‘Indian Constitution does not meet the essential requirements of federalism’. Analyze the statement.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Indian constitution and its features
Topic: Indian constitution and its features
Q4. ‘Indian Constitution does not meet the essential requirements of federalism’. Analyze the statement. (150 words, 10M)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question: The question is part of the static theme of GS 2 paper syllabus. Key Demand of the question: To analyse whether the Indian Constitution fulfils the essential requirements of federalism. Directive: Analyse – Provide a detailed examination of the statement with evidence. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly define federalism and its essential features. Body: First part: Arguments Supporting the Statement- at least 5 Strong Central Government: Dominance of the Centre over states (e.g., use of Article 356). Single Constitution and Citizenship: Lack of a dual system as in classic federalism. Union List Supremacy: Greater number of subjects under Union List compared to State List. Second part: Arguments Against the Statement- at least 5 Division of Powers: Clear demarcation of powers between Centre and states (Union, State, Concurrent lists). Independent Judiciary:Supreme Court’s role in resolving Centre-state disputes. Institutional Mechanisms: Presence of bodies like Inter-State Council and Finance Commission. Conclusion: Highlight the unique quasi-federal nature of India’s political system and the need for it.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static theme of GS 2 paper syllabus.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyse whether the Indian Constitution fulfils the essential requirements of federalism.
Directive:
Analyse – Provide a detailed examination of the statement with evidence.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define federalism and its essential features.
First part: Arguments Supporting the Statement- at least 5
Strong Central Government: Dominance of the Centre over states (e.g., use of Article 356).
Single Constitution and Citizenship: Lack of a dual system as in classic federalism.
Union List Supremacy: Greater number of subjects under Union List compared to State List.
Second part: Arguments Against the Statement- at least 5
Division of Powers: Clear demarcation of powers between Centre and states (Union, State, Concurrent lists).
Independent Judiciary:Supreme Court’s role in resolving Centre-state disputes.
Institutional Mechanisms: Presence of bodies like Inter-State Council and Finance Commission.
Conclusion:
Highlight the unique quasi-federal nature of India’s political system and the need for it.