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Federalism: CBSE Class 10 Politics practice questions

Practise 50 questions on Federalism, free, with an explanation for each answer.

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Sample questions

Look at the two systems drawn here. Which statement correctly defines federalism?

Left panel: a federal system where the Central and State governments each reach the citizens. Right panel: a unitary system where the centre sends orders to provinces
  1. A system with only one level of government, or one in which the sub-units are subordinate to the central government
  2. A system in which power is divided among the legislature, the executive and the judiciary
  3. A system in which the national government hands some powers to the provinces but can take them back whenever it likes
  4. A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country, each enjoying its power independent of the other
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D. A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country, each enjoying its power independent of the other

In a federation power is divided between the country-level government and the governments of the provinces or states, and both enjoy their power independently. Option A describes a unitary system. Option B is the horizontal separation of powers among organs of government, not a division between levels. Option C describes how Belgium's regional governments were placed before 1993, when their powers could be withdrawn by the Central Government.

Until 1993, Belgium had regional governments, but the Central Government could take away their powers. What change in 1993 made Belgium a federal country?

Before 1993 the centre can pull back regional powers; after 1993 regional powers are guaranteed by the constitution
  1. The Central Government was abolished and only regional governments remained
  2. The regional governments were given constitutional powers that no longer depended on the Central Government
  3. Regional governments were created for the first time in Belgium
  4. The regional governments received more powers, but the Central Government could still take them back
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B. The regional governments were given constitutional powers that no longer depended on the Central Government

Regional governments already existed in Belgium. What changed in 1993 was that their powers were put on a constitutional footing, independent of the Central Government, so Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form. Abolishing the centre (A) was not done, new creation (C) is wrong because they existed earlier, and powers that can still be withdrawn (D) would remain a unitary arrangement. Sri Lanka, by contrast, is for practical purposes still unitary.

Which statement about the two routes to federation is correct?

Three independent State circles joining into a big circle of three equal slices
  1. In 'coming together' federations such as the USA, Switzerland and Australia, the States usually have equal power and are strong compared with the federal government
  2. In 'holding together' federations such as India, Spain and Belgium, all States have equal powers and the Centre is weak
  3. In 'coming together' federations a large country divides its power among States
  4. In 'holding together' federations independent States merge to pool their sovereignty for security
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A. In 'coming together' federations such as the USA, Switzerland and Australia, the States usually have equal power and are strong compared with the federal government

Coming together: independent States join, pooling sovereignty to increase security, usually with equal and strong States. Holding together: a large country divides power; the Central Government tends to be more powerful and units may have unequal powers. Options B, C and D each swap the features of the two routes.

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