Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Federal and Unitary Features of the Indian Union

“The Indian Constitution establishes a unique blend of federal structure with a strong unitary bias to ensure unity and integrity of the nation.”

Federal Features of the Indian Constitution

  • 1. Dual Government: India has governments at two levels — the Union and the States.
  • 2. Division of Powers: The 7th Schedule provides for Union List, State List, and Concurrent List for distribution of powers.
  • 3. Written Constitution: Clearly defines the structure, powers, and functions of both central and state governments.
  • 4. Supremacy of the Constitution: All laws must conform to the Constitution.
  • 5. Independent Judiciary: Supreme Court safeguards the Constitution and settles disputes between Centre and States.
  • 6. Bicameral Legislature: Parliament has two houses — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (which represents the states).

Unitary Features of the Indian Constitution

  • 1. Strong Centre: More subjects in Union List (97) than State List (66).
  • 2. Single Constitution: No separate constitutions for states, unlike the US.
  • 3. Single Citizenship: Only Indian citizenship is recognized.
  • 4. Emergency Provisions: During emergencies, the Centre becomes all-powerful and states come under its control.
  • 5. Appointment of Governors: Governors are appointed by the President and act as the Centre’s representatives in states.
  • 6. Integrated Judiciary: There is no separate judiciary for states.

Why India is called a “Quasi-Federal” State?

India is described as a "Quasi-Federal" or "Federal with Unitary Bias" because, while it has federal characteristics, it gives overriding powers to the Centre, especially in matters of national importance and emergencies.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2020: India is described as a ‘Quasi-Federal’ state. Who said this?
  • K.C. Wheare
  • RRB NTPC 2016: Which list contains more subjects – Union or State?
  • Union List
  • HSSC 2019: Who appoints the Governor of a State in India?
  • President of India
Did You Know? The term “Quasi-Federal” was coined by K.C. Wheare to describe India’s unique federal structure with unitary tilt.

Conclusion

The Indian Constitution is a fine balance of federal principles with unitary features. It provides flexibility to ensure national unity while respecting the diversity and autonomy of states.

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