One-Word Answer Type Questions – How is Federalism Practised?
1. What was the first major test of Indian federalism?
Answer: Linguistic
Explanation: The formation of linguistic states was the first major test of Indian federalism, ensuring that states were created based on language to promote unity.
2. Which type of policy ensures that all Indian languages are treated equally?
Answer: Language
Explanation: India’s language policy does not declare any national language but recognizes multiple languages, ensuring fairness among linguistic communities.
3. Which language was planned to replace English as the official language of India in 1965?
Answer: Hindi
Explanation: The Constitution originally planned to phase out English and replace it with Hindi, but non-Hindi-speaking states protested, leading to a continued bilingual policy.
4. Which level of government was added to the federal structure after 1992?
Answer: Local
Explanation: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments added the local government (Panchayati Raj and municipalities) as the third tier of federalism.
5. Which type of government formed after 1990 strengthened India’s federal structure?
Answer: Coalition
Explanation: Coalition governments at the center after 1990 made state governments more powerful, as national parties had to collaborate with regional parties.
6. What is the term for redistributing powers from the central to the local level?
Answer: Decentralization
Explanation: Decentralization ensures that powers and responsibilities are transferred to local governments, making governance more effective.
7. Which institution settles disputes between the central and state governments?
Answer: Judiciary
Explanation: The Supreme Court and High Courts act as umpires in case of conflicts between the central and state governments, ensuring the federal system functions properly.
8. Which state in India protested strongly against making Hindi the sole official language?
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Tamil Nadu led protests against the imposition of Hindi in 1965, forcing the government to allow continued use of English.
9. Which process ensures power is shared among all levels of government in India?
Answer: Elections
Explanation: Regular elections at the central, state, and local levels ensure that power is shared democratically, maintaining the federal structure.
10. Which political development after 1990 helped states gain more autonomy?
Answer: Regional
Explanation: The rise of regional parties after 1990 led to stronger federalism, as states had more influence in national politics through coalition governments.
