🏛️ CBSE CLASS 11 POLITICAL SCIENCE (COURSE A)
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER
Chapter – 7: Federalism
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Full Marks: 40
🧩 SECTION – A (Very Short Answer Questions)
Each question carries 1 mark. (1 × 5 = 5 marks)
Q1. What is the main characteristic of a federal government?
Answer: Power is divided between the central and state governments by the Constitution.
Q2. Name any two federal countries in the world apart from India.
Answer: The United States of America and Canada.
Q3. What does the term ‘Division of Powers’ mean?
Answer: It refers to the constitutional distribution of legislative, executive, and financial powers between the Centre and the States.
Q4. Mention one reason why India adopted federalism.
Answer: India adopted federalism to manage its large size and cultural diversity efficiently.
Q5. What is Article 356 of the Indian Constitution related to?
Answer: Article 356 deals with President’s Rule in a state in case of the failure of constitutional machinery.
🧭 SECTION – B (Short Answer Questions)
Each question carries 2 marks. (2 × 5 = 10 marks)
Q6. Explain any two features of Indian federalism.
Answer:
- Dual polity: India has governments at two levels – the Union and the States.
- Supremacy of the Constitution: Both levels derive authority from the Constitution, ensuring coordination and balance.
Q7. What is meant by “Cooperative Federalism”? Give one example.
Answer:
Cooperative Federalism means a system in which the Centre and States work together to achieve national goals.
Example: NITI Aayog promotes cooperative federalism by involving state governments in policy-making.
Q8. Why is India called a “Union of States” and not a “Federation of States”?
Answer:
The Constitution describes India as a “Union of States” because the Indian federation is indestructible — states cannot secede or separate from the Union.
Q9. Mention any two subjects each in the Union List and the State List.
Answer:
- Union List: Defence, Foreign Affairs
- State List: Police, Public Health
Q10. What is the significance of the Finance Commission in maintaining federal balance?
Answer:
The Finance Commission recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and the States, ensuring financial stability and cooperative federalism.
📚 SECTION – C (Long Answer Questions)
Each question carries 4 marks. (4 × 5 = 20 marks)
Q11. Describe the major features of the federal system in India.
Answer:
- Written Constitution: The Indian Constitution clearly defines powers between Centre and States.
- Division of Powers: Powers are divided into three lists – Union, State, and Concurrent.
- Independent Judiciary: The Supreme Court resolves disputes between the Centre and States.
- Strong Centre: The Constitution gives greater power to the Centre for unity and integrity.
Q12. Explain the role of Governors and the provision of President’s Rule in Indian federalism.
Answer:
- The Governor acts as the link between the Centre and the State.
- He can recommend President’s Rule (Article 356) if the state government fails to function according to the Constitution.
- President’s Rule implies suspension of the state government and direct rule by the Centre.
- Though meant for emergencies, its misuse can weaken federalism.
Q13. How does the Indian Constitution balance unity with diversity through its federal structure?
Answer:
- The Constitution allows power-sharing between Centre and States to manage diversity.
- States have autonomy in state subjects like health and agriculture.
- A strong Centre ensures unity during national crises.
- The Concurrent List ensures coordination in common interests.
Q14. Discuss the special provisions given to Jammu and Kashmir and other states.
Answer:
- Jammu and Kashmir earlier had special status under Article 370, allowing its own Constitution and autonomy in internal matters.
- Other states like Nagaland (Article 371A), Mizoram (Article 371G), and Sikkim (Article 371F) also enjoy special protections due to cultural and historical reasons.
- These provisions promote national integration while respecting diversity.
Q15. Examine the advantages of having a strong central government in a federal system like India.
Answer:
- Ensures unity and stability in a diverse country.
- Helps in coordinated development and national planning.
- Efficiently handles external threats and internal emergencies.
- Balances regional interests with national priorities.
✍️ SECTION – D (Case/Source Based Question)
Each question carries 5 marks.
Q16. Read the passage and answer the following questions:
“The framers of the Indian Constitution were aware of the diversity of India. They provided a federal structure that could hold the country together while allowing regional autonomy. However, the central government was given more powers to ensure national integrity and peace.”
(a) What was the main reason for providing a federal structure?
Answer: To manage India’s vast diversity and ensure administrative efficiency.
(b) Why were more powers given to the Centre?
Answer: To maintain national unity and handle emergencies effectively.
(c) Which institution acts as the guardian of the Constitution in this federal framework?
Answer: The Supreme Court of India.
(d) What type of federalism does India follow?
Answer: India follows a quasi-federal or cooperative federal structure.
(e) Name any one factor that promotes federal harmony in India.
Answer: The Inter-State Council and institutions like NITI Aayog promote coordination between Centre and States.