Theme T87 · Constitution & Polity

Centre–State relations: cooperative, competitive & confrontational federalism

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What UPSC asks

A heavily repeated GS2 theme with links to GS1 and GS3: centralising tendencies, cooperative and competitive federalism, recent Centre–State changes, CBI consent, federal supremacy, and accommodating diversity.

Prepare these

• Seventh Schedule and residuary powers
• Cooperative federalism: NITI Aayog, GST Council
• Competitive and confrontational federalism examples
• Doctrines: federal supremacy, harmonious construction
• CBI consent issue
• Disaster Management Act and Epidemic Act during COVID

Answer writing

• Use recent examples; end with trust-building measures

Directive words in these PYQs: Highlight (2), Suggest (2), How far (2), Explain (2), Do you think (1), Elucidate (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

On the map

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L2 — Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

All 8 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202615 marks · 250 wordsGS2-POL-04-M2026-S02

   How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective

   Also needs: T89 Special provisions & asymmetric federalism: J&K, Delhi, Art 371AAlso needs: T63 Regionalism & regional disparityCopyReport a typo
2. GS2202415 marks · 250 wordsGS2-POL-04-M2024-Q13

   What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.

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3. GS22021GS2-POL-04-M2021-S01

   The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.

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4. GS22020GS2-POL-04-M2020-S01

   How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.

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5. GS22020GS2-POL-04-M2020-S02

   Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts.

   Also needs: T160 Disaster management frameworks: DM Act, Sendai, resilience, community, dam safetyCopyReport a typo
6. GS22019GS2-POL-04-M2019-S01

   From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain.

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7. GS22015GS2-POL-04-M2015-S01

   The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.

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8. GS22014GS2-POL-04-M2014-S01

   Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss.

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