Important Questions and Answers for Class 11 Political Science Indian Constitution At Work Chapter 7 Federalism 2025-26

Q1. Which Article of the Constitution declares India as a "Union of States"?

• (a) Article 370
• (b) Article 1
• (c) Article 356
• (d) Article 3

Answer: (b) Article 1

Q2. Which of the following subjects falls under the State List?

• (a) Railways
• (b) Defence
• (c) Police
• (d) Currency

Answer: (c) Police

Q3. The power to make laws on residuary subjects in India belongs to the:

• (a) State Government
• (b) High Courts
• (c) Union Government
• (d) District Councils

Answer: (c) Union Government

Q4. Which commission recommended that the Governor should be strictly non-partisan?

• (a) Mandal Commission
• (b) Sarkaria Commission
• (c) Shah Commission
• (d) Punchhi Commission

Answer: (b) Sarkaria Commission

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

Q5. Define federalism in the context of the Indian Constitution.

Answer: Federalism in India refers to the division of powers between the Union and State governments, each having defined authority in their own spheres, as outlined by the Constitution.

Q6. What is the Concurrent List?

Answer: The Concurrent List is a set of subjects on which both the central and state governments can make laws. In case of conflict, the central law prevails.

Q7. Name any one state that was reorganized on linguistic basis after independence.

Answer: Karnataka, formerly known as Mysore, was reorganized on linguistic basis after independence.

3. Short Answer Questions.

Q8. Explain why India is described as having 'federalism with a strong central government'.

Answer: India has federalism with a strong centre because the Union government has superior powers in areas like defence, foreign affairs, emergencies, and finance. It can even alter state boundaries and override state laws on certain subjects, ensuring unity while accommodating diversity.

Q9. List two key features that show how federalism operates in India.

Answer: (i) The written Constitution divides power through three lists: Union, State, and Concurrent. (ii) An independent judiciary interprets and resolves disputes between the Union and states, safeguarding federal balance and autonomy.

Q10. Why do states in India sometimes demand more autonomy?

Answer: States demand greater autonomy to address their unique economic, linguistic, and cultural needs, and due to perceived unequal distribution of financial resources and excessive central interference in state matters.

Q11. State any two conditions under which the centre can intervene in state matters.

Answer: The centre can intervene during a national emergency or when President’s rule is imposed under Article 356 if a state government cannot function according to the Constitution.

4. Long Answer Questions.

Q12. Analyse the causes and consequences of centre–state conflicts in India’s federal structure.

Answer: Centre–state conflicts arise from demands for autonomy, disagreements over resource allocation, and political rivalries. States sometimes feel the centre dominates financial distribution or interferes via governors and emergency powers. These tensions can affect national integration but also encourage states’ voices and adaptations in federal practices.

1. Economic and legislative disputes create demands for more state powers.
2. Political differences may invite central intervention, sparking legal and popular resistance.
3. Conversely, conflicts can lead to successful negotiation and reforms.

Q13. Discuss the special provisions given to Jammu and Kashmir and their significance in the Indian federal framework.

Answer: Jammu and Kashmir previously enjoyed special status under Article 370, which granted it autonomy in many matters except defence, foreign affairs, and communications. Central laws required the state’s concurrence. This arrangement reflected India’s flexibility to accommodate differences but also sparked debates until Article 370 was abrogated in 2019.

Q14. Evaluate the reasons and process for reorganization of Indian states since independence.

Answer: Indian states were reorganized mainly to respect linguistic and cultural identities and administrative convenience. The States Reorganisation Commission examined claims, leading to new states like Karnataka and Telangana. This process aimed to strengthen unity while honoring diversity, despite occasional border and resource disputes.

5. Assertion–Reason type questions.

Assertion (A): During a national emergency, the central government can legislate on state subjects.
Reason (R): The Constitution gives the Union overriding authority for national integration during crises.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation because emergency provisions intend to preserve national unity and give overriding powers to the centre.

Assertion (A): The Indian federal system provides for three lists in the Constitution.
Reason (R): The division of subjects ensures exclusive, shared, and residuary powers for Union and states.

• (a) A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• (b) A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• (c) A is true, but R is false
• (d) A is false, but R is true

Answer: (a) Both statements are true and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion, as the three lists clarify legislative powers.

3. Fill in the Blanks Questions.

Q15. The States Reorganisation Commission was set up in the year ________ to recommend the reorganization of states on the basis of ________.

Answer: 1953; language

Q16. Under Article ________, President's Rule can be imposed in a state if constitutional machinery breaks down.

Answer: Article 356

Q17. Emergency provisions can transform India's federal system into a highly ________ system.

Answer: centralised

Why Understanding Federalism Matters for Class 11 Students?

Learning federalism helps students appreciate how power is shared in India and why unity in diversity is important. 

Our practice set covers key topics like Federalism Class 11 Important Questions and Answers and Federalism Class 11 questions and answers. By working through these, students strengthen their grasp on areas like centre–state relations, division of powers, and more, all aligned to CBSE standards.

Focused on the needs of learners, our resources like Political Science Class 11 Chapter 7 question answers and Class 11 Political Science Important Questions and answers help make studying more enjoyable, clear, and productive for all students preparing for their academic journey.