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 the major challenges in effective devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Local GovernmentFederalism
Bring out the differences between 'coming together federations' and 'holding together federations' with examples.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Federalism
The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
FederalismParliament
The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
FederalismLocal Government
Critically evaluate the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992, that seeks to establish democracy at the grassroots.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Local GovernmentFederalism
India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing "resource federalism" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
What is delimitation; and why is it important? What challenges are associated with the delimitation exercise in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Elections and RepresentationParliament
A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of Urban Local Governance in India. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Given the significant role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local governance, assess the challenges and opportunities in strengthening their financial autonomy. How can reforms in PRI financing contribute to more effective grassroots governance in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
"In the era of globalization, the concept of Para diplomacy has become increasingly important in shaping foreign policy, highlighting the growing significance of subnational actors in international relations". Elaborate in the context of India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsFederalism
The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
The Rajya Sabha is not only a House for second thoughts but is also a guardian of a state's interests. In this context, critically examine if Rajya Sabha has lived up to its expectations.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
ParliamentFederalism
A distinctive feature of the Indian Constitution is that it seeks to impart flexibility to a written federal Constitution. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
What do you understand by the principle of subsidiarity? Explain how the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act strives to achieve this principle.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentFederalism
NITI Aayog has replaced the Planning Commission as an institutional reform in the federal polity of India. Discuss. 2. "Contempt of court" provisions in India are often criticized for curbing free speech. Compare the Indian and American approaches to contempt of court.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersFederalism
What is the importance of Local Self Governments in a Democracy such as India? Why do you think did the makers of the Constitution not give adequate importance to this subject in the original constitutional document?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Local GovernmentFederalism
What do you understand by the principle of subsidiarity? Explain how 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act strives to achieve this principle.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentFederalism
Discuss the key tension areas in centre state relations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Critically analyze the rationale behind the proposed amendments to the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954, and its impact on India's federal structure.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Answer the following questions: 1. Discuss the role of Zonal Councils in fostering cooperative federalism in India. 2. How does the Indian Constitution embody the principle of secularism? Discuss its challenges. 3. Critically analyze the impact of Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, on the criminalization of politics in India. 4. Discuss the significance of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in a parliamentary democracy. 5. Discuss the Preamble as the bedrock of the Indian Constitution, highlighting its core principles.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
The Indian model of federalism strengthens the Union government more than the states, but at the same time, state-level government structures have been able to assert their independence in different political contexts. Clarify.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential - it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence". To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to governance of a state, and reinforce principles of federalism?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Centre-State RelationsExecutive
Compare the Indian constitutional framework with that of Switzerland, emphasizing the nuances of direct democracy, federalism, and minority rights.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Comparative ConstitutionsFederalism
The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
FederalismLocal Government
There are arguments that bills of national importance should be placed before the Inter-State Council prior to their introduction in the Parliament. Discuss in light of the issues that have been observed in the passage of bills in the Parliament in recent times.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Discuss the causes and consequences of fiscal imbalance between the Centre and the states in India. How has the introduction of GST impacted the financial autonomy of states?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
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
The key to effective decentralisation is, 'political decentralisation should follow finance & functional decentralisation'. Discuss in context of local gov.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism