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.
"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 present times & circumstances.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
FederalismCentre-State Relations
The Seventh Schedule is a relic from the colonial past inherited from the Government of India Act, 1935 which needs to be revisited for improving Centre-state relations. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
How is Indian judicial system different from that of the USA? Should India move towards a more federal judicial system?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Comparative ConstitutionsJudiciary
Resource collection and redistribution remains a keystone in federal structure. How enactment of 101st Constitutional Amendment Act strengthens federalism?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Why does the Constitution not provide for a conclusive say to the State Legislative Assemblies in the creation, bifurcation, or dissolution of a State?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
FederalismCentre-State Relations
For the success and survival of democracy, an efficient opposition is quintessential. Elaborate What do you understand by Doctrine of Severability? Why the Supreme Court struck down the 97th Constn. Amendt and how it impacts the federal structure of India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureParliament
Competition between states is becoming a powerful dynamic of change and progress, and that dynamic must extend to competition between states and cities, and between cities. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
FederalismLocal Government
What are the key differences between a federal and a unitary system of government? Can the Indian constitution be considered federal in nature despite its unitary features? Critically examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Federalism
Highlight the various challenges in ensuring cooperative federalism in India. Also, suggest measures to foster cooperative federalism.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Art 82 of Constitution mandates delimitation of seats at a fixed interval, based on data from census.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
ParliamentElections and Representation
Despite the elaborate constitutional provisions delineating the distribution of powers between the Centre and States in India, Centre-State disputes remain a recurring feature of Indian democracy. Analyze the factors contributing to these disputes, and discuss the mechanisms available to resolve them effectively.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
What are the grounds and process for the proclamation of the emergency? What are its consequences on the centre state relations?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
Persistent inter-state disputes in India highlight the need for a robust institutional mechanism. Discuss
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Analyze the significant obstacles in interstate river water governance and their repercussions on regional tensions within the nation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Though the Indian Constitution provides a clear division of legislative powers between the Union and states with each being supreme within the spheres allotted to them, this division is tilted towards the Union. In this context, discuss the powers of the Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Local GovernmentFederalism
Interstate disputes are increasingly becoming intractable problems and causing significant bad blood between states. Discuss the constitutional and legal framework to resolve these disputes and explain why these mechanisms have failed to achieve the desired results. Suggest a joint approach for their resolution.
Answered by 1 topper
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanism is essential for a robust justice system. Discuss. Q2. State Finance Commissions are critical for the fiscal health of local self-government institutions. Explain their role and the issues faced by them.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
Special Category Status acts as a lifeline for India's most vulnerable states, bridging unique challenges with the promise of equitable growth. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Debate on the suitability of the idea of “one nation, one election” to Indian polity.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Elections and RepresentationParliament
Discuss the role of State Finance Commissions in ensuring fiscal autonomy for the local bodies.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
Federal governance is characterised by institutionalised arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Do you think the consent of the Chief Minister of the concerned state should be made essential for the appointment of the Governor? Give an account of Sarkaria commission's observations in this regard. Is the appointment of civil servants as Governors a healthy trend?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
“Most of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism focuses on relations between the Union and the states and there is far less space to settle inter-state frictions”. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a role of profound essence! To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to state governance & reinforce principle of federalism?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ExecutiveFederalism
Article 280 accounts for creation of Finance Commission as means to ensure fiscal federalism and more transparency in fund devolution
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitutional BodiesFederalism
Highlighting the constitutional role of the Finance Commission (FC), discuss the issues which are being debated w.r.t. terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Constitutional BodiesCentre-State Relations
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act aimed at decentralisation of urban governance. Despite this, urban local bodies (ULBs) continue to face functional and financial autonomy challenges. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
Enumerate the key provisions for states in 6th Schedule and discuss the structural issues plaguing the effective functioning of autonomous districts.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
FederalismVulnerable Sections
Highlight the importance of State Finance Commission in strengthening fiscal federalism in India. Do you agree with the view that they have not been provided with the necessary environment to play their rightful role?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
FederalismLocal Government