Answer the following questions by selecting the correct/most appropriate option.


Which of the following assessment questions is the most appropriate to test student’s understanding and appreciation of Indian federalism?

Correct option is A

“What do you think might happen if we did not have any state and local government and all decisions were made at the Centre?” is the most appropriate question to test a student’s understanding and appreciation of Indian federalism. This question encourages critical thinking and requires students to reflect on the importance of a federal structure, where power is divided between central, state, and local governments. It tests their understanding of the impact of centralization versus decentralization and the role of different levels of government in a democracy.

Information Booster:

·       Federalism is a system of government in which powers are divided between a central authority and various constituent units (states).

·       In India, the Constitution provides for a three-tier system: the Union Government, State Governments, and Local Governments.

·       Federalism ensures the distribution of powers to maintain a balance between the Centre and states, allowing for more localized governance.

·       Decentralization promotes better administration and responsiveness to local needs.

·       In a federal structure, both the Centre and the states have their respective lists of subjects they can legislate on (Union, State, and Concurrent Lists).

Additional Knowledge:

·       Federalism in India is a unique blend of both unitary and federal features, often termed as “quasi-federal.” This means that while power is shared, the Centre has overriding authority in some matters, especially during emergencies.

·       In a unitary system, all powers reside with the central government, whereas in a federal system, authority is constitutionally divided between different levels.

·       State and local governments in India are crucial for governance because they cater to specific regional needs and allow for representation of diverse populations and issues.

·       The Union List includes subjects of national importance, like defense and foreign policy, while the State List contains subjects like police and public health. The Concurrent List includes subjects on which both the Centre and states can legislate, such as education and marriage laws.

·       Centralization without local governments could lead to inefficiency in addressing local issues, reduced representation, and a lack of accountability to local citizens.