Anand Classes provides the best notes and study material on Federal System with a Unitary Bias in the Indian Constitution for NDA exam preparation. The Indian Constitution is often described as a unique blend of federal and unitary features, making it a quasi-federal system. While it has important federal characteristics like division of powers, bicameral legislature, written constitution, and independence of the judiciary, it also includes strong unitary features such as single citizenship, single constitution, integrated judiciary, and emergency provisions. This makes the topic very important for NDA Polity, where questions are frequently asked in the exam. With our easy-to-understand explanations, detailed NDA notes, and practice questions, students can master this chapter effectively. š Click the print button to download the PDF study material for NDA Polity.
Federal System with a Unitary Bias in India
The Indian Constitution establishes a system that is federal in form but unitary in spirit.
Although India has many features of a federationāsuch as division of powers, written constitution, and independent judiciaryāit also gives extraordinary powers to the Centre, especially in times of emergency.
Importantly, the Constitution does not use the word āfederationā. Instead, Article 1 describes India as a āUnion of States.ā This signifies that:
- Indian federation is not the result of any agreement among the States, and
- The States have no right to secede from the Union.
Thus, India is often described as a āfederation with a strong centre.ā
India as a āQuasi-Federal State
The term quasi-federal means a federal set-up where despite having two clear sets of government ā central and the states, more powers are given to the Central Government.Ā It is said that India has a quasi-federal setup.
Views of Scholars
- K.C. Wheare ā Described India as a āQuasi-Federal Stateā (federal in form, unitary in spirit).
- Morris Jones ā Called it āBargaining Federalismā (constant negotiation between Centre and States).
- Granville Austin ā Termed it āCooperative Federalismā (Centre and States work together for national development).
Federal Features of the Indian Constitution
India has several classical features of a federation:
- Division of Powers ā Clearly defined between Union and States through Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
- Bicameral Legislature ā Parliament consists of Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
- Supremacy of the Constitution ā Both Union and State governments function within constitutional limits.
- Written Constitution ā A single, detailed, and written document (longest in the world).
- Independent Judiciary ā The Supreme Court ensures the supremacy of the Constitution and resolves disputes between Centre and States.
Unitary Features / Unitary Bias in the Constitution
Despite federal characteristics, the Constitution tilts in favour of the Centre:
- Appointment of Governors by the Centre ā Governors act as representatives of the Union in States.
- Parliamentās Power to Legislate in National Interest ā Even on State subjects (under certain conditions, e.g., Rajya Sabha resolution, emergency).
- Parliamentās Power to Alter State Boundaries ā It can create new States, change names, or alter boundaries without requiring State consent.
- Emergency Provisions ā During National, State, or Financial Emergency, the Union assumes greater control over States.
- Single Constitution ā Unlike federations (e.g., USA), India has only one Constitution for both Union and States.
- Single Citizenship ā All Indians are citizens of India only; there is no State citizenship.
- Integrated Judiciary ā One unified judicial system, headed by the Supreme Court.
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) ā A single constitutional authority auditing accounts of both Union and States.
Difference between Unitary and Federal Constitution
| Unitary Constitution | Federal Constitution |
|---|---|
| 1. Single citizenship | 1. Dual citizenship |
| 2. Single Constitution | 2. Dual Constitution |
| 3. Power of the Union to override State matters | 3. Division of power between Centre and States |
| 4. Change in the names and boundaries of the States by the Parliament | 4. Change in the names and boundaries of the States requires the consent of the States |
| 5. Integrated judiciary | 5. Dual judiciary |
| 6. No unit has the right to secede from the Centre | 6. Units have constitutional autonomy but no unilateral right to secede |
| 7. Dependence of States on the Centre for economic assistance and grants | 7. Residual powers given to the States |
| 8. Example: Britain has a Unitary Constitution | 8. Example: The United States has a Federal Constitution |
FAQs on Federal System with a Unitary Bias (For NDA Exam Preparation)
Q1. Why does the Indian Constitution describe India as a āUnion of Statesā and not a āFederationā?
Answer:
The Constitution deliberately uses the term āUnion of Statesā instead of āFederation.ā This was to emphasize that Indiaās unity is indestructible. Unlike in a true federation (like the USA), the Indian States have no right to secede. The Indian Union is not the result of an agreement among the States but a single unified sovereign structure.
š This is a frequently asked topic in Indian Polity for NDA exam and is important for NDA polity notes and previous year questions.
Q2. What did K.C. Wheare mean by calling India a āQuasi-Federal Stateā?
Answer:
K.C. Wheare observed that India has a system that is federal in form but unitary in spirit.
- It is federal because powers are divided between the Centre and the States, there is a written constitution, bicameral legislature, and independent judiciary.
- It is unitary in spirit because the Centre is made stronger, especially during emergencies, and has control over key areas like the appointment of Governors, Parliamentās overriding powers, and financial dependence of States.
š This explanation is crucial for NDA exam polity preparation, particularly in NDA polity notes.
Q3. What do scholars call the Indian model of federalism?
Answer:
Different scholars have given different names to Indian federalism:
- K.C. Wheare ā Quasi-Federal State
- Morris Jones ā Bargaining Federalism (because Centre and States continuously negotiate powers and resources)
- Granville Austin ā Cooperative Federalism (because Centre and States cooperate for governance and development)
š This classification is often tested in NDA polity previous year questions and is part of Indian Constitution NDA exam study material.
Q4. What are the federal features of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
The Indian Constitution shows federal features such as:
- Division of powers between Centre and States (Union, State, and Concurrent lists)
- Bicameral legislature at the Centre
- Supremacy of the Constitution
- Written Constitution (longest in the world)
- Independent judiciary to resolve disputes between Centre and States
š Understanding these features is essential for NDA exam polity questions and forms part of NDA polity notes and study material.
Q5. What are the unitary features of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
Despite being federal in structure, the Indian Constitution tilts strongly towards the Centre. Its unitary features include:
- Appointment of Governors by the Centre
- Parliamentās power to legislate in national interest even on State matters
- Parliamentās power to form new States or change boundaries/names
- Emergency provisions, which convert India into a unitary system temporarily
- Single Constitution for both Union and States
- Single citizenship
- Integrated judiciary
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for both Centre and States
š This list is highly relevant for NDA polity MCQs and appears in NDA polity notes and NDA study material on Indian Constitution.
Q6. Why is India called a federation with a unitary bias?
Answer:
India is called a federation with a unitary bias because:
- Under normal circumstances, it functions as a federal system with power-sharing between Centre and States.
- During extraordinary situations like emergencies, it becomes unitary, with the Centre assuming control over the States.
- This unique balance ensures unity in diversity while keeping the Union strong and indivisible.
š This is a very important concept in NDA polity questions, especially under the topic Indian Polity for NDA exam. It is a common part of NDA polity notes and previous year papers.
MCQs on Federal System with a Unitary Bias (For NDA Exam Preparation)
Q1. The Indian Constitution describes India as a:
A) Federation of States
B) Union of States
C) Confederation of States
D) Association of States
Answer: B) Union of States
Explanation:
The Constitution deliberately uses the term Union of States (Article 1). This emphasizes that Indiaās unity is indestructible, and no State has the right to secede. Indiaās federation is not the result of an agreement among the States.
š Frequently asked in NDA Polity previous year questions.
Q2. Who described Indiaās federal system as a āQuasi-Federal Stateā?
A) Granville Austin
B) K.C. Wheare
C) Morris Jones
D) B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: B) K.C. Wheare
Explanation:
K.C. Wheare called Indiaās system āQuasi-Federalā because it is federal in structure but unitary in spirit. It has both federal features (division of powers, written Constitution, independent judiciary) and unitary features (emergency provisions, strong Centre).
š Important for NDA exam polity notes.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a federal feature of the Indian Constitution?
A) Written Constitution
B) Division of Powers
C) Single Citizenship
D) Independent Judiciary
Answer: C) Single Citizenship
Explanation:
Single Citizenship is a unitary feature. In a true federation (like the USA), there is dual citizenship. India has only one citizenship to maintain national unity. The other three (written Constitution, division of powers, independent judiciary) are federal features.
š Commonly tested in NDA exam polity MCQs.
Q4. During a national emergency (Article 352), Indiaās system of government becomes:
A) More federal
B) More unitary
C) Presidential in nature
D) Dictatorial in nature
Answer: B) More unitary
Explanation:
During an emergency, the distribution of powers between Centre and States undergoes a change. The Parliament can legislate on State subjects, and the Union executive gains more authority. This tilts the system heavily towards unitary control.
š This is a direct application-based question for NDA polity previous year exams.
Q5. Who among the following described Indian federalism as āBargaining Federalismā?
A) Granville Austin
B) K.C. Wheare
C) Morris Jones
D) Ivor Jennings
Answer: C) Morris Jones
Explanation:
Morris Jones used the term āBargaining Federalismā because the Centre and States often negotiate over powers, resources, and responsibilities. This reflects the flexible and cooperative nature of Indian federalism.
š Frequently seen in NDA exam polity notes and practice tests.
Q6. Which of the following is a unitary feature of the Indian Constitution?
A) Bicameral Legislature
B) Supremacy of the Constitution
C) Appointment of Governors by the Centre
D) Division of Powers
Answer: C) Appointment of Governors by the Centre
Explanation:
The appointment of Governors by the Centre ensures Central control over States, making it a unitary feature. The other three options are federal features.
š Direct concept-check question from NDA polity study material.
Q7. Granville Austin referred to Indian federalism as:
A) Quasi-federal
B) Cooperative federalism
C) Competitive federalism
D) Loose federalism
Answer: B) Cooperative federalism
Explanation:
Granville Austin described Indian federalism as āCooperative Federalismā, meaning both Centre and States work together to achieve common goals of development and governance.
š Very relevant for NDA Indian Polity exam preparation.
Conclusion
The Indian Constitution is best described as a federal system with a unitary bias.
- In normal times, it functions as a federal system with power-sharing between Centre and States.
- In extraordinary times (especially emergencies), it takes on a unitary character.
Thus, Indiaās system is unique and distinctāneither purely federal nor purely unitary but a blend of both, designed to maintain unity in diversity.
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