Which one of the following is not a characteristic feature of Indian Federalism ?
[amp_mcq option1=”The federating units consented to form a union” option2=”Residuary powers vest with the Centre” option3=”Single citizenship” option4=”An extensive Union and Concurrent list” correct=”option1″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
Option A is correct because, unlike federations like the USA, the Indian union was not formed by an agreement or consent among already existing independent states (federating units). The states were formed by carving out territories from British India and integrating princely states. This makes the Indian union “indestructible” while the states are “destructible” (their boundaries can be altered by Parliament).
Indian federalism is often described as quasi-federal or federal in form but unitary in spirit, with a strong central government. One key difference from classical federations is the origin of the union.