Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
4. The concept of federalism has unrelentingly changed its contours in Indian Polity. Discuss, and examine the significant gaps in the Indian Federalism.(250 words)
Why this question:
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) has revealed some of the most significant gaps of Indian federalism. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the idea of Federalism enshrined in the Indian constitution and explain how the concept has been changing over time and bring out the possible threats it faces as of today.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Describe what federalism means; A federal government is one in which powers are divided between the national government and the regional governments by the Constitution itself.
Body:
Explain The specific features of the federal system – dual government, written constitution, division of powers between two levels of government, supremacy of constitution, independent judiciary.
Trace first the changing nature of federalism and highlight the current trends in centre- state relations.
Discuss the recent challenges faced in this direction.
Bring out the gaps that have been witnessed and suggest what needs to be done to overcome them.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the Centre and state should work in tandem in the spirit of cooperative federalism by working within their allotted sphere determined constitutionally.
