Anand Classes provides detailed notes and study material on the Difference between Unitary and Federal Constitution for NDA exam preparation. In polity, understanding how powers are distributed between the Centre and States is essential. A Unitary Constitution concentrates authority in the central government with features like single citizenship, single constitution, and integrated judiciary, while a Federal Constitution ensures division of powers, dual citizenship, and dual judiciary. This topic is frequently covered in NDA polity questions, Indian Constitution NDA exam, UPSC NDA notes, and NDA study material, making it a vital part of your preparation. Click the Print button to download the PDF notes study material on the Difference between Unitary and Federal Constitution for NDA exam preparation.
Definition of Constitution
A Constitution is the supreme law of the land which lays down the framework of government, distribution of powers, rights of citizens, and the functioning of institutions.
It defines who will govern, how they will govern, and what limits are placed on their power.
Types of Constitution by Distribution of Powers
Based on the relationship between the Centre (national government) and the States/Provinces, constitutions are broadly classified into two types:
Unitary Constitution
- A unitary constitution is one in which all powers are concentrated in the hands of the central/national government.
- States, provinces, or local bodies (if they exist) exercise powers delegated by the Centre.
- The Centre is supreme; local units are dependent and subordinate.
Example: United Kingdom, France, Japan.
Federal Constitution
- A federal constitution is one in which powers are divided between the Centre and the States by the Constitution itself.
- Both the Centre and the States are independent in their spheres of authority.
- Neither can take away the powers of the other without a constitutional amendment.
Example: United States of America, Canada, Australia, Switzerland.
Unitary and Federal System
Unitary System
- The central government is the sole authority.
- States are administrative units created for convenience.
- Local laws and governments exist only because the Centre allows them.
- The Centre can create, alter, or abolish states at will.
- Emphasis is on national unity and uniformity.
Federal System
- Power is constitutionally divided between Centre and States.
- Each level of government is sovereign in its own field.
- The Constitution itself is supreme and acts as a referee between Centre and States.
- Changes to the structure require both Centre and State consent.
- Emphasis is on accommodating diversity and regional autonomy.
Note : India follow a federal system with unitary features—strong Centre but also powers to States. India’s political system is federal in structure, but it also incorporates several unitary features, leading to it often being described as quasi-federal.
Difference between Unitary and Federal Constitution System
| Unitary Constitution | Federal Constitution |
|---|---|
| 1. Single Citizenship – Citizens are recognized only as nationals of the country. | 1. Dual Citizenship – Citizens are recognized both as nationals of the country and as members of a State. |
| 2. Single Constitution – Only one Constitution for the entire country. | 2. Dual Constitution – One for the Union and separate ones for each State (e.g., U.S.). |
| 3. Central Supremacy – The Union can override State matters. | 3. Division of Powers – Powers divided by the Constitution between Centre and States. |
| 4. Alteration of Boundaries – Parliament can change State names and boundaries unilaterally. | 4. Alteration of Boundaries – Changes require State consent and constitutional procedure. |
| 5. Judiciary – Integrated, single system of courts under the Centre. | 5. Judiciary – Dual system: Federal and State courts, with a common Supreme Court. |
| 6. Secession – No unit has the right to secede from the Centre. | 6. Secession – No unilateral right, but States are constitutionally guaranteed autonomy within the Union. |
| 7. Residual Powers – Generally lie with the Centre. States depend on Centre for funds. | 7. Residual Powers – Generally lie with the States (though it may vary by country). |
| 8. Example: Britain, France, Japan | 8. Example: United States, Canada, Australia |
FAQs on Unitary and Federal Constitution (For NDA Exam Preparation)
Q1. What is a Unitary Constitution?
Answer:
A Unitary Constitution is a system in which all powers are concentrated in the hands of the central/national government. The states or provinces, if they exist, act as administrative units of the Centre. The Centre can create, alter, or abolish their powers and territories at will. An example of this is Britain, which has a unitary system of government.
📌 This is an important concept in Polity for NDA exam and is often asked in NDA polity previous year questions.
Q2. What is a Federal Constitution?
Answer:
A Federal Constitution is one in which powers are divided between the central government and the state governments by the Constitution itself. Both levels of government are independent in their own spheres. Neither can take away the powers of the other without a constitutional amendment. A good example is the United States Constitution, which is a classical federal system.
📌 This topic is a frequently tested part of Indian Polity for NDA exam and UPSC NDA polity questions.
Q3. What is the main difference between Unitary and Federal Constitution?
Answer:
The main difference lies in the distribution of powers:
- In a Unitary Constitution, all powers rest with the Centre.
- In a Federal Constitution, powers are shared between the Centre and the States.
This means that in a unitary system, the Centre is supreme, while in a federal system, both Centre and States are sovereign within their own fields.
📌 This is a fundamental distinction that appears often in NDA polity questions on the Indian Constitution.
Q4. Does India have a Unitary or Federal Constitution?
Answer:
India has a federal structure with a unitary bias.
- It has federal features like division of powers, bicameral legislature, supremacy of the Constitution, and independent judiciary.
- But it also has unitary features like single constitution, single citizenship, integrated judiciary, strong Centre, and emergency provisions.
Therefore, scholars like K.C. Wheare described India as “Quasi-Federal.”
📌 This concept of “federal with a unitary bias” is a very important NDA polity question and is regularly asked in Indian Constitution NDA exam preparation.
Q5. Can States secede from the Union in a Federal Constitution?
Answer:
In theory, some federal constitutions provide greater autonomy to the States, but no State has the unilateral right to secede from the Union. In India, Article 1 describes the country as a “Union of States”, which means States cannot separate from the Union under any circumstance.
📌 This is a critical concept for NDA polity exam preparation and appears in UPSC NDA polity previous year questions.
Q6. Why is Britain called Unitary and the U.S. called Federal?
Answer:
- Britain: Parliament is supreme, and local governments exist only because Parliament allows them. Hence, it has a Unitary Constitution.
- United States: The U.S. Constitution divides powers clearly between the Centre and the States. Each State has its own constitution, legislature, and judiciary. Hence, it has a Federal Constitution.
📌 Questions on examples like Britain and USA are often part of NDA polity MCQs and Indian Polity NDA notes.
MCQs on Unitary and Federal Constitution (For NDA Exam Practice)
Q1. Which of the following is a basic feature of a Unitary Constitution?
A) Dual citizenship
B) Division of powers between Centre and States
C) Integrated judiciary
D) Independent State constitutions
Answer: C) Integrated judiciary
Explanation:
- A Unitary Constitution has an integrated judiciary, single constitution, and single citizenship.
- In contrast, a federal system usually has dual judiciary and dual constitutions.
📌 Important for NDA polity MCQs – Unitary Constitution basics.
Q2. In a Federal Constitution, powers are:
A) Derived from the Central Government
B) Equally shared by the Centre and States
C) Divided by the Constitution between Centre and States
D) Delegated by the Parliament of the Union
Answer: C) Divided by the Constitution between Centre and States
Explanation:
- In a federal system, the Constitution itself divides powers.
- Neither the Centre nor States can alter this distribution without a constitutional amendment.
📌 Direct NDA polity question: Federalism = division of powers by Constitution.
Q3. Which of the following countries has a Federal Constitution?
A) Britain
B) Japan
C) United States of America
D) France
Answer: C) United States of America
Explanation:
- Britain, France, Japan → Unitary Constitutions.
- United States → Classical Federal Constitution with dual citizenship, dual constitutions, and dual judiciary.
📌 NDA polity exam often asks “examples of federal/unitary constitutions.”
Q4. In a Unitary Constitution, the ultimate authority rests with:
A) State governments
B) Local bodies
C) The Central Government
D) Both Centre and States equally
Answer: C) The Central Government
Explanation:
- In a unitary system, the Centre is supreme.
- States are subordinate and only exercise powers delegated by the Centre.
📌 Core NDA polity question on Unitary system.
Q5. The term “Union of States” in the Indian Constitution implies that:
A) India is a loose federation like the USA
B) States have the right to secede
C) India is a federation created by agreement of States
D) States have no right to secede from the Union
Answer: D) States have no right to secede from the Union
Explanation:
- Article 1: India is a Union of States.
- This means the Indian federation is indestructible, unlike a confederation.
- States cannot secede under any circumstances.
📌 Frequently repeated NDA polity MCQ.
Q6. Which of the following is NOT a feature of a Federal Constitution?
A) Supremacy of the Constitution
B) Division of powers between Centre and States
C) Independent judiciary
D) Central government’s power to unilaterally change State boundaries
Answer: D) Central government’s power to unilaterally change State boundaries
Explanation:
- In a federal constitution, States’ boundaries cannot be altered without their consent.
- In a unitary constitution (like India during normal times → Parliament can change boundaries), this power lies with the Centre.
📌 Tricky NDA polity MCQ testing federal vs unitary features.
Q7. Who described India as a “Quasi-Federal State”?
A) Granville Austin
B) K.C. Wheare
C) B.R. Ambedkar
D) Morris Jones
Answer: B) K.C. Wheare
Explanation:
- K.C. Wheare: India is “Quasi-federal” (federal in form, unitary in spirit).
- Granville Austin: “Cooperative federalism.”
- Morris Jones: “Bargaining federalism.”
📌 Direct NDA exam polity question about scholars’ views.
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