Indian Polity · MCQs

Federal System MCQs

100questions in the set

Practise all 100 questions Read the Federal System notes

Try it

5 questions to try

From the 100 in PrepShark’s Federal System set (Indian Polity). Pick an answer, then open the explanation.

Question 01
With reference to Bills passed by a State Legislature and presented to the Governor under Article 200, consider the following statements: 1. The Governor may reserve a Bill for the consideration of the President. 2. A Bill which, in the Governor's opinion, would so derogate from the powers of the High Court as to endanger its constitutional position must be reserved for the President. 3. The Governor may return a Money Bill to the Legislature for reconsideration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Option A: 1 only
2. Option B: 1 and 2 only
3. Option C: 2 and 3 only
4. Option D: 1, 2 and 3
Answer and explanation
Answer: B. 1 and 2 only
**Statement 1 is correct.** Reservation for the **President** is one of the Governor's options under **Article 200**. **Statement 2 is correct.** The **second proviso to Article 200** makes reservation **mandatory** for a Bill that endangers the **High Court's** position. **Statement 3 is incorrect.** The **first proviso** allows return for reconsideration only for Bills **other than Money Bills**.
Question 02
Which one of the following best describes the overall approach of the Sarkaria Commission to Centre–State relations?
1. Option A: It recommended transferring most Union List subjects to the States.
2. Option B: It recommended abolishing the office of Governor.
3. Option C: It did not favour structural changes, regarding the existing institutions as basically sound, but recommended changes in their functioning.
4. Option D: It recommended a confederal structure with a weak Centre.
Answer and explanation
Answer: C. It did not favour structural changes, regarding the existing institutions as basically sound, but recommended changes in their functioning.
Sarkaria's report is remembered for being **conservative on structure** and **reformist on practice**. **Why C is correct.** The Commission found the existing structure **basically sound** and focused on **functional** reforms, such as consultation, the Inter-State Council and restraint in using **Article 356**. **Why A is incorrect.** It did not recommend large-scale transfer of Union List subjects. **Why B is incorrect.** It recommended **criteria** for appointing Governors, not abolition of the office. **Why D is incorrect.** It favoured a **strong Centre** as necessary for **national unity**.
Question 03
With reference to the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Article 131, consider the following statements: 1. It covers disputes between the Government of India and one or more States. 2. A private individual can file a suit under Article 131 against a State Government. 3. It does not extend to a dispute arising out of a pre-Constitution treaty or agreement that excludes such jurisdiction. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Option A: 1 only
2. Option B: 2 and 3 only
3. Option C: 1 and 3 only
4. Option D: 1, 2 and 3
Answer and explanation
Answer: C. 1 and 3 only
**Statement 1 is correct.** **Article 131** gives the Supreme Court **exclusive original jurisdiction** in disputes between the **Government of India and States**, and between States. **Statement 2 is incorrect.** Article 131 is for disputes **between governments**. A **private individual** cannot invoke it and must seek remedies elsewhere, for example under **Article 32** or **Article 226**. **Statement 3 is correct.** The **proviso to Article 131** excludes disputes arising from a **pre-Constitution treaty, agreement, covenant or sanad** that so provides.
Question 04
Consider the following statements: 1. The President may, with the consent of the Government of a State, entrust to that Government functions relating to any matter to which the executive power of the Union extends. 2. The Governor of a State may, with the consent of the Government of India, entrust to that Government functions relating to any matter to which the executive power of the State extends. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Option A: 1 only
2. Option B: 2 only
3. Option C: Both 1 and 2
4. Option D: Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanation
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
**Statement 1 is correct.** This is **Article 258(1)**: Union functions may be entrusted to a State **with its consent**. **Statement 2 is correct.** This is **Article 258A**, inserted by the **7th Amendment (1956)**: the reverse entrustment, again **with consent**.
Question 05
With reference to residuary powers, consider the following statements: 1. Under Article 248, the residuary power of legislation, including the power to impose a tax not mentioned in any List, vests in the State Legislatures. 2. In the federations of the USA and Australia, the residuary powers lie with the federal government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Option A: 1 only
2. Option B: 2 only
3. Option C: Both 1 and 2
4. Option D: Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanation
Answer: D. Neither 1 nor 2
**Statement 1 is incorrect.** **Article 248** read with **Entry 97 of the Union List** gives the residuary power to **Parliament**, not the States, expressly including **residuary taxation**. **Statement 2 is incorrect.** In the **USA** and **Australia** the residuary powers belong to the **States**. It is India, following **Canada**, that vests them in the Centre.

Indian Polity

More Indian Polity MCQs

All Indian Polity notes