Polity Chapter 27 Notes - Centre-State Relations (केंद्र-राज्य संबंध)

List of all Important Questions

1 The Constitution distributes legislative powers between the Union and States through the Seventh Schedule. Which list contains subjects on which both Parliament and State Legislatures can normally make laws?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 1:

1. Distributes - बाँटता है
2. Legislative - कानून बनाने से संबंधित
3. Subjects - विषय
4. Normally - सामान्यतः

Answer: Concurrent List (समवर्ती सूची).

1. Education is in the Concurrent List.
2. Forests are in the Concurrent List.
3. Marriage and divorce are in the Concurrent List.
4. Both Parliament and a State Legislature can legislate on Concurrent List subjects.
5. If valid Union and State laws conflict, the constitutional rule regarding repugnancy becomes important.

2 During debates over State autonomy and centralisation, which constitutional principle gives Parliament exclusive power to legislate on subjects in the Union List?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 2:

1. Autonomy - स्वायत्तता
2. Centralisation - केंद्रीकरण
3. Exclusive - विशेष/एकमात्र
4. Legislate - कानून बनाना

Answer: Article 246 read with the Union List in the Seventh Schedule.

1. Defence is a Union List subject.
2. Foreign affairs are a Union List subject.
3. Atomic energy is controlled by the Union.
4. Railways are a Union List subject.
5. States cannot ordinarily make laws on Union List subjects.

3 When Parliament and a State Legislature both legislate on a Concurrent List subject and their laws conflict, which constitutional provision is primarily applied?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 3:

1. Conflict - टकराव
2. Provision - प्रावधान
3. Primarily - मुख्य रूप से
4. Applied - लागू किया जाता है

Answer: Article 254.

1. Parliament and a State can both legislate on education.
2. A State law may receive Presidential assent and operate despite an earlier conflicting Union law within that State.
3. Parliament can later override such a State law.
4. Article 254 deals with repugnancy between Union and State laws.
5. This is different from the distribution of subjects between the three lists.

4 A State government passes a law on a Concurrent List subject, and the Governor reserves it for the President. Which constitutional article determines the effect of Presidential consideration of such a law?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 4:

1. Reserves - सुरक्षित रखता है
2. Consideration - विचार
3. Effect - प्रभाव
4. Concurrent - समवर्ती

Answer: Article 201 deals with Bills reserved by the Governor for the President.

1. A Governor may reserve a Bill for the President.
2. The President may assent to the Bill.
3. The President may withhold assent.
4. The President may return a non-Money Bill for reconsideration.
5. Article 201 is closely connected with the Governor's power under Article 200.

5 When a State law conflicts with a Parliamentary law on a Concurrent List subject, which general rule explains why the Parliamentary law normally prevails?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 5:

1. Conflicts - टकराता है
2. General rule - सामान्य नियम
3. Prevails - प्रभावी रहता है
4. Parliamentary - संसद से संबंधित

Answer: Article 254(1), subject to the exception provided by Article 254(2).

1. Education can involve both Union and State legislation.
2. A later valid Parliamentary law can override a State law.
3. A State law with Presidential assent can operate in that State despite repugnancy.
4. Parliament can subsequently override that State law.
5. The rule concerns Concurrent List subjects.

6 The Supreme Court's federalism jurisprudence repeatedly stresses constitutional limits on Union intervention in States. Which case is most famously associated with strict judicial review of Article 356?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 6:

1. Jurisprudence - न्यायिक सिद्धांत
2. Intervention - हस्तक्षेप
3. Strict - कठोर
4. Judicial review - न्यायिक समीक्षा

Answer: S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994).

1. A State government cannot be dismissed merely because the Union dislikes it.
2. The majority of a ministry should ordinarily be tested on the floor of the House.
3. President's Rule is subject to judicial review.
4. Federalism was treated as an important constitutional principle.
5. The case significantly restricted arbitrary use of Article 356.

7 When President's Rule is imposed because the constitutional machinery of a State has failed, which Article of the Constitution is invoked?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 7:

1. Imposed - लागू किया गया
2. Constitutional machinery - संवैधानिक व्यवस्था
3. Failed - विफल हो गई
4. Invoked - लागू/प्रयोग किया गया

Answer: Article 356.

1. President's Rule can be imposed under Article 356.
2. The proclamation may follow the Governor's report.
3. It can also be based on other information received by the President.
4. Parliament must approve the proclamation within the constitutional period.
5. S.R. Bommai placed important safeguards on its use.

8 If the Union government wants to acquire a State's executive authority for ensuring compliance with laws made by Parliament, which constitutional provision is especially relevant?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 8:

1. Acquire - प्राप्त करना
2. Executive authority - कार्यपालिका शक्ति
3. Compliance - अनुपालन
4. Relevant - प्रासंगिक

Answer: Article 365, read with Article 256.

1. States must ensure compliance with Parliamentary laws.
2. Article 256 deals with the obligation of States regarding Union laws.
3. Article 365 deals with failure to comply with Union directions.
4. Such failure may become a ground for action under Article 356.
5. The provisions show the strong Union features of Indian federalism.

9 During disputes over Union directions to States, which Article empowers the Union to give directions to a State for ensuring compliance with Parliamentary laws?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 9:

1. Directions - निर्देश
2. Empowers - शक्ति देता है
3. Ensuring - सुनिश्चित करना
4. Compliance - अनुपालन

Answer: Article 256.

1. A State must exercise its executive power to comply with Union laws.
2. The Union can issue directions for that purpose.
3. Article 256 concerns Union-State administrative relations.
4. It is different from Article 257, which concerns Union control over State executive power in specified matters.
5. Article 365 provides a consequence for failure to comply with Union directions.

10 When the Union gives directions to a State concerning the construction and maintenance of means of communication declared to be of national or military importance, which Article applies?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 10:

1. Means of communication - संचार के साधन
2. Declared - घोषित
3. National importance - राष्ट्रीय महत्व
4. Maintenance - रखरखाव

Answer: Article 257.

1. A strategically important road may have national importance.
2. The Union may give directions regarding such communications.
3. Railways themselves are a Union subject.
4. Article 257 protects specified Union interests in State administration.
5. It is an example of administrative rather than legislative federal relations.

11 In the context of Centre-State cooperation, which constitutional Article provides for an Inter-State Council when the President considers it necessary?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 11:

1. Cooperation - सहयोग
2. Inter-State - अंतर्राज्यीय
3. Considers - मानता/विचार करता है
4. Necessary - आवश्यक

Answer: Article 263.

1. The Inter-State Council is a forum for Centre-State and inter-State dialogue.
2. Article 263 provides its constitutional basis.
3. It can investigate and discuss disputes between States.
4. It can recommend better coordination of policy and action.
5. It promotes cooperative federalism.

12 The Inter-State Council was created in 1990 following recommendations associated with the Sarkaria Commission. What is its principal constitutional basis?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 12:

1. Created - स्थापित किया गया
2. Recommendations - सिफारिशें
3. Principal - मुख्य
4. Basis - आधार

Answer: Article 263.

1. The Sarkaria Commission examined Centre-State relations.
2. The Inter-State Council was established by Presidential order in 1990.
3. It is different from the GST Council.
4. It provides a political and administrative dialogue mechanism.
5. It is not a court for deciding inter-State legal disputes.

13 If Bihar and another State have a legal dispute over a river and the dispute falls within the constitutional jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, which Article gives the Court original jurisdiction?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 13:

1. Legal dispute - कानूनी विवाद
2. River - नदी
3. Jurisdiction - अधिकार-क्षेत्र
4. Original jurisdiction - मूल अधिकार-क्षेत्र

Answer: Article 131.

1. Article 131 concerns certain disputes involving the Union and States.
2. It can cover disputes between two or more States.
3. The dispute must involve a question of legal right.
4. It is different from ordinary appeals to the Supreme Court.
5. Inter-State water disputes have a special constitutional framework as well.

14 When States dispute the sharing of waters of an inter-State river, which constitutional Article permits Parliament to provide a special mechanism and exclude Supreme Court jurisdiction over such disputes?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 14:

1. Sharing - बाँटने
2. Permits - अनुमति देता है
3. Mechanism - व्यवस्था
4. Exclude - बाहर करना

Answer: Article 262.

1. River-water disputes can involve multiple States.
2. Parliament enacted the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
3. Article 262 deals specifically with inter-State water disputes.
4. Tribunals can be created under Parliamentary law.
5. This framework is distinct from Article 131's general original jurisdiction.

15 When Parliament creates an inter-State water disputes tribunal, which law provides the principal statutory framework for such tribunals?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 15:

1. Tribunal - अधिकरण
2. Statutory - कानून द्वारा बनाया गया
3. Framework - ढाँचा
4. Disputes - विवाद

Answer: Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

1. The Cauvery dispute involved multiple States.
2. The Krishna river dispute has involved multiple States.
3. The Godavari dispute also involved inter-State water sharing.
4. The Act provides for adjudication through tribunals.
5. Article 262 is the constitutional foundation of the framework.

16 In a debate over which level of government can tax a particular activity, which constitutional Schedule is the first place to examine?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 16:

1. Debate - विवाद/चर्चा
2. Level of government - शासन का स्तर
3. Tax - कर
4. Schedule - अनुसूची

Answer: Seventh Schedule.

1. The Seventh Schedule contains the Union, State and Concurrent Lists.
2. Taxation powers are distributed between Union and States.
3. GST changed several aspects of indirect-tax federalism.
4. Residuary legislative powers remain with Parliament.
5. The Schedule is central to understanding Indian federalism.

17 After the 101st Constitutional Amendment and the introduction of GST, which constitutional body became the major institutional forum for Union-State tax coordination?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 17:

1. Amendment - संशोधन
2. Introduction - शुरुआत
3. Institutional forum - संस्थागत मंच
4. Coordination - समन्वय

Answer: GST Council under Article 279A.

1. The GST Council includes the Union Finance Minister.
2. State finance ministers participate in the Council.
3. It recommends GST rates and major GST-related matters.
4. Its creation strengthened cooperative fiscal federalism.
5. The GST Council is constitutionally different from the Finance Commission.

18 The GST Council's recommendations became a major issue in the Mohit Minerals judgment. What did the Supreme Court hold about the legal nature of GST Council recommendations?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 18:

1. Recommendations - सिफारिशें
2. Judgment - निर्णय
3. Legal nature - कानूनी प्रकृति
4. Binding - बाध्यकारी

Answer: GST Council recommendations are not binding on the Union and States as a matter of constitutional command; the Council embodies cooperative federalism.

1. The case was Union of India v. Mohit Minerals.
2. The judgment was delivered in 2022.
3. The Court emphasised dialogue between Union and States.
4. The GST Council is a constitutional body.
5. The judgment is highly important for understanding Indian fiscal federalism.

19 The 16th Finance Commission submitted its report in November 2025 for the period beginning 2026-27. Which constitutional Article establishes the Finance Commission?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 19:

1. Submitted - प्रस्तुत किया
2. Period - अवधि
3. Establishes - स्थापित करता है
4. Finance - वित्त

Answer: Article 280. The 16th Finance Commission's award period is 2026-27 to 2030-31. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

1. The President constitutes the Finance Commission.
2. It is normally constituted every five years or earlier.
3. It recommends distribution of divisible Union taxes.
4. It recommends principles for grants-in-aid to States.
5. The 16th Finance Commission covers the period beginning 2026-27. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

20 The 16th Finance Commission's report covers 2026-27 to 2030-31. What is the most important constitutional concept involved when it recommends the share of States in the divisible pool of Union taxes?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 20:

1. Divisible pool - बाँटने योग्य कर-राशि
2. Share - हिस्सा
3. Concept - अवधारणा
4. Devolution - राजस्व का हस्तांतरण

Answer: Vertical devolution, i.e. distribution of the divisible pool between the Union and the States. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

1. Vertical devolution asks how much goes to all States together.
2. Horizontal devolution asks how the States' share is divided among individual States.
3. Finance Commissions deal with both.
4. Article 280 is the constitutional basis.
5. Vertical and horizontal devolution are different concepts.

21 The 15th Finance Commission recommended 41% of the divisible pool for States for 2021-26, down from 42% because of the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir. What kind of devolution is this?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 21:

1. Recommended - सिफारिश की
2. Divisible pool - बाँटने योग्य कर-राशि
3. Reorganisation - पुनर्गठन
4. Devolution - राजस्व हस्तांतरण

Answer: Vertical tax devolution. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

1. 14th Finance Commission recommended 42%.
2. 15th Finance Commission recommended 41%.
3. The 41% recommendation applied for 2021-26.
4. Vertical devolution is Union-versus-States distribution.
5. Horizontal devolution is State-versus-State distribution.

22 When the Finance Commission decides how the States' overall share should be distributed among Bihar, Kerala, Maharashtra and other States, what is this process called?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 22:

1. Overall share - कुल हिस्सा
2. Distributed - बाँटा जाता है
3. Process - प्रक्रिया
4. Horizontal - क्षैतिज

Answer: Horizontal devolution.

1. Bihar competes for its share of the States' total allocation.
2. Population may be one factor used by a Finance Commission.
3. Income distance has been an important criterion in recent Finance Commissions.
4. Area can also be considered.
5. This is different from deciding the total States' share from the Union.

23 Which Article empowers the Finance Commission to recommend grants-in-aid of the revenues of States from the Consolidated Fund of India?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 23:

1. Grants-in-aid - सहायता अनुदान
2. Revenues - राजस्व
3. Consolidated Fund - संचित निधि
4. Empowers - शक्ति देता है

Answer: Article 275.

1. Article 275 provides for grants-in-aid to States.
2. These grants are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
3. Finance Commission recommends principles for such grants.
4. Grants can address fiscal disparities.
5. Article 282 is different because it concerns discretionary grants for public purposes.

24 When the Union provides a grant to a State for a specific national programme, which constitutional Article is commonly associated with discretionary grants for public purposes?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 24:

1. Specific - विशेष
2. Programme - कार्यक्रम
3. Discretionary - विवेकाधीन
4. Public purpose - सार्वजनिक उद्देश्य

Answer: Article 282.

1. Union grants may support development programmes.
2. State governments can also make grants for public purposes.
3. Article 282 is wider than Article 275 in terms of public-purpose grants.
4. Finance Commission grants have a separate constitutional basis.
5. Centrally Sponsored Schemes are an important practical example of Centre-State financial interaction.

25 When the Union taxes income and then shares the proceeds with States according to constitutional arrangements, which Article provides the basic framework for distribution of certain Union taxes between Union and States?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 25:

1. Proceeds - प्राप्त राशि
2. Framework - ढाँचा
3. Distribution - वितरण
4. Arrangements - व्यवस्थाएँ

Answer: Articles 268 to 281 collectively govern major aspects of financial relations, with Article 270 being central to the distribution of certain Union taxes.

1. Article 270 concerns taxes levied and collected by the Union and distributed between Union and States.
2. Article 268 concerns duties levied by the Union but collected and appropriated by States.
3. Article 269 concerns certain taxes levied and collected by the Union but assigned to States.
4. Article 280 creates the Finance Commission.
5. Article 281 requires Finance Commission recommendations to be laid before Parliament.

26 After GST replaced many State and Union indirect taxes, which constitutional amendment created the GST Council and fundamentally changed fiscal federalism?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 26:

1. Replaced - स्थान ले लिया
2. Indirect taxes - अप्रत्यक्ष कर
3. Fundamentally - मूल रूप से
4. Fiscal federalism - वित्तीय संघवाद

Answer: 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.

1. GST was introduced from 1 July 2017.
2. Article 279A created the GST Council.
3. GST subsumed many indirect taxes.
4. States participate in GST decision-making.
5. GST is one of India's biggest examples of cooperative fiscal federalism.

27 In the GST Council, if a proposal is put to vote, what voting weight does the Union government have compared with all the State governments together?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 27:

1. Proposal - प्रस्ताव
2. Voting weight - मतदान का भार
3. Together - मिलाकर
4. Government - सरकार

Answer: The Union has one-third of the weighted votes, while all States together have two-thirds.

1. The Union Finance Minister is a member.
2. State finance ministers are members.
3. A decision requires a three-fourths weighted majority.
4. The Union's vote cannot alone produce a three-fourths majority.
5. States collectively have two-thirds voting weight.

28 A State argues that GST has reduced its independent taxation space. Which constitutional body should be studied to understand this change in Centre-State fiscal relations?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 28:

1. Independent - स्वतंत्र
2. Taxation space - कर लगाने की गुंजाइश
3. Fiscal relations - वित्तीय संबंध
4. Reduced - कम किया

Answer: GST Council under Article 279A.

1. States surrendered several indirect-tax powers to the GST framework.
2. The Union also surrendered some tax powers.
3. GST created a common indirect-tax structure.
4. States still have taxation powers outside GST in several areas.
5. The Council provides a common decision-making forum.

29 If a State government complains that the Union is not giving it a share of taxes recommended by the Finance Commission, which institution's recommendations are constitutionally central to the issue?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 29:

1. Complains - शिकायत करता है
2. Share - हिस्सा
3. Recommended - सिफारिश किया गया
4. Institution - संस्था

Answer: Finance Commission.

1. The Finance Commission is constituted under Article 280.
2. It recommends tax devolution.
3. Its recommendations are submitted to the President.
4. The recommendations are laid before Parliament under Article 281.
5. The 16th Finance Commission's award period begins in 2026-27. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

30 The 16th Finance Commission report for 2026-31 includes horizontal devolution among States. Which of the following best describes horizontal devolution?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 30:

1. Horizontal - क्षैतिज
2. Devolution - हस्तांतरण
3. Among - के बीच
4. Describes - वर्णन करता है

Answer: Distribution of the States' share in the divisible pool among individual States. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

1. Bihar receives a State-specific share.
2. Uttar Pradesh receives another State-specific share.
3. Population can influence allocation.
4. Income distance can influence allocation.
5. Horizontal devolution occurs after determining the overall States' share.

31 During discussions on centrally sponsored schemes, States often demand greater flexibility. What is the central issue in this debate?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 31:

1. Sponsored - प्रायोजित
2. Flexibility - लचीलापन
3. Demand - मांग
4. Debate - बहस

Answer: The balance between national priorities set by the Union and States' freedom to design and spend according to local needs.

1. A national health programme may have common objectives.
2. A State may want to modify implementation according to local conditions.
3. Funding ratios can affect State finances.
4. Centrally Sponsored Schemes involve both Union and State governments.
5. This is a practical example of cooperative and sometimes contested federalism.

32 When a State asks for greater control over subjects listed in the Constitution, which commission is most closely associated with a comprehensive review of Centre-State relations in the 1980s?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 32:

1. Comprehensive - व्यापक
2. Review - समीक्षा
3. Associated - संबंधित
4. Control - नियंत्रण

Answer: Sarkaria Commission.

1. The Sarkaria Commission was headed by Justice R.S. Sarkaria.
2. It was constituted in 1983.
3. It examined legislative, administrative and financial relations.
4. It recommended strengthening cooperative federalism.
5. Its recommendations remain important for BPSC and UPSC polity questions.

33 The Punchhi Commission was constituted to examine Centre-State relations after the Sarkaria Commission. Who chaired the Punchhi Commission?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 33:

1. Constituted - गठित किया गया
2. Examine - जांचना
3. Chaired - अध्यक्षता की
4. Relations - संबंध

Answer: Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi, former Chief Justice of India. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

1. The Punchhi Commission was constituted in 2007.
2. It examined Centre-State relations.
3. It also considered the role of the third tier of government.
4. Justice Punchhi was a former Chief Justice of India.
5. The report followed the earlier Sarkaria Commission's work. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

34 If the Union government and States want a permanent forum to discuss broad federal issues rather than litigate them, which institution is most suitable?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 34:

1. Permanent - स्थायी
2. Forum - मंच
3. Federal issues - संघीय मुद्दे
4. Litigate - मुकदमा करना

Answer: Inter-State Council.

1. It encourages dialogue.
2. It can discuss common interests of Union and States.
3. It can discuss inter-State disputes.
4. It can recommend coordination of policy.
5. It is based on Article 263.

35 During a dispute between two States about an inter-State river, why can the normal Supreme Court route under Article 131 be different from the route under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 35:

1. Route - मार्ग
2. Different - अलग
3. Dispute - विवाद
4. Normal - सामान्य

Answer: Article 262 specifically permits Parliament to provide a special adjudicatory mechanism and to exclude jurisdiction of courts over such water disputes.

1. River disputes often involve several States.
2. Parliament created tribunals under the 1956 Act.
3. The Cauvery dispute illustrates the complexity of inter-State water sharing.
4. Article 262 deals specifically with water disputes.
5. Article 131 has a broader general role in Union-State legal disputes.

36 A State argues that Parliament is legislating on a subject normally reserved for States. Which constitutional principle allows Parliament to legislate on the State List in the national interest after a Rajya Sabha resolution?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 36:

1. Reserved - सुरक्षित
2. National interest - राष्ट्रीय हित
3. Resolution - संकल्प
4. Rajya Sabha - राज्यसभा

Answer: Article 249.

1. Rajya Sabha must pass a resolution supported by at least two-thirds of members present and voting.
2. The resolution must declare the subject to be of national interest.
3. Parliament can then legislate on the specified State List matter.
4. The power is temporary.
5. This provision demonstrates that Indian federalism has strong unitary features.

37 If Parliament needs to legislate on a State List subject during a National Emergency, which constitutional Article provides that power?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 37:

1. National Emergency - राष्ट्रीय आपातकाल
2. Provides - प्रदान करता है
3. Power - शक्ति
4. Emergency - आपात स्थिति

Answer: Article 250.

1. A National Emergency must be in operation.
2. Parliament may legislate on State List matters during it.
3. The law ceases to operate after the emergency ends after the constitutionally prescribed period.
4. Article 250 is different from Article 249.
5. Article 249 requires a Rajya Sabha resolution; Article 250 depends on National Emergency.

38 If two or more State Legislatures request Parliament to make a law on a State List subject, which Article permits Parliament to legislate for those States?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 38:

1. Request - अनुरोध
2. Permits - अनुमति देता है
3. Legislate - कानून बनाना
4. State List - राज्य सूची

Answer: Article 252.

1. At least two State Legislatures must pass resolutions.
2. Parliament can then make a law for those States.
3. Other States can adopt the law later by passing resolutions.
4. Amendment or repeal of such a law is generally by Parliament.
5. This is an example of States voluntarily involving Parliament in a State subject.

39 Parliament makes a law on a State List subject because two or more States requested it under Article 252. Can Parliament later amend or repeal that law?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 39:

1. Amend - संशोधन करना
2. Repeal - समाप्त करना
3. Requested - अनुरोध किया
4. Later - बाद में

Answer: Yes. Parliament can amend or repeal such a law, and the concerned State Legislatures cannot do so directly.

1. Article 252 begins with State initiative.
2. Two or more States first pass resolutions.
3. Parliament then makes the law.
4. Other States may adopt it later.
5. The arrangement illustrates cooperative federalism.

40 When Parliament legislates on a State List matter to implement an international treaty or agreement, which Article provides this power?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 40:

1. Treaty - संधि
2. Agreement - समझौता
3. Implement - लागू करना
4. International - अंतरराष्ट्रीय

Answer: Article 253.

1. International agreements can require domestic legislation.
2. Parliament can legislate even if the subject would otherwise fall in the State List.
3. Environmental agreements can have domestic legal implications.
4. Human-rights conventions can require legislative measures.
5. Article 253 is a major exception to the ordinary federal distribution of legislative subjects.

41 When the Constitution was interpreted in the context of international agreements, which feature of Article 253 is most important for Centre-State relations?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 41:

1. Interpreted - व्याख्या की गई
2. Feature - विशेषता
3. International agreements - अंतरराष्ट्रीय समझौते
4. Relations - संबंध

Answer: Parliament's power under Article 253 can extend to State List subjects for implementing international treaties, agreements or conventions.

1. The Union negotiates international treaties.
2. Domestic legislation may be required to implement them.
3. The subject matter can overlap with State powers.
4. Article 253 gives Parliament overriding legislative competence for implementation.
5. This is why international obligations can affect Indian federalism.

42 If no entry in the Union, State or Concurrent List covers a legislative subject, which level of government has residuary legislative power in India?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 42:

1. Residuary - अवशिष्ट
2. Legislative power - कानून बनाने की शक्ति
3. Covers - शामिल करता है
4. Entry - प्रविष्टि

Answer: Parliament, under Article 248 read with Entry 97 of the Union List.

1. New technologies may create subjects not originally listed.
2. Parliament has residuary legislative power.
3. In some federations, residuary powers belong to States.
4. India gives residuary powers to the Union.
5. This is another strong Union feature of the Constitution.

43 When a new technology creates a taxation issue not clearly covered by the constitutional lists, which principle becomes relevant because residuary powers belong to Parliament?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 43:

1. Technology - प्रौद्योगिकी
2. Taxation - कराधान
3. Clearly - स्पष्ट रूप से
4. Relevant - प्रासंगिक

Answer: Parliament's residuary legislative power under Article 248.

1. Digital activities can create new legal questions.
2. Parliament can legislate on subjects not assigned elsewhere.
3. Entry 97 supports residuary legislative competence.
4. States do not possess general residuary legislative power.
5. This principle distinguishes Indian federalism from some other federations.

44 A State government claims that its executive power is completely independent of the Union. Which constitutional principle makes that statement incorrect?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 44:

1. Executive - कार्यपालिका
2. Completely - पूरी तरह
3. Independent - स्वतंत्र
4. Incorrect - गलत

Answer: The Constitution creates several Union directions and obligations affecting State executive power, especially Articles 256 and 257.

1. States implement many Union laws.
2. The Union can issue directions under Article 256.
3. Article 257 protects specified Union interests.
4. Article 355 imposes a duty on the Union concerning protection of States.
5. Indian federalism therefore combines State autonomy with Union safeguards.

45 If the Union wants to ensure that a State's executive power does not impede Union executive power in specified matters, which Article is especially important?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 45:

1. Impede - बाधा डालना
2. Specified - निर्दिष्ट
3. Executive power - कार्यपालिका शक्ति
4. Ensure - सुनिश्चित करना

Answer: Article 257.

1. State executive action must not prejudice Union executive power.
2. Communication routes can be covered.
3. Railways are separately a Union subject.
4. Union directions can apply in specified constitutional situations.
5. Article 257 is part of administrative Centre-State relations.

46 During discussions on deployment of Union armed forces in a State, which constitutional duty of the Union is relevant to protecting States against external aggression and internal disturbance?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 46:

1. Deployment - तैनाती
2. Armed forces - सशस्त्र बल
3. Aggression - आक्रमण
4. Disturbance - अशांति

Answer: Article 355.

1. The Union has a constitutional duty to protect every State.
2. Protection covers external aggression.
3. It also covers internal disturbance.
4. Article 355 is distinct from Article 356.
5. Article 356 concerns failure of constitutional machinery, while Article 355 states a Union duty.

47 Why is Article 355 important when studying Article 356, especially after the Supreme Court's federalism decisions?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 47:

1. Especially - विशेष रूप से
2. Federalism - संघवाद
3. Decisions - निर्णय
4. Constitutional machinery - संवैधानिक व्यवस्था

Answer: Article 355 states the Union's duty to protect States and ensure that government in every State is carried on according to the Constitution; Article 356 provides the mechanism for failure of constitutional machinery.

1. Article 355 is a duty.
2. Article 356 is an emergency mechanism.
3. Article 356 cannot be treated as an unrestricted political weapon.
4. S.R. Bommai strengthened judicial review.
5. Federalism limits arbitrary central intervention.

48 If the President issues a proclamation under Article 356, how long does Parliament initially have to approve it?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 48:

1. Proclamation - उद्घोषणा
2. Initially - प्रारंभ में
3. Approve - अनुमोदन करना
4. Parliament - संसद

Answer: Two months.

1. A proclamation cannot continue indefinitely without Parliamentary approval.
2. Both Houses must approve it.
3. If the Lok Sabha is dissolved, special constitutional rules apply.
4. Once approved, it normally continues for six months at a time.
5. Its total continuation is subject to constitutional limits.

49 A State remains under President's Rule for more than one year. Which constitutional conditions must be satisfied for its continuation beyond one year?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 49:

1. Continuation - जारी रहना
2. Conditions - शर्तें
3. Satisfied - पूरी होना
4. Beyond - से अधिक

Answer: A National Emergency must be in operation in the whole of India or the whole/any part of the State, and the Election Commission must certify that elections cannot be held.

1. President's Rule is not automatically renewable forever.
2. Parliamentary approval is required every six months.
3. Special conditions apply after one year.
4. The Election Commission's certification becomes relevant.
5. The maximum normal constitutional period is three years.

50 During President's Rule, which State constitutional institution cannot simply be dissolved by the President and instead has its powers exercised by Parliament?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 50:

1. Dissolved - भंग किया गया
2. Institution - संस्था
3. Exercised - प्रयोग किया जाता है
4. Powers - शक्तियाँ

Answer: The powers of the State Legislature may be exercised by or under the authority of Parliament; Parliament may confer the power to make laws for the State on the President.

1. The State Council of Ministers can be dismissed.
2. The Governor continues as the constitutional head.
3. Parliament can exercise legislative power for the State.
4. The President may authorise expenditure from the State Consolidated Fund subject to constitutional provisions.
5. High Court powers are not transferred to the President under Article 356.

51 A Governor reserves a State Bill for the President, creating a Centre-State controversy. Which Article specifically governs the Governor's options regarding State Bills?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 51:

1. Reserves - सुरक्षित रखता है
2. Controversy - विवाद
3. Governs - नियंत्रित करता है
4. Options - विकल्प

Answer: Article 200.

1. The Governor may assent to a Bill.
2. The Governor may withhold assent.
3. The Governor may return a non-Money Bill for reconsideration.
4. The Governor may reserve a Bill for the President.
5. Recent Governor-Bill disputes have made Article 200 highly important for federalism.

52 When a State Bill is reserved by the Governor for the President, which Article explains what the President may do with the Bill?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 52:

1. Reserved - सुरक्षित रखा गया
2. Explains - समझाता है
3. Withhold - रोकना
4. Assent - स्वीकृति

Answer: Article 201.

1. The President may assent to the Bill.
2. The President may withhold assent.
3. The President may return a non-Money Bill to the State Legislature for reconsideration.
4. The State Legislature may reconsider it.
5. Article 201 is important in recent Governor-State legislative controversies.

53 In the recent controversy over prolonged delay by Governors on State Bills, which Supreme Court constitutional issue became central: can constitutional authorities indefinitely keep Bills pending without acting?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 53:

1. Prolonged - लंबे समय तक
2. Delay - देरी
3. Indefinitely - अनिश्चित समय तक
4. Constitutional authorities - संवैधानिक प्राधिकारी

Answer: The constitutional limits on the Governor's exercise of powers under Article 200 and the requirement of constitutional governance; the issue has been a major Centre-State controversy.

1. State governments have challenged delays in Bill decisions.
2. The Governor is a constitutional head of the State.
3. Article 200 governs the Governor's choices.
4. Article 201 governs Bills reserved for the President.
5. The issue directly connects State autonomy with constitutional accountability.

54 If a Governor returns a non-Money Bill to the State Legislature and the Legislature passes it again, what is the constitutional significance of the second passage?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 54:

1. Returns - वापस भेजता है
2. Non-Money Bill - गैर-वित्त विधेयक
3. Passes again - दोबारा पारित करता है
4. Significance - महत्व

Answer: The Governor cannot withhold assent to the reconsidered Bill under the ordinary Article 200 process; the Bill is presented again for assent, subject to the constitutional scheme.

1. The Governor can return a non-Money Bill once for reconsideration.
2. A Money Bill cannot be returned in the same manner.
3. The Legislature can pass the Bill again.
4. The Governor's options are constitutionally structured.
5. This distinction is important in State legislative functioning.

55 During disagreements over the appointment and role of Governors, which constitutional Article provides the basic appointment mechanism?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 55:

1. Appointment - नियुक्ति
2. Mechanism - व्यवस्था
3. Role - भूमिका
4. Disagreement - असहमति

Answer: Article 155: the Governor is appointed by the President.

1. The Governor is appointed by the President.
2. The Governor does not get elected directly by the State's voters.
3. The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President.
4. Article 156 deals with the Governor's term and pleasure.
5. The Governor's role is central to Centre-State constitutional relations.

56 Why does the Governor's constitutional position create a Centre-State issue even though the Governor is the constitutional head of the State?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 56:

1. Position - पद/स्थिति
2. Constitutional head - संवैधानिक प्रमुख
3. Issue - मुद्दा
4. Pleasure - प्रसाद/इच्छा, as in President's pleasure

Answer: The Governor is appointed by the President and has constitutionally defined discretionary and supervisory functions, creating a potential link between Union and State political institutions.

1. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister in specified situations.
2. The Governor can reserve certain Bills for the President.
3. The Governor can report constitutional breakdown.
4. The Governor is appointed by the President.
5. Therefore the office can become a point of Centre-State tension.

57 If a State's Chief Minister asks for the removal of the Governor, who constitutionally has the power to remove the Governor?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 57:

1. Removal - हटाना
2. Constitutionally - संवैधानिक रूप से
3. Power - शक्ति
4. Chief Minister - मुख्यमंत्री

Answer: The President of India, under the pleasure doctrine in Article 156.

1. The Chief Minister cannot remove the Governor.
2. The State Legislature cannot directly remove the Governor.
3. The President appoints the Governor.
4. The Governor holds office during the President's pleasure.
5. This is an important Union feature of the Governor's office.

58 When the Union government appoints All India Services officers serving in States, which constitutional provision is especially important for understanding the Union-State administrative relationship?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 58:

1. All India Services - अखिल भारतीय सेवाएँ
2. Officers - अधिकारी
3. Administrative - प्रशासनिक
4. Relationship - संबंध

Answer: Article 312, which permits creation of All India Services common to the Union and States through the Rajya Sabha's special resolution mechanism.

1. IAS is an All India Service.
2. IPS is an All India Service.
3. The Indian Forest Service is an All India Service.
4. All India Services serve both Union and State administrations.
5. Article 312 requires a Rajya Sabha resolution supported by at least two-thirds of members present and voting.

59 Why is Article 312 considered a special federal provision when Parliament creates an All India Service?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 59:

1. Special - विशेष
2. Creates - बनाता है
3. Federal - संघीय
4. Service - सेवा

Answer: It creates a common service for the Union and States, while the initiative for creation requires a Rajya Sabha resolution representing State interests.

1. IAS officers may serve in State cadres.
2. They can also serve the Union government.
3. IPS officers may serve in State police administration.
4. The Rajya Sabha represents the States.
5. Article 312 balances national administrative standards with State participation.

60 When a State government seeks deployment of Central forces for maintaining law and order, which constitutional fact should a BPSC aspirant remember?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 60:

1. Deployment - तैनाती
2. Central forces - केंद्रीय बल
3. Maintaining - बनाए रखना
4. Aspirant - अभ्यर्थी

Answer: Public order and police are primarily State List subjects, while the Union has constitutional responsibilities and powers concerning national security and protection of States.

1. Police is primarily a State subject.
2. Public order is primarily a State subject.
3. Union armed forces fall under Union control.
4. Central Armed Police Forces can be deployed in States under applicable laws and constitutional arrangements.
5. Centre-State coordination is therefore essential during major security situations.

61 When a State and the Union disagree over the use of a centrally appointed officer, which broad constitutional principle explains why India is often described as federal with a strong Centre?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 61:

1. Disagree - असहमत होना
2. Broad - व्यापक
3. Principle - सिद्धांत
4. Strong Centre - मजबूत केंद्र

Answer: India combines federal distribution of powers with significant Union powers over legislation, administration, finance and emergencies.

1. Residuary legislative powers belong to Parliament.
2. The Governor is appointed by the President.
3. All India Services serve both levels.
4. Article 356 permits Union intervention in constitutional breakdown.
5. Finance and taxation also involve substantial Union powers.

62 If Parliament passes a law on a State List subject under Article 249, for how long does the Rajya Sabha resolution authorising that power remain effective at one time?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 62:

1. Authorising - अधिकार प्रदान करना
2. Effective - प्रभावी
3. Resolution - संकल्प
4. At one time - एक समय में

Answer: One year, though it can be renewed for further periods of one year.

1. Article 249 requires a Rajya Sabha resolution.
2. The resolution needs a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
3. The subject must be declared to be of national interest.
4. The resolution can be renewed.
5. The provision temporarily expands Parliament's legislative competence.

63 When a State List law is made by Parliament under Article 249, what happens to the law after the Rajya Sabha resolution ceases to operate?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 63:

1. Ceases - समाप्त हो जाता है
2. Operate - लागू रहना
3. Temporarily - अस्थायी रूप से
4. Competence - अधिकारिता

Answer: The Parliamentary law does not immediately become void; it continues for six months after the resolution ceases, subject to the Constitution.

1. Article 249 is temporary in origin.
2. The law may continue for a limited period afterward.
3. The arrangement avoids an abrupt legal vacuum.
4. Parliament's power under Article 249 is not permanent.
5. This illustrates the exceptional nature of the provision.

64 If Parliament makes a law on a State List subject during a National Emergency, which Article gives Parliament that temporary legislative competence?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 64:

1. Temporary - अस्थायी
2. Legislative competence - कानून बनाने की अधिकारिता
3. National Emergency - राष्ट्रीय आपातकाल
4. Competence - अधिकारिता

Answer: Article 250.

1. Article 250 operates during a National Emergency.
2. It permits Parliament to legislate on State List matters.
3. The law does not permanently transfer the subject to the Union.
4. The provision reflects the Constitution's emergency federalism.
5. It is different from Article 249's national-interest mechanism.

65 During a financial crisis affecting several States, which constitutional emergency directly concerns the financial stability or credit of India or any part of it?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 65:

1. Financial stability - वित्तीय स्थिरता
2. Credit - साख/ऋण-विश्वसनीयता
3. Crisis - संकट
4. Affecting - प्रभावित करना

Answer: Financial Emergency under Article 360.

1. Article 360 concerns financial stability or credit.
2. It has never been proclaimed in India.
3. The President can issue directions regarding financial propriety.
4. State financial matters can be affected by such directions.
5. It is different from President's Rule under Article 356.

66 Which constitutional provision allows the Union to borrow money on the security of the Consolidated Fund of India while States have separate borrowing powers subject to constitutional limits?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 66:

1. Borrow - उधार लेना
2. Security - जमानत/सुरक्षा
3. Consolidated Fund - संचित निधि
4. Subject to - के अधीन

Answer: Articles 292 and 293 govern Union and State borrowing respectively.

1. Article 292 concerns Union borrowing.
2. Article 293 concerns State borrowing.
3. A State's borrowing may be restricted when it owes money to the Union.
4. Fiscal stress can therefore create Centre-State tensions.
5. State debt is an important issue in modern fiscal federalism.

67 When a State that owes money to the Union seeks additional borrowing, which constitutional Article becomes particularly important?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 67:

1. Owes - ऋणी है
2. Additional - अतिरिक्त
3. Borrowing - उधार लेना
4. Particularly - विशेष रूप से

Answer: Article 293.

1. State governments borrow money.
2. States may borrow within constitutional limits.
3. Union consent can become relevant when a State has outstanding Union loans.
4. Borrowing limits can affect State development spending.
5. Article 293 is therefore an important fiscal federalism provision.

68 During debates over State borrowing limits, why is Article 293 important for understanding Centre-State financial relations?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 68:

1. Borrowing limits - उधार की सीमाएँ
2. Financial relations - वित्तीय संबंध
3. Outstanding - बकाया
4. Consent - सहमति

Answer: Article 293 regulates State borrowing and allows Union control over further borrowing where a State is indebted to the Union.

1. States may need loans for infrastructure.
2. High debt can reduce fiscal space.
3. Union loans create an additional constitutional relationship.
4. Borrowing limits can become politically contentious.
5. Article 293 is separate from Finance Commission tax devolution.

69 When Parliament imposes a tax whose proceeds are assigned to States, which constitutional concept best describes the transfer?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 69:

1. Proceeds - प्राप्ति
2. Assigned - सौंपे गए
3. Transfer - हस्तांतरण
4. Concept - अवधारणा

Answer: Constitutional tax assignment, as distinguished from tax devolution and grants-in-aid.

1. Article 269 deals with certain taxes levied and collected by the Union but assigned to States.
2. Article 270 deals with divisible Union taxes.
3. Article 275 concerns grants-in-aid.
4. These are different channels of Centre-State fiscal transfers.
5. Understanding the distinction is important for financial-relations questions.

70 A State receives money from the Union because it has a special revenue need identified under constitutional grant provisions. Which Article is most directly relevant?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 70:

1. Revenue need - राजस्व की आवश्यकता
2. Identified - पहचानी गई
3. Grant - अनुदान
4. Directly - सीधे

Answer: Article 275.

1. Article 275 provides grants-in-aid to States.
2. Finance Commission recommends principles for such grants.
3. Special grants can support particular constitutional objectives.
4. Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes have special grant provisions under Article 275.
5. These grants are different from ordinary tax devolution.

71 Which constitutional Article requires the President to lay the Finance Commission's recommendations before both Houses of Parliament along with an explanatory memorandum?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 71:

1. Recommendations - सिफारिशें
2. Explanatory - व्याख्यात्मक
3. Memorandum - ज्ञापन
4. Lay before Parliament - संसद के समक्ष रखना

Answer: Article 281.

1. The Finance Commission submits its report to the President.
2. The President lays it before Parliament.
3. The explanatory memorandum indicates action taken or proposed.
4. Article 281 promotes Parliamentary transparency.
5. The 16th Finance Commission report is part of this constitutional process. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

72 The 16th Finance Commission's official report describes both vertical and horizontal devolution. Which Article mandates the constitutional Finance Commission that makes such recommendations?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 72:

1. Mandates - अनिवार्य करता है
2. Devolution - हस्तांतरण
3. Recommendations - सिफारिशें
4. Mandate - संवैधानिक दायित्व

Answer: Article 280. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

1. Article 280 provides for a Finance Commission.
2. It deals with distribution of net proceeds of divisible taxes.
3. It deals with allocation among States.
4. It deals with grants-in-aid principles.
5. It also considers augmentation of State funds for Panchayats and Municipalities. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

73 When a State claims that it receives insufficient funds for local bodies, which constitutional financial mechanism connects the Union Finance Commission with State Panchayats and Municipalities?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 73:

1. Insufficient - अपर्याप्त
2. Local bodies - स्थानीय निकाय
3. Mechanism - व्यवस्था
4. Connects - जोड़ता है

Answer: Article 280 requires the Finance Commission to recommend measures to augment a State's Consolidated Fund to supplement the resources of Panchayats and Municipalities on the basis of State Finance Commission recommendations.

1. Panchayats are rural local bodies.
2. Municipalities are urban local bodies.
3. State Finance Commissions examine local-body finances.
4. The Union Finance Commission can consider strengthening State resources for local bodies.
5. This creates a financial link between all three tiers of government.

74 The Constitution creates a State Finance Commission every five years. Why is this relevant to Centre-State relations?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 74:

1. State Finance Commission - राज्य वित्त आयोग
2. Relevant - प्रासंगिक
3. Every five years - प्रत्येक पाँच वर्ष
4. Three-tier government - त्रिस्तरीय सरकार

Answer: State Finance Commissions recommend distribution of State revenues between the State and local bodies, and their recommendations can feed into the Union Finance Commission's consideration of local-body resources.

1. A State Finance Commission studies Panchayat finances.
2. It studies Municipality finances.
3. It recommends tax sharing and grants at the State-local level.
4. The Union Finance Commission considers measures for supplementing local-body resources.
5. This shows that fiscal federalism operates across three levels.

75 When the Union and States jointly formulate national economic policy through a cooperative institution, which institution replaced the Planning Commission?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 75:

1. Formulate - तैयार करना
2. Economic policy - आर्थिक नीति
3. Cooperative - सहयोगात्मक
4. Replaced - स्थान लिया

Answer: NITI Aayog.

1. NITI Aayog was established in 2015.
2. It promotes cooperative federalism.
3. Its Governing Council includes Chief Ministers of States and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories.
4. It is a policy think tank rather than a constitutional body.
5. Unlike the Planning Commission, it does not constitutionally distribute plan funds to States.

76 If Chief Ministers of States meet with the Prime Minister and discuss national development priorities under NITI Aayog, which concept of federalism is being illustrated?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 76:

1. Priorities - प्राथमिकताएँ
2. Illustrated - प्रदर्शित
3. Development - विकास
4. Cooperative federalism - सहकारी संघवाद

Answer: Cooperative federalism.

1. States participate in national policy discussions.
2. Chief Ministers bring State-level concerns.
3. The Union discusses common national priorities.
4. NITI Aayog's Governing Council is an example of such interaction.
5. Cooperative federalism seeks collaboration rather than constant confrontation.

77 When a State government uses its constitutional powers independently from the Union, which concept best describes this dimension of Indian federalism?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 77:

1. Independently - स्वतंत्र रूप से
2. Dimension - पक्ष
3. Federalism - संघवाद
4. Constitutional powers - संवैधानिक शक्तियाँ

Answer: State autonomy.

1. States make laws on State List subjects.
2. States administer police and public order subject to constitutional limits.
3. States raise revenue from their assigned taxation fields.
4. State Legislatures make laws for their jurisdictions.
5. State autonomy exists alongside significant Union powers.

78 If the Union and States work together to implement a national programme while retaining their respective constitutional roles, what is this best called?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 78:

1. Retaining - बनाए रखते हुए
2. Respective - संबंधित/अपने-अपने
3. Implement - लागू करना
4. Roles - भूमिकाएँ

Answer: Cooperative federalism.

1. GST is a major example.
2. National health programmes often require Union-State cooperation.
3. Disaster management requires coordination.
4. Joint infrastructure programmes involve both levels.
5. The GST Council institutionalises Union-State cooperation in taxation.

79 If the Union uses financial resources to encourage States to adopt particular reforms, which type of federal interaction is being illustrated?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 79:

1. Encourage - प्रोत्साहित करना
2. Adopt - अपनाना
3. Reforms - सुधार
4. Interaction - पारस्परिक संबंध

Answer: Fiscal federalism involving conditional or incentive-based transfers.

1. Union schemes may attach reform conditions to funds.
2. States may receive incentives for specified reforms.
3. Borrowing permissions can sometimes be linked with reforms.
4. Tax devolution is generally different from conditional scheme funding.
5. Such arrangements can create both cooperation and political debate.

80 During debates over whether States should have greater financial freedom, what is the central difference between fiscal federalism and political federalism?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 80:

1. Fiscal - वित्तीय
2. Political - राजनीतिक
3. Financial freedom - वित्तीय स्वतंत्रता
4. Difference - अंतर

Answer: Fiscal federalism concerns the distribution of taxation, expenditure and financial resources among levels of government, while political federalism concerns constitutional distribution of governmental powers.

1. Finance Commission is central to fiscal federalism.
2. GST Council is central to tax coordination.
3. Seventh Schedule is central to legislative federalism.
4. Article 356 concerns emergency aspects of federalism.
5. Both fiscal and political arrangements shape Centre-State relations.

81 When Parliament makes a law under Article 252 after two States request it, which statement correctly describes the federal character of this arrangement?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 81:

1. Federal character - संघीय प्रकृति
2. Arrangement - व्यवस्था
3. Request - अनुरोध
4. Correctly - सही रूप से

Answer: The initiative comes from the States, but Parliament makes the law, showing cooperation between the Union and States.

1. Two or more State Legislatures pass resolutions.
2. Parliament then legislates.
3. Other States can adopt the law later.
4. Parliament alone can amend or repeal the law.
5. Article 252 is an important example of flexible federalism.

82 A new Parliament law is needed because India has entered an international convention dealing with a subject normally falling under the State List. Which Article provides the constitutional bridge?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 82:

1. Convention - अंतरराष्ट्रीय समझौता/सम्मेलन
2. Normally - सामान्यतः
3. Falling under - के अंतर्गत आना
4. Bridge - जोड़ने वाला संवैधानिक आधार

Answer: Article 253.

1. Parliament can legislate to implement international agreements.
2. The subject may ordinarily be in the State List.
3. The power belongs to Parliament.
4. The provision supports India's international obligations.
5. It is an exception to ordinary State List legislative competence.

83 If Parliament declares a State List subject to be of national interest after a special Rajya Sabha vote, which constitutional Article should be immediately recalled?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 83:

1. Declares - घोषित करता है
2. National interest - राष्ट्रीय हित
3. Special vote - विशेष बहुमत
4. Recalled - याद किया जाना

Answer: Article 249.

1. Rajya Sabha represents the States.
2. The resolution requires two-thirds of members present and voting.
3. The resolution lasts for one year.
4. It can be renewed.
5. Parliament's resulting law is temporary in its special constitutional basis.

84 If a State law conflicts with a Union law on a Concurrent List subject, but the State law had received Presidential assent, what is the key constitutional consequence?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 84:

1. Conflicts - टकराता है
2. Presidential assent - राष्ट्रपति की स्वीकृति
3. Consequence - परिणाम
4. Key - मुख्य

Answer: Under Article 254(2), the State law can prevail in that State despite repugnancy, unless Parliament subsequently overrides it.

1. Presidential assent is essential for the exception.
2. The State law operates within that State.
3. It does not automatically bind other States.
4. Parliament can later override it.
5. This is an important exception to the general rule of Union supremacy.

85 In the context of repugnancy, which constitutional Article should be associated with a conflict between a Parliamentary law and a State law on a Concurrent List subject?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 85:

1. Repugnancy - असंगति/टकराव
2. Conflict - टकराव
3. Concurrent List - समवर्ती सूची
4. Associated - संबंधित

Answer: Article 254.

1. Concurrent List permits both levels to legislate.
2. Conflict creates the question of repugnancy.
3. Article 254 generally gives priority to Parliamentary law.
4. Presidential assent creates an exception under Article 254(2).
5. Parliament can later override a State law even after Presidential assent.

86 When a State complains that the Union is interfering with its constitutional field, which constitutional Schedule should be examined first to identify the original legislative allocation?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 86:

1. Interfering - हस्तक्षेप करना
2. Constitutional field - संवैधानिक क्षेत्र
3. Allocation - वितरण
4. Original - मूल

Answer: Seventh Schedule.

1. Union List contains subjects of national importance.
2. State List contains subjects primarily assigned to States.
3. Concurrent List permits both levels to legislate.
4. Residuary powers belong to Parliament.
5. The Seventh Schedule is the starting point for legislative federalism.

87 If Parliament and State Legislatures both claim authority over the same subject, which constitutional test should be applied before deciding whether one law is invalid?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 87:

1. Authority - अधिकार
2. Claim - दावा करना
3. Invalid - अमान्य
4. Test - कसौटी

Answer: Legislative competence based on the constitutional distribution of subjects, including the doctrine of pith and substance where relevant.

1. A law may incidentally touch another legislative field.
2. The true nature of the law is examined.
3. Pith and substance helps resolve overlapping entries.
4. Concurrent List conflicts additionally raise Article 254.
5. Legislative competence is different from political disagreement.

88 When a State law appears to touch a Union subject incidentally but its true subject belongs to the State List, which doctrine helps courts determine its constitutional validity?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 88:

1. Incidentally - अप्रत्यक्ष रूप से
2. True subject - वास्तविक विषय
3. Doctrine - सिद्धांत
4. Validity - वैधता

Answer: Doctrine of pith and substance.

1. A State law may have incidental effects on another field.
2. Courts examine the law's true nature and character.
3. Incidental overlap does not automatically invalidate a law.
4. The doctrine helps preserve practical federal functioning.
5. It is different from Article 254's repugnancy rule.

89 In a federal dispute where the legislative entries appear to overlap, which doctrine prevents every minor overlap from automatically making a law unconstitutional?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 89:

1. Overlap - आंशिक समानता/अतिक्रमण
2. Automatically - स्वतः
3. Unconstitutional - असंवैधानिक
4. Minor - छोटा/मामूली

Answer: Doctrine of pith and substance.

1. Legislative subjects can sometimes overlap.
2. Courts look at the law's dominant purpose.
3. Incidental encroachment can be tolerated.
4. The doctrine supports workable federalism.
5. The doctrine is deeply established in Indian constitutional law.

90 If Parliament legislates on a subject that appears to be in the State List, which exceptional constitutional routes should a BPSC candidate remember?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 90:

1. Exceptional - असाधारण
2. Routes - मार्ग
3. Remember - याद रखना
4. Candidate - अभ्यर्थी

Answer: Articles 249, 250, 252, 253 and, in specified circumstances, Article 356-related legislative arrangements.

1. Article 249: national interest.
2. Article 250: National Emergency.
3. Article 252: request by two or more States.
4. Article 253: international agreements.
5. Article 356: Parliament may exercise State legislative powers during President's Rule.

91 Which one of the following is the best constitutional example of cooperative federalism created directly by the Constitution after the GST reform?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 91:

1. Cooperative - सहयोगात्मक
2. Reform - सुधार
3. Directly - सीधे
4. Created - बनाया गया

Answer: GST Council under Article 279A.

1. The Union participates in the GST Council.
2. States participate through their representatives.
3. The Council discusses GST rates and rules.
4. The voting structure balances Union and State interests.
5. The Supreme Court's Mohit Minerals judgment reinforced the cooperative-federal character of the Council.

92 The GST Council held its 56th meeting in September 2025. Why is the Council important for BPSC questions on Centre-State relations?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 92:

1. Meeting - बैठक
2. Important - महत्वपूर्ण
3. Relations - संबंध
4. Tax coordination - कर समन्वय

Answer: It is a constitutional Union-State forum for recommending GST-related policies, making it one of the clearest contemporary examples of cooperative fiscal federalism. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

1. State finance ministers participate.
2. The Union Finance Minister chairs the Council.
3. GST rates are discussed through the Council.
4. Major GST policy changes are discussed there.
5. The Council has continued meeting regularly, including its 56th meeting in 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

93 The 16th Finance Commission report is especially important for the 2027 BPSC exam because its award period begins in 2026-27. Which constitutional subject is at the heart of its work?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 93:

1. Award period - सिफारिश लागू होने की अवधि
2. At the heart - केंद्र में
3. Divisible pool - बाँटने योग्य कर-राशि
4. Devolution - राजस्व हस्तांतरण

Answer: Distribution of Union tax revenues between the Union and States and allocation among States, along with grants-in-aid and measures for local-body resources under Article 280. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

1. The 16th Finance Commission covers 2026-27 to 2030-31.
2. It deals with vertical devolution.
3. It deals with horizontal devolution.
4. It deals with grants-in-aid principles.
5. It considers resources for Panchayats and Municipalities. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

94 The 16th Finance Commission's official material distinguishes vertical from horizontal devolution. If the question asks “What percentage of the divisible pool goes to all States together?”, what type of devolution is being tested?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 94:

1. Percentage - प्रतिशत
2. Divisible pool - बाँटने योग्य कर-राशि
3. Together - एक साथ
4. Tested - पूछा जा रहा

Answer: Vertical devolution. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

1. Union versus all States is vertical.
2. State A versus State B is horizontal.
3. 15th Finance Commission recommended 41% for States for 2021-26.
4. 14th Finance Commission had recommended 42%.
5. The 16th Finance Commission provides the framework for 2026-31. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

95 If the 16th Finance Commission decides how Bihar's share differs from another State's share within the States' overall allocation, which concept is being applied?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 95:

1. Differs - अलग होता है
2. Overall allocation - कुल आवंटन
3. Applied - लागू किया गया
4. Within - के अंदर

Answer: Horizontal devolution. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

1. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh can receive different shares.
2. Population can be considered.
3. Income distance can be considered.
4. Area can be considered.
5. The total States' share is determined separately from its distribution among States.

96 A State demands that the Union should consult States before making major changes affecting their constitutional powers. Which institution is specifically designed for broad Centre-State consultation?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 96:

1. Consult - परामर्श करना
2. Major changes - बड़े बदलाव
3. Consultation - परामर्श
4. Institution - संस्था

Answer: Inter-State Council under Article 263.

1. Chief Ministers can participate in intergovernmental discussions.
2. The Council can discuss common interests.
3. It can discuss inter-State disputes.
4. It can recommend coordination of policy.
5. It is different from a judicial body.

97 When the Union and a State disagree politically but no legal dispute requiring judicial adjudication exists, which federal mechanism is better suited for dialogue?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 97:

1. Politically - राजनीतिक रूप से
2. Legal dispute - कानूनी विवाद
3. Adjudication - न्यायिक निर्णय
4. Dialogue - संवाद

Answer: Inter-State Council and other cooperative federal forums, rather than treating every disagreement as a court dispute.

1. Article 263 supports the Inter-State Council.
2. NITI Aayog provides a policy-coordination platform.
3. GST Council handles GST-related fiscal coordination.
4. Finance Commission handles constitutional fiscal recommendations.
5. Different disputes require different institutions.

98 The Supreme Court's federalism cases and recent Governor-Bill controversies show why which principle is essential when interpreting Centre-State relations?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 98:

1. Controversies - विवाद
2. Interpreting - व्याख्या करना
3. Essential - आवश्यक
4. Principle - सिद्धांत

Answer: Constitutional supremacy and federalism must be balanced with the Constitution's provisions for Union coordination and State autonomy.

1. S.R. Bommai restricted arbitrary Article 356 action.
2. Governor-Bill disputes raise questions under Articles 200 and 201.
3. GST Council illustrates cooperative federalism.
4. Finance Commission illustrates fiscal federalism.
5. Article 263 provides a dialogue mechanism.

99 If an exam asks why India is neither a purely unitary State nor a classical federation, which Centre-State feature gives the strongest answer?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 99:

1. Purely - पूरी तरह
2. Unitary - एकात्मक
3. Classical federation - पारंपरिक संघीय व्यवस्था
4. Feature - विशेषता

Answer: India has constitutionally divided powers and elected State governments, but also strong Union powers over residuary legislation, emergencies, financial arrangements, intergovernmental directions and national institutions.

1. Seventh Schedule divides legislative subjects.
2. States have elected Legislatures.
3. Parliament has residuary powers.
4. Article 356 permits constitutional intervention in States.
5. Finance Commission and GST Council create structured financial interdependence.

100 In 2027, if BPSC asks you to identify the single best idea behind India's Centre-State relations using recent GST Council, Finance Commission, Governor-Bill and federalism debates, what should you remember?

List of Hindi meaning of the words used in the question 100:

1. Identify - पहचानना
2. Single best idea - सबसे प्रमुख विचार
3. Interdependence - परस्पर निर्भरता
4. Federalism - संघवाद

Answer: Indian federalism combines constitutional division of powers with a strong Union, State autonomy, cooperative institutions and constitutional mechanisms for resolving conflict; therefore, Centre-State relations are best understood as a combination of federalism, cooperation and controlled Union supremacy. The current importance of this theme is reinforced by the 16th Finance Commission's 2026-31 award period and continuing GST Council deliberations. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

1. Seventh Schedule divides legislative powers between Union and States.
2. GST Council demonstrates cooperative fiscal federalism.
3. Finance Commission determines principles of intergovernmental fiscal transfers. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
4. S.R. Bommai protects federalism against arbitrary use of Article 356.
5. Governor-Bill disputes show that Centre-State relations remain a live constitutional issue.