GS2 · Topic
Centre-State Relations
Legislative, administrative and financial relations, and disputes between them.
125 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Centre-State Relations that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
In what ways are the Terms of Reference for the Sixteenth Finance Commission different from the earlier Finance Commissions? Also, examine the factors that propel economic disparities across states, despite the Finance Commission devolution becoming increasingly progressive.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Indian Union is a unitary state with subsidiary federal features rather than a federal state with subsidiary unitary features. Discuss various aspects of Indian federal scheme that showcases its unitary bias.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
FederalismCentre-State Relations
A governor should discharge his duty in accordance with the spirit of the constitution and not just act as an agent of the centre. Discuss the issues associated with the post of governor in this regard and suggest remedies for it.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
ExecutiveCentre-State Relations
Describe the legislative powers of the governor. Do you think the dual role of governor is justified in a federal country? Give arguments in support of your view.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors' office.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
ExecutiveFederalism
Asymmetry is not only an important characteristic of federalism in India, it has also helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
The constitutional position of the governor is that of a lynchpin of federalism, holding together the units of federal polity. Critically examine the functioning of the office of governor in carrying out its envisaged role.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Para diplomacy has the potential to not only strengthen the federal structure of the Indian state but also radically alter the trajectory of Indian foreign policy by helping regional governments to realise their potential in the conduct of cross border relations. Critically Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Why did constitution makers prefer 'union of states' over 'federation of states' to describe India? To what extent this preference is responsible for tensions in centre-state relations?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Recent frictions over financial devolution, Governor's powers and inter-state disputes point to emerging stresses in Indian federalism. Analyse
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Under what circumstances can the Governor reserve a state bill for the consideration of the President and why is the provision controversial? Also, discuss the reforms suggested by Punchhi Commission in this regard.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Answer the following questions based on the provided images.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Governor is neither a saboteur nor a sage; he is a constitutional functionary who needs to be solely loyal to the Constitution. Critically examine the statement in the light of recent events.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
ExecutiveFederalism
Providing greater flexibility to states in relation to subjects in the state list and 'transferred items' in the concurrent list can pave the way for better Centre-State relations in India. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
FederalismCentre-State Relations
How has the 69th Constitutional amendment led to Delhi's dual governance dilemma? Discuss its impact on cooperative federalism as envisaged in the Constitution.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Trace and evaluate the role of the Finance Commission in ensuring just and equitable resource sharing among the local bodies, states, and the union.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitutional BodiesFederalism
Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
"The judiciary has acted as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles." Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
ExecutiveJudiciary
"Our Constitution would be both unitary as well as federal according to the requirements of time and circumstances." Discuss. Highlight the challenges faced by Indian federalism in the present times and circumstances.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Discuss the constitutional provisions and challenges related to the imposition of President's Rule under Article 356. Also, evaluate the role of the judiciary in curbing its misuse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Governance of inter-state rivers in India suffers from various issues due to conflictual federalism. Discuss. Also, highlight the mechanisms which can be utilised to resolve inter-state river water disputes in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Critically evaluate Finance Commission's crucial role in ensuring fiscal federalism and maintaining a balance between the fiscal powers of the central and state governments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
"SR Bommai Vs Union ..." signified a paradigm shift in judicial interpretation of union's authority to assume control of state's admin". Discuss significance and impact of the judgement in cementing federal structure.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
FederalismJudiciary
A governor should discharge his duty in accordance with the spirit of the constitution and no just act as an agent of the Centre. Discuss the issues associated with the post of governor in this regard and suggest remedies for it.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
ExecutiveFederalism
Enumerate the challenges to cooperative federalism and critically examine the efficacy of various constitutional mechanisms for redressal of federal disputes.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Bring out the various administrative challenges faced by local self-governments (LSGs). What measures do you suggest for devolving administrative powers to LSGs, enabling them to function as institutions of genuine self-governance?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
The Governor is more than a nominal executive head of the state. Explain
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ExecutiveCentre-State Relations
S.R. Bommai v UoI signified a paradigm shift in judicial interpretation of union's authority to assume control of a state's admin. In this context, discuss significance & impact of judgment on cementing fed structure.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations