These case-based questions from Federalism are designed to test your understanding and application skills. Regular practice will make you confident, improve your speed and accuracy, and help you score full marks in the board exams.
Case Based Questions
Q.1 Read the given extract and answer the following questions.
The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity. Therefore, two aspects are crucial for the institutions and practice of federalism. Governments at different levels should agree to some rules of power-sharing. They should also trust that each would abide by its part of the agreement. An ideal federal system has both aspects: mutual trust and agreement to live together.
i) State one objective of the federal system. (1)
Answer:- To safeguard and promote unity of the country.
ii) What are the two crucial aspects for the institutions and practice of federalism? (1)
Answer:- Agreement on rules of power-sharing and mutual trust to follow the agreement.
iii) In a federal system, why is it necessary for different levels of government to trust each other and follow agreed rules? (2)
Answer:- Trust ensures smooth cooperation and reduces conflicts between governments.
Following agreed rules maintains national unity while respecting regional diversity.
Q.2 Read the given extract and answer the following questions.
There are some units of the Indian Union which enjoy very little power. These are areas which are too small to become an independent State but which could not be merged with any of the existing States. These areas, like Chandigarh, or Lakshadweep or the capital city of Delhi, are called Union Territories. These territories do not have the powers of a State. The Central Government has special powers in running these areas.
i) What are the areas called that are too small to be a State but cannot be merged with existing States? (1)
Answer:- Union Territories
ii) Name any one example of a Union Territory. (1)
Answer:- Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Delhi
iii) Why do Union Territories not have the same powers as States? Explain. (2)
Answer:- a) They are too small to function as independent States.
b) The Central Government has special powers to administer them.
Q.3 Read the given extract and answer the following questions.
A second test for Indian federation is the language policy. Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the official language. But Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore, there were many safeguards to protect other languages. Besides Hindi, there are 22 other languages recognised as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution. A candidate in an examination conducted for the Central Government positions may opt to take the examination in any of these languages. States too have their own official languages. Much of the government work takes place in the official language of the concerned State.
i) How many languages, besides Hindi, are recognised as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution? (1)
Answer:- 22
ii) Why did the Constitution not give the status of national language to Hindi? (1)
Answer:- Because Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40% of Indians.
iii) How does India’s language policy reflect federal principles? Explain. (2)
Answer:- a) States have their own official languages, allowing them to manage local administration.
b) Central Government examinations can be taken in any Scheduled Language, protecting linguistic diversity.
Q.4 Read the given extract and answer the following questions.
All this changed significantly after 1990. This period saw the rise of regional political parties in many States of the country. This was also the beginning of the era of coalition governments at the Centre. Since no single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the major national parties had to enter into an alliance with many parties including several regional parties to form a government at the Centre. This led to a new culture of power sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments. This trend was supported by a major judgement of the Supreme Court that made it difficult for the Central Government to dismiss state governments in an arbitrary manner. Thus, federal power sharing is more effective today than it was in the early years after the Constitution came into force.
i) What is meant by a coalition government? (1)
Answer:- A government formed by two or more parties when no single party gets a majority in the legislature.
ii) Name one institution that supported federalism by limiting the Central Government’s power to dismiss state governments. (1)
Answer:- Supreme Court
iii) How did the political scenario after 1990 strengthen federal power sharing in India? (2)
Answer:- a) National parties had to form alliances with regional parties, respecting the autonomy of State Governments.
b) Supreme Court judgements made it harder for the Central Government to dismiss state governments arbitrarily, ensuring better federal balance.
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