Which Article empowers the Parliament to restrict 'Freedom of Trade and Commerce' in public interest?
- Article 302
- Article 303
- Article 301
- Article 304
Explanation: While Art 301 guarantees free trade throughout India, Art 302 allows Parliament to impose reasonable restrictions.
In which landmark case did the Supreme Court declare 'Federalism' to be a part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution?
- S.R. Bommai v. Union of India
- Minerva Mills Case
- Golaknath Case
- Kesavananda Bharati Case
Explanation: In the S.R. Bommai case (1994), the SC held that Federalism is a basic feature, meaning the States are not mere appendages of the Centre.
The 'Division of Powers' between the Union and States is found in which Schedule?
- 7th Schedule
- 6th Schedule
- 8th Schedule
- 5th Schedule
Explanation: The 7th Schedule contains three lists: List I (Union), List II (State), and List III (Concurrent).
The property of the Union is exempt from all taxes imposed by a State according to:
- Article 285
- Article 289
- Article 287
- Article 291
Explanation: Conversely, Article 289 exempts State property and income from Union taxation.
In the case of a 'National Emergency' (Art 352), the federal structure of India becomes:
- Stay as it is
- Unitary in character
- More decentralized
- Confederation
Explanation: During a National Emergency, the Centre can give directions to States on any matter and Parliament can legislate on State List subjects.
Which commission recommended that 'Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State'?
- Anandpur Sahib Resolution
- Rajamannar Committee
- West Bengal Memorandum
- Sarkaria Commission
Explanation: This was suggested to ensure the Governor remains detached from local politics and acts as an impartial link.
The 'National Development Council' (NDC) includes:
- Prime Minister
- All Union Cabinet Ministers
- Chief Ministers of all States
- All of the above
Explanation: Established in 1952, the NDC was the highest body for decision-making on development matters.
The 'Finance Commission' is a quasi-judicial body constituted every five years under which Article?
- Article 275
- Article 293
- Article 282
- Article 280
Explanation: The Finance Commission recommends the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Centre and States.
The 'Concurrent List' in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the constitution of which country?
- USA
- Canada
- Germany
- Australia
Explanation: The concept of a Concurrent List, where both Centre and States can legislate, is inspired by the Australian Constitution.
Which Article provides for 'Grants for any public purpose' (Discretionary Grants)?
- Article 283
- Article 282
- Article 280
- Article 281
Explanation: Both the Union and States can make grants for any public purpose, even if the subject is not within their legislative competence.
The 'North-Eastern Council' was created by a separate Act in 1971. How many states are members?
Explanation: It includes the 'Seven Sisters' plus Sikkim.
The 'Doctrine of Colorable Legislation' is based on the maxim:
- Caveat Emptor
- Quando aliquid prohibetur ex directo, prohibetur et per obliquum
- Res ipsa loquitur
- Ignorantia juris non excusat
Explanation: This means 'whatever is prohibited directly is also prohibited indirectly.' It prevents a legislature from disguising its lack of power.
In which case did the Court rule that the Centre's power to issue directions under Art 256/257 is not absolute?
- Pradeep Jain Case
- S.R. Bommai Case
- Maneka Gandhi Case
- State of Rajasthan v. Union of India
Explanation: While upholding the Centre's power, the court noted that directions must be based on legitimate administrative needs.
The 'Cooperative Federalism' model suggests that:
- The Centre and States work together to solve national problems
- States are superior to the Centre
- The Centre and States are in a permanent conflict
- The Centre should abolish all State powers
Explanation: It emphasizes horizontal and vertical collaboration rather than competition.
Which of the following subjects was moved from the State List to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment?
- Weights and Measures
- Forests
- Protection of Wild Animals
- All of the above
Explanation: Five subjects were moved: Education, Forests, Weights/Measures, Protection of Wild Animals/Birds, and Administration of Justice.
The 'Central Council of Local Government' was established by:
- Presidential Order
- Act of Parliament
- 74th Amendment
- 73rd Amendment
Explanation: It was established in 1954 under Article 263 to deal with urban local government issues.
Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers is covered under:
- Article 262
- Article 263
- Article 261
- Article 264
Explanation: Article 262 allows Parliament to provide for the adjudication of river water disputes and bar the jurisdiction of any court (including the SC).
The 'Special Provision' for the State of Nagaland is found in:
- Article 371A
- Article 371B
- Article 371D
- Article 371C
Explanation: This article protects Naga religious/social practices and land ownership from Acts of Parliament unless the State Assembly agrees.
The 'West Bengal Memorandum' (1977) on Centre-State relations suggested replacing the word 'Union' with:
- Alliance
- Federation
- Confederation
- Republic
Explanation: It argued for more State autonomy and a decrease in the powers of the Centre.
Which feature of Indian Federalism is called the 'Safety Valve' for the Centre?
- Article 280
- Article 1
- Article 312
- Article 356
Explanation: Dr. Ambedkar hoped it would be a 'dead letter,' but it has been used frequently to dismiss State Governments.
The power of Parliament to legislate for giving effect to 'International Agreements' is found in:
- Article 252
- Article 251
- Article 253
- Article 254
Explanation: Article 253 allows Parliament to make laws for the whole or any part of India to implement any treaty or international convention, even if it falls in the State List.
A State Government cannot borrow money from:
- Abroad (Foreign sources)
- Commercial Banks
- The Public
- The Centre
Explanation: Under Article 293, States can borrow within India, but they cannot raise loans from outside India without the Union's guarantee.
The 'Council of States' (Rajya Sabha) represents the:
- The Judiciary
- The President
- People of India
- States and UTs
Explanation: It is the 'Federal House' where members are elected by the State Legislative Assemblies.
The 'Punchhi Commission' (2007) was related to which of the following?
- Centre-State Relations
- Tax Reforms
- Panchayati Raj
- Police Reforms
Explanation: Headed by Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi, it examined the changing dynamics of Centre-State relations, including the role of Governors.
Which type of 'Grants-in-aid' are provided under Article 275?
- Emergency Grants
- Statutory Grants
- Discretionary Grants
- None of the above
Explanation: These are given to States which are in need of assistance, based on the recommendation of the Finance Commission.
Which Article says 'The executive power of every State shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union'?
- Article 258
- Article 257
- Article 256
- Article 259
Explanation: This gives the Union the power to give directions to States regarding the construction/maintenance of means of communication (railways, etc.).
Which body replaced the 'Planning Commission' in 2015 to promote 'Cooperative Federalism'?
- National Development Council
- NITI Aayog
- Zonal Council
- Finance Commission
Explanation: NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) emphasizes a 'bottom-up' approach and the active involvement of States.
Which Constitutional Amendment gave the Centre and States the simultaneous power to legislate on GST?
- 100th Amendment
- 102nd Amendment
- 103rd Amendment
- 101st Amendment
Explanation: It inserted Article 246A, which is a unique provision overriding the general scheme of Article 246.
In the 'USA', the States have their own Constitutions. Is this true for India?
- No, never
- No, only for J&K (previously)
- Yes, for all States
- Yes, for North-Eastern states
Explanation: India has a single Constitution for both the Centre and the States (J&K was the only exception until 2019).
Who is the 'Common Link' between the Centre and the States in administrative matters?
- The Attorney General
- The Chief Minister
- The Cabinet Secretary
- The Governor
Explanation: The Governor is appointed by the President and acts as a constitutional head of the State and an agent of the Centre.
Which subject is NOT in the Union List?
- Agriculture
- Banking
- Defense
- Atomic Energy
Explanation: Agriculture is primarily a State List subject, though certain aspects like research/education fall in the Concurrent/Union lists.
The 'Full Faith and Credit Clause' (Article 261) ensures that:
- States cannot tax Central property
- States must pay their debts to the Centre
- Public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of the Union and States are recognized everywhere
- The Centre must fund all State projects
Explanation: This clause promotes interstate cooperation and trust in the legal system.
Which Article deals with the 'Residuary Powers' of legislation?
- Article 246
- Article 245
- Article 248
- Article 250
Explanation: Residuary powers (matters not listed in any of the three lists) are vested in the Parliament. In the USA, these powers rest with the States.
If a State fails to comply with the directions given by the Centre under Article 256 or 257, what can happen?
- The State High Court is dissolved
- Article 356 (President's Rule) can be invoked
- Nothing happens
- The PM can fire the CM
Explanation: Under Article 365, if a State fails to comply with Union directions, it is deemed a failure of constitutional machinery.
Which Article empowers the Parliament to create new 'All-India Services'?
- Article 311
- Article 310
- Article 312
- Article 315
Explanation: All-India Services (IAS, IPS, IFoS) are a unique federal feature where officers are recruited by the Centre but serve the States.
Which of the following can Parliament do under Article 252?
- Appoint State Ministers
- Legislate for two or more States with their consent
- Legislate for the whole of India on a state subject
- Dissolve State Legislatures
Explanation: If two or more States pass resolutions asking Parliament to make a law on a State subject, Parliament can do so for those specific States.
Who is the Chairman of the 'Inter-State Council'?
- The Prime Minister
- The Home Minister
- The Chief Minister of the largest state
- The President
Explanation: The Prime Minister is the chairman, and members include Chief Ministers of all States and UTs with assemblies.
Under the 7th Schedule, 'Census' is a subject of the:
- Union List
- Concurrent List
- State List
- Residuary List
Explanation: The conduct of the census is the exclusive responsibility of the Union Government.
The 'Zonal Councils' in India are:
- Judicial Bodies
- Constitutional Bodies
- Private Societies
- Statutory Bodies
Explanation: Zonal Councils were established by an Act of Parliament (States Reorganisation Act, 1956), not by the Constitution itself.
Which Article provides for the 'Taxes levied and collected by the Union but assigned to the States'?
- Article 268
- Article 270
- Article 271
- Article 269
Explanation: Examples include taxes on the sale or purchase of goods in the course of inter-state trade.
Which Article provides for the establishment of an 'Inter-State Council'?
- Article 263
- Article 300
- Article 262
- Article 280
Explanation: The President can establish an Inter-State Council to investigate and discuss subjects of common interest between the Union and States.
If a law made by a State Legislature on a Concurrent subject is repugnant to a Union law, which law prevails?
- Union Law
- The law made later in time
- State Law
- Both are struck down
Explanation: Under Article 254 (Doctrine of Repugnancy), the Union law prevails, unless the State law was reserved for and received the President's assent.
The term 'Federation' is mentioned in which Article of the Constitution?
- Article 1
- Article 368
- Nowhere
- Article 245
Explanation: The word 'Federation' is not used in the Constitution. Article 1 uses 'Union of States'.
The 'Rajamannar Committee' (1969) was appointed by which State Government to study Centre-State relations?
- Punjab
- West Bengal
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
Explanation: The committee made very strong 'pro-state' recommendations, including the abolition of Articles 356, 357, and 365.
The 'GST Council' is chaired by:
- The Union Finance Minister
- A State Finance Minister by rotation
- The NITI Aayog Chairman
- The Prime Minister
Explanation: The Council (Art 279A) is a federal body where the Centre has 1/3rd voting power and all States combined have 2/3rd.
Under Article 249, the Parliament can legislate on a State List subject if the ________ passes a resolution in the national interest.
- President
- Lok Sabha
- Rajya Sabha
- Supreme Court
Explanation: Rajya Sabha must pass the resolution by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
The 'Surcharge' on certain taxes and duties for purposes of the Union is mentioned in:
- Article 270
- Article 271
- Article 272
- Article 269
Explanation: Crucially, the proceeds of a surcharge go exclusively to the Centre and are not shared with the States.
Under the 7th Schedule, 'Police' and 'Public Order' are subjects under the:
- State List
- Residuary List
- Union List
- Concurrent List
Explanation: This is why law and order is primarily a State responsibility in India.
The 'Inter-State Water Disputes Act' was passed in which year?
Explanation: It was enacted under Article 262 to provide for the setting up of ad-hoc tribunals for river disputes.
The 'Doctrine of Pith and Substance' is used to determine:
- The validity of a law when it encroaches on another's field
- The popularity of a law
- The financial viability of a bill
- The moral intent of the legislature
Explanation: It looks at the 'true nature' of a law to see if it substantially falls within the power of the legislature that enacted it, despite incidental encroachment.
The 'Territorial Nexus' doctrine means:
- All laws must apply to the whole of India
- A state law can apply outside the state if there is a sufficient connection
- States can tax international trade
- The Centre can take over state land
Explanation: Used by the SC to validate state tax laws that affect people/property outside the state but are connected to the state's welfare.
Under Article 258, the ________ can entrust Union functions to a State Government with the State's consent.
- Chief Justice
- Prime Minister
- President
- Speaker
Explanation: This allows for administrative cooperation where the Union can use State machinery to execute its laws.
Which tax was replaced by the 'GST' (Goods and Services Tax), a major shift in Indian fiscal federalism?
- Customs Duty
- Income Tax
- VAT and Service Tax
- Corporate Tax
Explanation: GST (101st Amendment) integrated multiple indirect taxes, creating a 'dual-GST' model for Centre and States.
Who described the Indian Constitution as 'Quasi-Federal'?
- Ivor Jennings
- K.C. Wheare
- R. Ambedkar
- Glanville Austin
Explanation: K.C. Wheare coined the term 'Quasi-Federal' because the Indian Constitution contains both federal and unitary features, with a tilt toward the Centre.
The 'Administrative Relations' between Centre and States are mentioned in which Part?
- Part XI
- Part X
- Part XII
- Part XIII
Explanation: Part XI covers both Legislative (245-255) and Administrative (256-263) relations.
Which of the following is a 'Unitary' feature of the Indian Constitution?
- Bicameralism
- Written Constitution
- Single Citizenship
- Independent Judiciary
Explanation: Single citizenship, All-India Services, and the appointment of Governors are unitary features. Dual citizenship (like in the USA) is a federal feature.
The 'Sarkaria Commission' was set up to review the relations between:
- Prime Minister and President
- Legislature and Judiciary
- India and its Neighbors
- Centre and States
Explanation: Set up in 1983, it made 247 recommendations to improve Centre-State coordination, including the formation of the Inter-State Council.
The 'Special Status' of Jammu & Kashmir under Article 370 was revoked in:
Explanation: The President issued an order applying all provisions of the Indian Constitution to J&K, effectively neutralizing Article 370.
Which Article allows the Centre to tax the consumption or sale of 'Electricity' in certain cases?
- Article 289
- Article 288
- Article 287
- Article 290
Explanation: Generally, States cannot tax electricity consumed by the Government of India or the Railways.
Which list currently contains the subject of 'Education'?
- State List
- Union List
- Concurrent List
- Residuary List
Explanation: Education was moved from the State List to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976.