GS2 · Topic
Federalism
The federal structure, its asymmetries and the balance the Constitution strikes.
186 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Federalism that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Discuss how the 15th Finance Commission report has the potential to transform the financial governance of India's municipalities?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
FederalismLocal Government
Regional identities in India have strengthened democratic participation, but their aggressive forms may challenge social cohesion. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismPressure Groups and Associations
"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
Discuss the process and rationale behind the creation of new districts in a state. Does the creation of more districts lead to decentralized development and better governance? Argue.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismPolicy Design and Implementation
Assess the impact of Article 244 in accommodating diverse cultural systems in India. What are the challenges in extending the provisions to new areas?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureVulnerable Sections
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
The Indian Constitution provides a framework for urban governance, but despite various initiatives, significant challenges continue to persist in urban areas. Critically analyse. (15M)
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
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
No development strategy can succeed unless it is complemented by the effective implementation of Panchayat Raj Institutions and Urban local bodies. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
Discuss how the principles established in the S.R. Bommai case remain essential for preserving the constitutional values of federalism and secularism. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismJudiciary
A Governor has no executive function to be performed independently under the Indian Constitution. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ExecutiveFederalism
Despite reforms by the Central and state governments to overhaul the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), several challenges remain with regard to their efficient functioning. Elucidate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentFederalism
How does the federal structure of India differ from that of the United States?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Comparative ConstitutionsFederalism
Extending Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh would impact its cultural preservation and regional autonomy. In this context, critically evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with this potential change.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismSC, ST and OBC
The limited revenue generation capacity of municipal corporations has increased their dependence on taxes and grants from the states. What are the issues associated with this trend? What measures are required to improve the finances of the municipal corporations in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Local GovernmentFederalism
How does the inability of local bodies to generate their own funds affect their ability to function effectively? Suggest necessary measures to empower local governments in generating independent revenue streams.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Local GovernmentFederalism
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
This consists of multiple sub-questions on the Indian Constitution, parliamentary form of government, local governance, administration, human rights, and regulatory frameworks.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureParliament
How do Centrally Sponsored Schemes differ from Central Sector Schemes? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding Centrally Sponsored Schemes, suggest remedial measures.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
In terms of fiscal independence or autonomy, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have certainly done better than their rural counterparts (RLBs). Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Local GovernmentFederalism
Even though Indian federalism has matured quite a bit, with states having far greater control of their economic and political management, serious structural problems still remain. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
FederalismCentre-State Relations
The Indian constitution provides a framework for urban governance, but despite various initiatives, significant challenges continue to persist in urban areas. critically analyse
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
Throw light on the various mechanisms for the settlement of disputes related to the equitable sharing of river water among states. Also, evaluate the effectiveness of these mechanisms in the resolution of inter-state river water disputes in the country.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
FederalismCentre-State Relations
The MPLADS scheme goes against the spirit of 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Local GovernmentFederalism
Many times imposition of the President's rule in a State is the direct outcome of the politicisation of the post of Governor. Do you agree?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Centre-State RelationsExecutive
Critically examine the provisions of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) (Amendment) Act, 2023 considering its potential impact on the governance of Delhi and the federal structure of India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Extending Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh could impact its cultural preservation and regional autonomy. In this context, critically evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with this potential change. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
SC, ST and OBCFederalism