Federalism

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Federalism — solved practice questions

8 Class 10 Political Science questions with step-by-step solutions. Attempt each, then reveal the answer.

1. Q1easy

   Federalism is a system in which:

   • Apower is constitutionally divided between central and state governments
   • Bone central government has all power
   • Cstates have all power
   • Dthe military runs the country
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (A) power is constitutionally divided between central and state governments

   In a federal system, power is divided between the central government and state/regional governments by the Constitution.

2. Q2easy

   India's system of government is described as:

   • Afederal with a unitary bias
   • Bpurely unitary
   • Cpurely federal
   • Dconfederal
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (A) federal with a unitary bias

   India is a federal system with a 'unitary bias' — states have significant powers but the Centre is stronger than in most federations.

3. Q3medium

   The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in India strengthened:

   • Astate governments
   • Blocal governments (Panchayats and Municipalities)
   • Cthe central government
   • Dthe judiciary
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (B) local governments (Panchayats and Municipalities)

   These 1992 amendments gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj (rural) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), implementing decentralisation.

4. Q4medium

   The Union List in India's Constitution covers subjects like:

   • Adefence, foreign affairs, banking
   • Bagriculture, police, health
   • Ctrade, forests, land
   • Deducation, industry
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (A) defence, foreign affairs, banking

   The Union List contains subjects of national importance — defence, foreign affairs, banking, railways — that only the Central Government can legislate on.

5. Q5medium

   The State List covers:

   • Adefence and railways
   • Bpolice, agriculture, trade, land
   • Cbanking and insurance
   • Dforeign affairs
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (B) police, agriculture, trade, land

   The State List contains subjects of local/regional importance — police, agriculture, trade, land — on which only state legislatures can make laws.

6. Q6medium

   Education was moved to the Concurrent List by:

   • Athe original Constitution
   • Bthe 42nd Amendment (1976)
   • Cthe 73rd Amendment
   • Da Supreme Court judgment
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (B) the 42nd Amendment (1976)

   The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) moved Education from the State List to the Concurrent List.

7. Q7medium

   Which country is an example of 'coming together' federation?

   • AIndia
   • BUSA
   • CBelgium
   • DSpain
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (B) USA

   'Coming together' federations: independent states join together (e.g. USA, Switzerland, Australia). 'Holding together': a large nation divides power (e.g. India, Spain, Belgium).

8. Q8medium

   A feature of a truly federal country is:

   • Aconstitutional division of power + independent judiciary
   • Bone supreme government
   • Cno written constitution
   • Darmy controls both levels
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (A) constitutional division of power + independent judiciary

   True federalism requires a constitutionally guaranteed division of powers, an independent judiciary, and dual government — neither level can override the other unilaterally.

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