Question 1: A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.
A. Defence; B. Police; C. Agriculture; D. Education; E. Banking; F. Forests; G. Communications; H. Trade; I. Marriages
Answer:
Union List | Defence, banking, communications, marriage, etc. |
---|---|
State List | Agriculture, police |
Concurrent List | Education, forest, trade |
Question 2: 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: Feature similar to Belgium: Holding together federation.
Feature different from Belgium: Less autonomy of provincial government in the Indian federation.
Question 3: What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
Answer: In case of a unitary government, the central government is all powerful and the lower tier of governance does not enjoy any real power. This can be seen in case of many dictatorships and monarchies in the world, e.g. Libya, Saudi Arabia, etc.
Question 4: State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
Answer: Before the Constitutional amendment in 1992, the local government did not enjoy constitutional authority. Elections to the local bodies were not conducted on a regular basis.
Question 5: Fill in the blanks:
Answer: Since the United States is a coming together type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are
Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
Answer: The argument by Sangeeta is more appropriate. Language is not just a tool for communication but it is part of the culture and mindset which take hundreds of years to evolve. People are sentimentally attached to their language. The language policy of India is an attempt to instill a sense of respect of others’ culture and this has definitely helped in strengthening national unity.
Question 6: The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
Answer: (d) Government power is divided between different levels of government
Question 7: Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
Answer: (d) Local governments: Residual power
Question 8: Consider the following statements.
Question 9: Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (i) a, b and c
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