The Indian Constitution is often described as 'quasi-federal' or 'federal in form, unitary in spirit primarily due to which characteristic ?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: Strong centralizing tendencies and powers of the Union Government.
Explanation
The term quasi-federal was famously used by K.C. Wheare to describe the Indian Constitution. While it has federal features like a written constitution, division of powers, and an independent judiciary, it also contains strong unitary (centralizing) features.
The spirit of the constitution is called unitary because, in times of crisis or for national integrity, the Union Government holds superior power over the states.
Key Facts for Exams
K.C. Wheare: The scholar who described the Indian Constitution as quasi-federal.
Granville Austin: Described Indian federalism as cooperative federalism.
Article 1: Describes India as a Union of States, implying that the union is indestructible and states have no right to secede.
Seventh Schedule: Defines the division of powers between the Union and States through three lists (Union, State, and Concurrent).
Exam-Related Practice Questions
Q: Who called the Indian Constitution a "Bargaining Federalism"?
Answer: Morris Jones.
Q: Which feature of the Indian Constitution allows the Union to legislate on subjects in the State List during a National Emergency?
Answer: Article 250.