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.
Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
FederalismParliament
Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in balancing fiscal federalism in India. In this context, examine the recommendations given by the 15th Finance Commission.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Constitutional BodiesFederalism
Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
The proposed multi-state cooperative societies (Amendment) Bill 2022 seeks to revamp the operation of cooperative societies in India. Discuss the key provisions of the Bill, emphasizing the importance of this amendment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesPolicy Design and Implementation
'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
The recently released Devolution Index reveals wide variation in the performance of States in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. While explaining the reasons behind this variation, discuss the role of capacity-building initiatives in enabling PRIs to fulfil their constitutional mandate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
"There is a confrontation between the limited financial resources and the unlimited need for public services." In this context, bring out challenges in front of the Urban Local Bodies as public service providers. Also, suggest suitable measures to address these challenges.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentPolicy Design and Implementation
Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-state disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience." Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsConstitution and Basic Structure
"The powers of the Governor, particularly with respect to state bills, have sparked recurring tensions between the Centre and the States." Discuss the constitutional powers of the Governor in this regard. Highlight the key concerns arising out of the Governor's role in the legislative process. What reforms can help address the Governor-State disputes? Refer to the case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsExecutive
The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
"One of the mandates of NITI Aayog is to promote competitive and cooperative federalism among States and UTs." In this context, evaluate the role of NITI Aayog in strengthening cooperative federalism and encouraging innovation in policy making since 2015.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
FederalismElections and Representation
Discuss the constitutional provisions governing the imposition of President's Rule in India and its significance within the federal framework. Examine the challenges and criticisms related to its misuse. Mention key Supreme Court observations that have shaped the constitutional understanding of President's Rule.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
"Municipal corporations are key to urban governance, yet states often show reluctance to empower them functionally and financially". In this context, examine the key challenges faced by municipal corporations and suggest measures for a paradigm shift in urban local governance.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
Highlight the need for the creation of an independent umbrella authority for central investigation agencies. Do you think it will solve the concerns associated with the status of 'Caged Parrot' of CBI?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
ExecutiveFederalism
On what grounds can President's Rule be imposed in a state? Also, mention the procedure of its imposition and its effects.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Examine the role of inter-governmental institutions in facilitating cooperative dialogue and resolving critical governance challenges in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Why are State Legislative Assemblies involved in the election of the President but excluded from the process of impeachment?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureParliament
What is the rationale behind the 'three-language formula' in India's education policy? Also highlight the challenges associated with its adoption and implementation across the country.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
EducationFederalism
How does the Sixth Schedule balance tribal autonomy with national integration? Evaluate its success and limitations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFederalism
Multiplicity of central investigative agencies leads to not only problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions but also dilution of federal principles. Highlighting various issues related to the functioning of central investigating agencies, argue the case for an independent umbrella body for their regulation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
JudiciaryStatutory and Regulatory Bodies
How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Highlight the devolution of powers under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Do you think the process of devolution has been less than satisfactory so far?
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Discuss 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 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
FederalismLocal Government
Cooperative federalism reflects an ideology of stable relationship between centre and state interaction. Despite this, there are certain issues and challenges pertaining to it. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations