Question 1

What is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country called?

Accepted Answer

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. Usually, a federation has two levels of government: one for the entire country and others at the provincial or state level.

Question 2

Which of the following countries has a federal political system?

Accepted Answer

Belgium adopted a federal system through constitutional amendments in the 1990s, shifting power from the central government to regional governments. Sri Lanka, Great Britain, and China have unitary systems.

Question 3

In a federal system, the central government cannot order the:

Accepted Answer

In a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government. State government has powers of its own for which it is not answerable to the central government.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of 'coming together' federation?

Accepted Answer

The USA, Switzerland, and Australia are examples of 'coming together' federations where independent states come together on their own to form a bigger unit. India, Spain, and Belgium are examples of 'holding together' federations.

Question 5

The subjects like Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Banking are included in which of the following lists?

Accepted Answer

Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications, and currency. These subjects are included because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country.

Civics: Federalism