Polity
2017
Federalism in India

Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?

D.It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.
A.There is an independent judiciary in India.
B.Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.
C.The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha.

Correct Answer: Option D

The term 'Union of States' is used instead of 'Federation of States' for two primary reasons:

  1. The Indian Federation was not formed through an agreement between states, unlike the American Federation.
  2. States do not have the right to secede from the Indian Union.

This signifies that the Indian Federation is an indestructible union. The division into states is purely for administrative convenience.

Therefore, the statement that Indian federalism is the result of an agreement among the federating units is not correct.