NCERT Questions & Answers + Important Extra Questions
NCERT Textbook Questions
Locate the following states on a blank outline political map of India: Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, and Goa.
Answer
(Map work — locate on map.)
Manipur: North-eastern India, bordered by Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam, and Myanmar. Capital: Imphal.
Sikkim: North-eastern India, between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet (China), and West Bengal. Capital: Gangtok.
Chhattisgarh: Central India, carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000. Capital: Raipur.
Goa: Western coast of India, India's smallest state by area. Capital: Panaji.
Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.
Answer
Federal countries: United States of America, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Nigeria, Belgium, Argentina, Mexico.
Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
Answer
Similarity: Both India and Belgium have a multi-level government — central government and state/regional governments that share power as defined by the constitution. Both countries have constitutional provisions that protect the powers of different levels of government. Both have independent judiciaries to settle disputes between levels of government.
Difference: India is a "holding together" federation — a large country that divided its power among constituent states, with the central government being more powerful. Belgium is closer to a "coming together" federation model and has a unique Community Government based on language communities that cuts across geographical boundaries — India has no equivalent institution. India uses linguistic states but doesn't have a government based on language community irrespective of geography.
What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
Answer
Federal government: Power is divided between a central government and regional governments (states/provinces) by a written constitution. Neither level can unilaterally change this division. Both derive authority from the constitution, not from each other. Example: In India, the Constitution divides powers into Union List (defence, foreign affairs — Centre), State List (police, agriculture — States), and Concurrent List (education, forests — both). The Centre cannot abolish State Governments or take away their constitutional powers.
Unitary government: All power is concentrated in the central/national government. Sub-national units (provinces, counties) exist at the Centre's pleasure — the central government can create, merge, or abolish them and can override their decisions. Example: In United Kingdom, the UK Parliament is supreme. The Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly derive their powers from the UK Parliament, which can theoretically revoke these powers.
State any two differences between the local government before and after the constitutional amendment in 1992.
Answer
Before 1992 (73rd/74th Amendment): (i) Local governments (panchayats, municipalities) were not constitutionally mandated — they existed at the discretion of state governments. States could dissolve them at will. (ii) Elections were irregular — many panchayats functioned without elected representatives for years. (iii) No reservation for women, SC/ST in local bodies. (iv) No independent revenue sources or financial powers.
After 1992: (i) Local governments became constitutional bodies — states are obligated to hold elections to panchayats and municipalities. It became illegal to dissolve them without conducting fresh elections within six months. (ii) Regular elections every 5 years are mandatory, conducted by the State Election Commission. (iii) At least one-third seats reserved for women; seats reserved for SC/ST in proportion to population. (iv) State governments must share revenue and powers with local bodies as recommended by the State Finance Commission.
Q6. Fill in the blanks
Since the United States is a ___ type of federation, all the constituent states have equal powers and states are strong vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a ___ type of federation and some states have more powers than others. In India, the central government has more powers.
Ans. United States is a "coming together" federation. India is a "holding together" federation.
Important Extra Questions
What are the key features of federalism?
Answer
Key features of federalism:
(i) Two or more levels of government: A central (national) government and state/provincial governments, each with clearly defined jurisdictions.
(ii) Written constitution: The division of powers between levels of government is laid down in the constitution and cannot be changed unilaterally by either level.
(iii) Rigid constitution: The fundamental provisions (division of powers) require consent of both levels to change — in India, amendments to federal provisions need ratification by half the states.
(iv) Independent judiciary: Courts interpret the constitution and settle disputes between the Centre and states. In India, the Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution.
(v) Dual government: Citizens are governed by both central and state governments simultaneously.
(vi) Financial autonomy: Each level has its own sources of revenue — the Centre collects income tax and customs; states collect sales tax, stamp duty, etc.
What is the three-tier system of governance in India? Explain its structure.
Answer
India has a three-tier federal structure:
First tier — Union/Central Government: Handles subjects of national importance — defence, foreign affairs, banking, railways, communications, atomic energy (Union List — 97 subjects). Laws made by Parliament apply to the entire country.
Second tier — State Governments: Handle subjects of regional importance — police, public health, agriculture, irrigation, local government (State List — 66 subjects). State legislatures make laws for their states. Residual subjects go to the Centre.
Third tier — Local Self-Government (Panchayati Raj and Municipalities): Added by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992).
— Rural: Three-tier Panchayati Raj — Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), Zilla Parishad (district).
— Urban: Municipal Corporation (large cities), Municipality (smaller towns), Nagar Panchayat (transitional areas).
These handle local issues — water supply, sanitation, street lighting, local roads, primary education, health centres.
How has federalism been strengthened in practice in India since 1947?
Answer
Indian federalism has evolved and strengthened through:
(i) Linguistic states (1950s-60s): States were reorganised along language lines after the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. This ensured that each major language community had its own state (e.g., Tamil Nadu for Tamil, Andhra Pradesh for Telugu). This strengthened democracy and national unity rather than weakening it.
(ii) Language policy: Hindi was made the official language, but the Constitution did not impose it on non-Hindi states. The Eighth Schedule recognises 22 languages. States conduct government business in their own official language.
(iii) Coalition politics (since 1989): No single national party has won a clear majority in many elections. This has led to coalition governments where regional parties share power at the Centre — strengthening states' voice in national governance.
(iv) Decentralisation (1992): The 73rd and 74th Amendments constitutionalised local self-government, creating the third tier of federalism with mandatory elections, reservations, and devolution of powers.
(v) GST Council, NITI Aayog: These cooperative federalism institutions involve states as equal partners in policy-making.