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.
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
Discuss the relevance and challenges of holding simultaneous elections in India. Would it strengthen federalism or undermine it?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ParliamentFederalism
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
What do you understand by the "principle of subsidiarity"? Discuss its importance in the context of India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
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
Key to effective decentralisation is "political decentralisation should follow finance and functional decentralisation". Discuss in context of impediments faced by local governance in India.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Local GovernmentFederalism
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
Explain the significance of Judicial Review as a part of the Basic Structure Doctrine. How does it act as a check on the powers of other organs of government? 2. The status of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi is 'sui generis'. Discuss the implications of this status on the power-sharing arrangement between the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government of Delhi in light of recent judicial pronouncements and legislative changes.
Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
The Indian philosophy of secularism is 'Sarva Dharma Sambhava' that is the destination of paths followed by all religions is same. Q2. Federalism refers to the relationship between Union govt. and state govt. in a nation. The Indian constitution mentions India, that is 'Bharat' a 'Union of States'.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
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
What are the significant provisions of the Government of National Capital territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2021? Also explain how Delhi as a Union Territory is different from the normal state of India constitutionally?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
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
Rule of Law and Judicial Review form the backbone of Indian Democracy. Discuss. Q2. The 69th Constitutional Amendment Act provided for the administration of National Capital Territory of Delhi. Discuss the nature of the power tussle between the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government of Delhi.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Answer the following questions based on the provided images.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
The recent demand of Ladakh for 6th Schedule status, highlights on its eminence in governance system.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
FederalismLocal Government
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
"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
Political decentralization without devolution of funds and functions to panchayats has resulted in representation but not empowerment. Examine whether devolution of funds and functions alone can transform panchayats into effective institutions of self-governance.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Local GovernmentFederalism