Federalism — Questions & Answers

Sample questions from Federalism

1. Q1. The key difference between a unitary and a federal system of government is that in a unitary system:

   • A.There are many levels of government with equal power
   • B.There is only one level of government, or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government✓
   • C.States are more powerful than the centre
   • D.Power is shared equally
   Solution

   Under the unitary system, either there is only one level of government or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government; the central government can pass on orders to the provincial or local government. In a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government to do something, as the state government has powers of its own for which it is not answerable to the central government.

2. Q2. The Union List includes subjects of national importance such as:

   • A.Police and agriculture
   • B.Defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency✓
   • C.Trade and irrigation
   • D.Education and forests
   Solution

   The Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency; they are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country, and only the Union Government can make laws on these subjects.

3. Q3. Federalism is a system of government in which power is:

   • A.Concentrated in one central government
   • B.Divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country✓
   • C.Held only by local governments
   • D.Held by the king
   Solution

   Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country; usually, a federation has two levels of government, one for the entire country and the other at the level of provinces or states.

4. Q4. In a federation, the two levels of government usually govern:

   • A.The same citizens with no distinction
   • B.The same citizens, but each level has its own jurisdiction in specific matters✓
   • C.Different citizens in different countries
   • D.Only rural and urban areas separately
   Solution

   In a federation, the same citizens are governed by two levels of government, but each level of government has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration; the jurisdictions of the respective levels of government are specified in the constitution.

5. Q5. How is the political head of a Zilla Parishad designated in the rural local government framework?

   • A.District Magistrate
   • B.Block Development Officer
   • C.Zilla Parishad Chairperson✓
   • D.Mayor
   Solution

   C is correct because the textbook explicitly specifies: 'Zilla parishad chairperson is the political head of the zilla parishad.' Mistake A is the administrative civil servant of the district. Mistake B is the administrative officer of the block. Mistake D is the political head of a municipal corporation.

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