India is described as a federation with a strong central government, the conflicts that arise in centre–State relations, the demands for autonomy and new States, the controversial role of Governors and Article 356 (President’s Rule), and the special provisions for certain States. Below you get step-by-step answers to all NCERT Exercises, clear notes on key terms, extra practice, MCQs, Assertion–Reason questions and FAQs.
Class: 11Subject: Political ScienceBook: Indian Constitution at WorkChapter: 7Chapter Name: FederalismSession: 2026–27
Chapter 7, Federalism, describes federalism as an institutional mechanism that accommodates two sets of polities — one at the regional (State) level and one at the national (Union) level — each autonomous in its own sphere, with powers usually spelt out in a written constitution and disputes settled by an independent judiciary. The Indian Constitution creates two sets of government and divides subjects into the Union List, State List and Concurrent List, with residuary powers resting with the Union. Although the Constitution never uses the word ‘federation’ and calls India a “Union of States” (Article 1), it builds a strong central government through powers over the very existence of States, emergency provisions, financial dominance, the Governor and all-India services. The chapter then examines conflicts in India’s federal system — demands for autonomy, the controversial role of Governors and Article 356 (President’s Rule), demands for new (linguistic) States, and inter-State disputes over borders and river waters — before discussing special provisions for certain States, including the now-abrogated Article 370 status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Key Concepts & Terms
Federalism: an institutional mechanism to accommodate two sets of polities — one at the regional level and one at the national level — each government being autonomous in its own sphere; the dual system is usually spelt out in a written constitution that is supreme.
Union of States (Article 1): the Constitution does not use the word ‘federation’; it declares “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”, signalling that the States have no right to secede and the Union is indestructible.
Division of powers: two sets of government — the Union (central) government for the whole nation and a State government for each unit — each with constitutional status and a clearly identified area of activity.
Union List: subjects of national importance (Defence, Atomic Energy, Foreign Affairs, War and Peace, Banking, Railways, Post and Telegraph, Airways, Currency & Coinage) on which only the Union Legislature can make laws.
State List: subjects of local importance (Agriculture, Police, Prison, Local Government, Public Health, Land, Trade and Commerce, etc.) on which normally only the State Legislature can make laws.
Concurrent List: subjects on which both Union and State legislatures can make laws (Education, Forests, Trade Unions, Adoption and Succession, Transfer of Property other than agricultural land); if laws conflict, the Union law prevails.
Residuary powers: all matters not mentioned in any of the three Lists (e.g. cyber laws); the Union Legislature alone has the power to legislate on them.
Strong central government (unitary bias): features that tilt power towards the centre — Parliament can alter the area, boundaries or name of a State; emergency provisions can centralise power; the centre controls major revenue sources; the Governor and all-India services link States to the centre.
Autonomy: the demand by States for greater powers vis-à-vis the centre — in the division of powers, in finances (financial autonomy), in administration, and in cultural/linguistic matters.
Article 356 (President’s Rule): allows the takeover of a State government by the Union when the State ‘cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution’; the proclamation must be ratified by Parliament and is subject to judicial review.
Sarkaria Commission: appointed in 1983 (report 1988) to examine centre–State relations; recommended that appointments of Governors should be strictly non-partisan.
Special provisions: differential treatment for some States given their peculiar social and historical circumstances (mainly the north-eastern States and some hilly States); J&K had special status under Article 370 until the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019.
NCERT Exercises — Full Solutions
All questions below are reproduced verbatim from the NCERT textbook’s end-of-chapter Exercises. Answers are original, written in exam-ready style.
1. From the list of following events which ones would you identify with the functioning of federalism? Why?
• The Centre on Tuesday announced Sixth Schedule status to GNLF-led Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, which would ensure greater autonomy to the governing body in the Hill district of West Bengal. A tripartite Memorandum of Settlement was signed in New Delhi between the Centre, West Bengal government and the Subhas Ghising-led Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) after two days of hectic deliberations.• Government for action plan for rain-hit States: Centre has asked the rain-ravaged States to submit detailed plans for reconstruction to enable it to respond to their demands for extra relief expeditiously.• New Commissioner for Delhi: The Capital is getting a new municipal commissioner. Confirming this, present MCD Commissioner Rakesh Mehta said he has received his transfer orders and that he is likely to be replaced by IAS officer Ashok Kumar, who is serving as the Chief Secretary in Arunachal Pradesh. Mehta, a 1975 batch IAS officer, has been heading the MCD for about three-and-a-half years.• CU Status for Manipur University: Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a Bill to convert the Manipur University into a Central University with the Human Resource Development Minister promising such institutions in the North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim as well.• Funds released: The Centre has released Rs. 553 lakh to Arunachal Pradesh under its rural water supply scheme. The first instalment was of Rs. 466.81 lakh.• We’ll teach the Biharis how to live in Mumbai: Around 100 Shiv Sainiks stormed J. J. Hospital, disrupted daily operations, raised slogans and threatened to take matters into their own hands if no action was taken against non-Maharashtrian students.• Demand for dismissal of Government: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in a representation submitted to State Governor recently, has demanded dismissal of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government for its alleged financial mismanagement and embezzlement of public money.• NDA government asks naxalites to surrender arms: Amid a walkout by opposition RJD and its allies Congress and CPI (M), the Bihar government today appealed to the naxalites to shun the path of violence and reaffirmed its pledge to root out unemployment to usher in a new era of development in Bihar.
ANSWERFederalism involves the relationship between the centre and the States — sharing of powers, autonomy of regions, financial transfers, and centre–State cooperation or conflict. On this basis, the events connected with the functioning of federalism are:(i) Sixth Schedule status to Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council — Yes. A tripartite settlement among the Centre, the State and a regional body to grant greater autonomy is a clear example of accommodating regional aspirations within a federal structure.(ii) Action plan for rain-hit States — Yes. The centre coordinating with States and responding to their demands for relief reflects centre–State cooperation, a core feature of federalism.(iii) CU status for Manipur University — Yes. Education is on the Concurrent List, so the Union legislating to convert a State university into a central one and extend the policy to other north-eastern States illustrates the working of federal power-sharing.(iv) Funds released to Arunachal Pradesh — Yes. The transfer of grants and financial assistance from the centre to a State is part of fiscal federalism, since States depend on the centre for resources.(v) Demand for dismissal of the Nagaland government — Yes. A representation to the Governor demanding dismissal of a State government touches Article 356 and the Governor’s role, both central to centre–State relations.The following are NOT examples of federalism: the transfer of the Delhi Municipal Commissioner (an administrative/local-government matter, not a centre–State relationship); the Shiv Sainiks’ attack on “Biharis” in Mumbai (a law-and-order/regional-chauvinism issue, not constitutional power-sharing); and the Bihar government appealing to naxalites (an internal law-and-order matter within a State).
2. Think which of the following statements would be correct. State why.
• Federalism enhances the possibility of people from different regions to interact without the fear of one’s culture being imposed upon them by others.• Federal system will hinder easier economic transaction between two different regions that have distinct types of resources.• A federal system will ensure that the powers of those at the centre will remain limited.
ANSWER(i) “Federalism enhances the possibility of people from different regions to interact without the fear of one’s culture being imposed upon them by others.” — Correct. Federalism recognises regional and cultural diversity and lets each region govern itself in its own sphere. Because no single linguistic or cultural group dominates the whole polity, people can interact freely while retaining their own identity. This is exactly how India’s federalism accommodates ‘unity in diversity’.(ii) “Federal system will hinder easier economic transaction between two different regions that have distinct types of resources.” — Incorrect. A federation is one political and economic union; the centre normally controls subjects like currency, banking, foreign trade and railways, which actually promote free movement of goods and capital between regions. Federalism does not block inter-regional trade — if anything, it facilitates a common market.(iii) “A federal system will ensure that the powers of those at the centre will remain limited.” — Not always correct. Federalism divides powers, but it does not guarantee a weak centre. The Indian Constitution deliberately created a strong central government with control over the existence of States, emergency powers, financial dominance and residuary powers. So a federal system can also have a powerful centre.
3. Based on the first few articles of Belgian constitution – given below – explain how federalism is visualised in that country. Try and write a similar Article for the Constitution of India.
Title I: On Federal Belgium, its components and its territory.Article 1 : Belgium is a Federal State made up of communities and regions.Article 2 : Belgium is made up of three communities: The French Community, the Flemish Community and the German Community.Article 3 : Belgium is made up of three regions: The Walloon region, the Flemish region and the Brussels region.Article 4 : Belgium has four linguistic regions: The French-speaking region, the Dutch-speaking region, the bilingual region of Brussels Capital and the German-speaking region. Each «commune» (county borough) of the Kingdom is part of one of these linguistic regions. ……..Article 5 : The Walloon region is made up of the following provinces: The Walloon Brabant, Hainault, Liege, Luxemburg and Namur. The Flemish region is made up of the following provinces: Antwerp, the Flemish Brabant, West Flanders, East Flanders and Limburg. ……
ANSWERThe opening articles of the Belgian constitution visualise federalism in a distinctive, two-fold way. Belgium is openly declared a “Federal State” (unlike India, which avoids the word ‘federation’). It is then divided on two different bases: by communities defined by language and culture (French, Flemish and German communities) and by territorial regions (Walloon, Flemish and Brussels). It also recognises linguistic regions and makes special provision for the bilingual capital of Brussels. Thus Belgian federalism is designed mainly to manage linguistic and cultural diversity, giving cultural communities their own status alongside territorial units — a model of ‘holding-together’ federalism that protects minorities.A similar Article for the Constitution of India (a model attempt): “Article: India, that is Bharat, is a Union of States made up of States and Union Territories specified in the First Schedule. The States are constituted, as far as possible, on the basis of common language and culture, while the unity and integrity of the nation shall be preserved. Each State shall be autonomous in matters assigned to it, and the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the people shall be respected and protected throughout the territory of India.” (The actual Article 1 simply says India shall be a Union of States, reflecting a stronger emphasis on unity than the Belgian model.)
4. Imagine that you were to rewrite the provisions regarding federalism. Write an essay of not more than 300 words making your suggestions about:
a. division of powers among the centre and the States,b. distribution of financial resources,c. methods of resolving inter-State disputes andd. appointment of Governors
ANSWERReforming Indian Federalism (model essay). India’s federal system has held a diverse country together, but it can be made more cooperative and balanced.(a) Division of powers: I would keep subjects of genuine national importance — defence, currency, foreign affairs, railways — with the Union, but transfer more day-to-day subjects to the States and trim the Concurrent List so that the centre does not crowd out State laws. Residuary powers could be shared rather than vesting only in the Union, so emerging subjects are decided cooperatively.(b) Distribution of financial resources: States have heavy responsibilities but meagre revenues, so I would give them larger, guaranteed independent sources of revenue and a fixed, formula-based share of central taxes through the Finance Commission, ending the discretionary, often partisan, distribution of grants. Greater financial autonomy would reduce dependence and resentment.(c) Resolving inter-State disputes: for legal disputes the judiciary would remain the arbiter, but I would strengthen permanent institutions like inter-State councils and river-water tribunals with time-bound, binding decisions, so that border and water disputes (Belgaum, Cauvery, Narmada) are settled quickly through negotiation rather than dragging on for decades.(d) Appointment of Governors: following the Sarkaria Commission, Governors should be strictly non-partisan, appointed in consultation with the State’s Chief Minister, with a fixed tenure and limited discretionary powers, so that the office is not used to topple elected State governments. These reforms would make Indian federalism more genuinely cooperative.
5. Which of the following should be the basis for formation of a State? Why?
a. Common Languageb. Common economic interestsc. Common religiond. Administrative convenience
ANSWERIn India, the most accepted and practical basis for forming a State has been (a) common language, combined to some extent with (d) administrative convenience.Common language (a): During the national movement it was decided that, as far as possible, States would be created on the basis of common cultural and linguistic identity. The States Reorganisation Commission (1953) recommended linguistic States, and reorganisation in 1956 followed. People sharing a language can participate in government, education and administration in their own tongue, so this basis respects diversity and democratic participation.Administrative convenience (d): Very large States are hard to govern, so smaller States can improve administration and development (as when Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand were carved out in 2000). This is a valid supporting basis.Common religion (c) should not be the basis — India is a secular country, and forming States on religious lines would damage national unity and communal harmony. Common economic interests (b) alone are also a weak basis, since economic needs keep changing and may not bind people together permanently. Hence language (with administrative convenience) is the soundest basis.
6. Majority of people from the States of north India – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar—speak Hindi. If all these States are combined to form one State, would it be in tune with the idea of federalism? Give arguments.
ANSWERNo, combining these States into one would not be in tune with the idea of federalism.Arguments: (i) Federalism is meant to divide power and prevent any single unit, language or group from dominating the whole federation. One huge Hindi State would create exactly such a dominant unit and could generate deep resentment among non-Hindi-speaking regions — the very fear that led to anti-Hindi-imposition agitations in the 1960s.(ii) Although these States share Hindi, they have distinct sub-regional cultures, dialects, histories and interests; a single language is not enough to make them one happy political community.(iii) Such a giant State would be too large to administer efficiently and would hold a disproportionate share of seats and power at the centre, upsetting the balance among States. In fact, the trend has been the opposite — large States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar were divided in 2000 for better administration. Hence merging them would go against both federal balance and administrative good sense.
7. List four features of the Indian Constitution that give greater power to the central government than the State government.
ANSWERFour features that make the Indian central government stronger than the States are:1. Power over the very existence of States: Parliament can form a new State, alter the boundaries, area or even the name of any State; the State legislature’s view is only sought, not binding.2. Emergency provisions: during an emergency, power becomes lawfully centralised and Parliament can make laws even on subjects in the State List, turning the federal polity into a highly centralised one.3. Financial dominance: the main revenue-raising items are under the centre, so States depend on grants, loans and financial assistance from the centre; the centre’s discretion in distributing resources gives it great power.4. Governor and Article 356, and all-India services: the centre-appointed Governor can recommend dismissal of a State government and reserve State bills for the President; Article 356 allows President’s Rule; and all-India service officers (IAS/IPS) serving in States remain under central control. (Residuary powers also rest with the Union.)
8. Why are many States unhappy about the role of the Governor?
ANSWERMany States are unhappy with the role of the Governor for several reasons:(i) Appointed by the centre, not elected: the Governor is not an elected office-holder but is appointed by the central government, so his actions are often seen as interference by the centre in the State’s affairs.(ii) Partisan appointments: Governors have often been retired military officers, civil servants or politicians, and when different parties rule at the centre and in the State the office becomes especially controversial; the Sarkaria Commission therefore recommended strictly non-partisan appointments.(iii) Power to recommend dismissal: the Governor can recommend the dismissal of the State government and the dissolution of the assembly under Article 356, which has been misused to topple elected State governments (as in Kerala in 1959 and several States after 1967).(iv) Power to delay/veto State laws: the Governor can reserve a bill passed by the State legislature for the President’s assent, giving the centre a chance to delay or block State legislation. These powers make States view the Governor as an agent of the centre.
9. President’s rule can be imposed in a State if the government is not being run according to the provisions of the Constitution. State whether any of the following conditions are a fit case for imposition of President’s rule in the State. Give reasons.
• two members of the State legislative assembly belonging to the main opposition party have been killed by criminals and the opposition is demanding dismissal of the State government.• Kidnapping of young children for ransom is on rise. The number of crimes against women are increasing.• No political party has secured majority in the recent elections of the State Legislative Assembly. It is feared that some MLAs from the other parties may be lured to support a political party in return for money.• Different political parties are ruling in the State and at the centre and they are bitter opponents of each other.• More than 2000 people have been killed in the communal riots.• In the water dispute between the two States, one State government refused to follow the decision of the Supreme Court.
ANSWERPresident’s Rule (Article 356) is justified only when the State government genuinely cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution — not merely because of crime or political rivalry.(i) Two opposition MLAs killed by criminals; opposition demands dismissal — Not a fit case. This is a serious law-and-order failure but does not by itself mean the constitutional machinery has broken down; the State should handle it. A demand by the opposition is not a ground for dismissal.(ii) Rise in kidnappings and crimes against women — Not a fit case. These are law-and-order problems that the State government must tackle; growing crime alone does not justify President’s Rule.(iii) No party has a majority and horse-trading is feared — Not a straightforward fit case. A hung assembly is not in itself a breakdown; the Governor should first invite parties to form a government and let majority be tested on the floor of the House. Imposing President’s Rule merely on the fear of defections would be unjustified (and has often been struck down by courts).(iv) Different parties rule at the centre and in the State and are bitter opponents — Not a fit case at all. Political difference is normal in a democracy and federation; using Article 356 for this reason is a clear misuse of the provision.(v) More than 2000 people killed in communal riots — This can be a fit case. A complete collapse of public order on this scale may show that the State government has failed to protect citizens and cannot run the State as per the Constitution, which may justify President’s Rule.(vi) A State refuses to follow a Supreme Court decision in a water dispute — This can be a fit case. Openly defying the Supreme Court means the State is not functioning according to the Constitution, which can justify central intervention. (In all cases, the proclamation must be ratified by Parliament and is subject to judicial review.)
10. What are the demands raised by States in their quest for greater autonomy?
ANSWERAlthough ‘autonomy’ means different things to different States and parties, the demands fall broadly into four kinds:1. Change in the division of powers: some States (Tamil Nadu, Punjab, West Bengal) and parties (DMK, Akali Dal, CPI-M) demand that the division of powers be changed in their favour, so that more and more important powers are assigned to the States.2. Financial autonomy: States demand independent sources of revenue and greater control over resources; the Left Front government of West Bengal brought out a document in 1977 demanding a restructuring of centre–State relations along these lines.3. Administrative autonomy: States resent the control of the centre over the administrative machinery (such as the all-India services) and want greater control over administration.4. Cultural and linguistic autonomy: demands related to opposition to the domination of Hindi (as in Tamil Nadu) or the advancement of regional languages and culture (as the demand for advancing Punjabi), arising from the feeling that Hindi-speaking areas dominate the rest.
11. Should some States be governed by special provisions? Does this create resentment among other States? Does this help in forging greater unity among the regions of the country?
ANSWERYes, some States may justifiably be governed by special provisions. India is extremely diverse, and certain States have peculiar social and historical circumstances. Most special provisions pertain to the north-eastern States (Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, etc.) because of their sizeable indigenous tribal populations with a distinct history and culture; special provisions also exist for hilly States like Himachal Pradesh and some others. Such asymmetrical arrangements (also seen in unequal Rajya Sabha representation) help protect distinct identities and integrate these regions into the Union.Does it create resentment? It can. Other States may feel that special treatment is unfair or amounts to favouritism, and the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 was long debated for this reason (the status was ended by the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019). So special provisions must be transparent and based on genuine need to limit resentment.Does it help forge greater unity? On balance, yes — when used sensitively. Recognising and respecting diversity through special provisions makes smaller and distinctive communities feel secure within India rather than alienated. As the chapter argues, national unity cannot be built by streamlining differences; a responsive polity sensitive to diversity and to demands for autonomy is the surest basis of a cooperative federation. (However, where provisions have failed to address grievances, alienation and insurgency have persisted, showing that they must be backed by trust and cooperation.)
Extra Practice Questions
Short Answer Type Questions
Q1. Define federalism.
ANSWERFederalism is an institutional mechanism to accommodate two sets of polities — one at the regional (State) level and one at the national (Union) level. Each level of government is autonomous in its own sphere, has distinct powers and responsibilities, and the dual system is usually spelt out in a written constitution that is supreme.
Q2. Why does the Constitution describe India as a ‘Union of States’ instead of a federation?
ANSWERArticle 1 says “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” The word ‘Union’ was deliberately chosen to show that India is an indestructible union — the States did not come together by agreement and have no right to secede. It emphasises the unity of the nation even while powers are divided between the centre and the States.
Q3. What are residuary powers? Who exercises them in India?
ANSWERResiduary powers include all matters that are not mentioned in any of the three Lists (Union, State or Concurrent), for example cyber laws. In India, the Union Legislature alone has the power to legislate on such residuary subjects, which is one more feature strengthening the centre.
Q4. What was the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission regarding Governors?
ANSWERThe Sarkaria Commission, appointed by the central government in 1983 (report submitted in 1988) to examine centre–State relations, recommended that appointments of Governors should be strictly non-partisan, so that the office is not used in a politically biased manner against State governments.
Q5. Name two long-standing inter-State border disputes and one river-water dispute mentioned in the chapter.
ANSWERTwo long-standing border disputes are the Maharashtra–Karnataka dispute over the city of Belgaum and the Manipur–Nagaland border dispute (also Punjab–Haryana over Chandigarh). A major river-water dispute is the Kaveri (Cauvery) dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; the Narmada waters are disputed among Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Long Answer Type Questions
Q1. Explain the division of powers between the centre and the States under the Indian Constitution.
ANSWERThe Indian Constitution creates two sets of government — the Union government for the whole nation and a State government for each unit — both with constitutional status and clearly identified areas of activity. Subjects are divided into three Lists. The Union List contains subjects of national importance such as Defence, Atomic Energy, Foreign Affairs, War and Peace, Banking, Railways, Post and Telegraph, Airways, Ports, Foreign Trade and Currency & Coinage, on which only the Union Legislature can make laws. The State List contains subjects of local importance such as Agriculture, Police, Prison, Local Government, Public Health, Land, Liquor, Trade and Commerce and Livestock, on which normally only the State Legislature can make laws. The Concurrent List contains subjects such as Education, Forests, Trade Unions, Adoption and Succession, and Transfer of Property other than agricultural land, on which both Union and State legislatures can legislate — if their laws conflict, the Union law prevails. All other matters not in any List are residuary powers, which only the Union can legislate on. Importantly, economic and financial powers are centralised in the hands of the central government, so States have immense responsibilities but meagre revenue sources. Disputes about which level controls a subject are settled by the judiciary on the basis of constitutional provisions.
Q2. “The Indian Constitution has created a strong central government.” Discuss with reference to its provisions.
ANSWERThe framers of the Constitution wanted a federation that would accommodate diversity, but they also wanted a strong centre to prevent disintegration and to bring about social and economic change in a country of continental size with more than 500 princely States to integrate. Several provisions create this strong centre. First, the very existence of a State is in the hands of Parliament, which can form new States and alter the boundary, area or name of any State, only seeking (not requiring) the concerned legislature’s view. Second, the emergency provisions can turn the federal polity into a highly centralised one, with Parliament able to legislate on State subjects. Third, the centre has effective financial powers: revenue-generating items are largely under the centre, States depend on grants and loans, and planning further centralised economic decision-making. Fourth, the centre-appointed Governor can recommend dismissal of the State government, reserve State bills for the President, and President’s Rule can be imposed under Article 356. Fifth, the centre’s executive power is superior, it can give directions to States (Article 257), and the all-India services (IAS, IPS) serving in States remain under central control; Articles 33 and 34 further strengthen the Union. Residuary powers also rest with the Union. Together these give the Constitution a clear unitary bias, though it remains federal in form.
Q3. Examine the conflicts that arise in India’s federal system and how they can be resolved.
ANSWERBecause the Constitution recognises the identity of States yet vests strong powers in the centre, several conflicts arise. The first is the demand for greater autonomy: States seek a larger share of powers, independent revenue (financial autonomy), administrative control, and protection of language and culture — demands raised by Tamil Nadu, Punjab, West Bengal and parties like the DMK and Akali Dal. The second is the controversial role of the Governor and Article 356: as a centre-appointee, the Governor’s recommendations to dismiss State governments and the misuse of President’s Rule (especially after 1967) have caused deep resentment. The third is the demand for new States, mostly on linguistic and cultural lines (the States Reorganisation Commission of 1953, the creation of Gujarat and Maharashtra in 1960, and Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand in 2000, Telangana in 2014). The fourth is inter-State disputes over borders (Belgaum; Chandigarh) and river waters (Cauvery; Narmada), which are serious because they affect drinking water and agriculture. Legal disputes can be resolved by the judiciary and tribunals, but autonomy demands and border/water disputes are political and are best settled through negotiation, mutual understanding and a culture of trust, cooperation and restraint. As the chapter concludes, only a responsive polity sensitive to diversity can sustain a cooperative federation.
MCQs & Assertion–Reason
1. Federalism is best described as:
(a) rule by a single all-powerful centre (b) an institutional mechanism to accommodate two sets of polities, one regional and one national (c) rule by local bodies only (d) absence of any written constitution
2. How does Article 1 of the Constitution describe India?
(a) A Federation of States (b) A Confederation (c) A Union of States (d) A Unitary State
3. On which List can both the Union and the State legislatures make laws?
(a) Union List (b) State List (c) Concurrent List (d) Residuary List
4. Who has the power to legislate on residuary subjects in India?
(a) the States (b) the Union Legislature alone (c) local governments (d) the judiciary
5. Which of the following is a subject in the Union List?
(a) Police (b) Agriculture (c) Defence (d) Public Health
6. Which article provides for President’s Rule in a State?
For each Assertion–Reason question, choose: (A) Both true and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion; (B) Both true but the Reason is not the correct explanation; (C) Assertion true, Reason false; (D) Assertion false, Reason true.
A-R 1. Assertion: The Indian Constitution has created a strong central government.
Reason: The framers wanted a strong centre to prevent disintegration and bring about social and economic change.
A-R 2. Assertion: The Constitution of India uses the word ‘federation’ to describe the country.
Reason: Article 1 declares that India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.
A-R 3. Assertion: Residuary powers in India rest with the Union Legislature.
Reason: All matters not mentioned in any of the three Lists can be legislated upon only by the Union.
A-R 4. Assertion: Many States are unhappy with the role of the Governor.
Reason: The Governor is an elected office-holder chosen directly by the people of the State.
A-R 5. Assertion: Inter-State river-water disputes are often best resolved through negotiation rather than litigation alone.
Reason: Such disputes have political implications and affect drinking water and agriculture, not merely legal questions.
Answer key: 1-(A), 2-(D), 3-(A), 4-(C), 5-(A).
Exam Tips & Common Mistakes
How to score full marks in this chapter
Memorise the three Lists with two or three examples each and remember that residuary powers rest with the Union. For ‘strong centre’ questions, give a numbered list of features (existence of States, emergency, finances, Governor/Article 356, all-India services). Quote key articles precisely — Article 1 (Union of States), Article 257 (executive directions), Article 356 (President’s Rule) and Article 370 (J&K, now abrogated by the 2019 Act). For the four types of autonomy demands and the Sarkaria recommendation, use the textbook’s exact examples (Tamil Nadu, Punjab, West Bengal; DMK, Akali Dal, CPI-M; Belgaum, Chandigarh, Cauvery, Narmada). Always conclude federalism essays with the idea that cooperation, trust and respect for diversity make a federation work.
Common mistakes to avoid
Saying the Constitution calls India a “federation” — it uses “Union of States” (Article 1).
Placing residuary powers with the States — in India they rest with the Union.
Mixing up the Lists — Defence/Currency are Union, Police/Agriculture are State, Education/Forests are Concurrent.
Treating President’s Rule as justified for any law-and-order problem or political rivalry — it needs a real breakdown of constitutional machinery.
Confusing autonomy (more powers within the Union) with secession (breaking away from the country).
Forgetting that the special status of J&K under Article 370 was ended by the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chapter 7 of Class 11 Political Science (Indian Constitution at Work) about?
Chapter 7, Federalism, explains what federalism is, the federal provisions of the Indian Constitution (division of powers through the Union, State and Concurrent Lists and residuary powers), why India has a strong central government, the conflicts in centre–State relations (autonomy demands, the Governor and Article 356, new States, inter-State disputes), and the special provisions for certain States.
Why is India said to have a federation with a strong centre?
The Constitution divides powers like a federation but tilts them towards the centre: Parliament can alter the area, boundaries or name of a State; emergency provisions centralise power; the centre controls major finances; the centre-appointed Governor and Article 356 allow intervention in States; the all-India services and residuary powers also favour the Union. Hence India is a federation with a strong (unitary-biased) centre.
What is the difference between the Union List, State List and Concurrent List?
The Union List has national subjects (Defence, Currency, Railways) on which only Parliament legislates; the State List has local subjects (Police, Agriculture, Public Health) on which normally only State legislatures legislate; the Concurrent List has shared subjects (Education, Forests, Trade Unions) on which both can legislate, with the Union law prevailing in case of conflict.
