(36.1) India's decentralisation is considered the largest experiment in democracy because it has about 36 lakh elected representatives in panchayats and municipalities — a number bigger than the population of many countries in the world.

(36.2) Constitutional status gave local government legal recognition and legitimacy, which deepened democracy by ensuring regular elections, enthusiastic public participation, and increased women's representation and voice in governance across the country.

(36.3) Two steps taken for decentralisation:

• 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992): Made elections to panchayats and municipalities mandatory and gave them constitutional status.
• Reservation of seats: One-third seats reserved for women in local bodies, ensuring their political participation and representation.

Source: Chapter 2 – Federalism, Democratic Politics (Political Science)

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• (36.1) is directly from the passage — quote the "36 lakh" figure and the comparison to other countries' populations.
• (36.2) also comes from the passage (constitutional status + women's representation). One crisp sentence is enough for 1 mark.
• (36.3) goes beyond the passage (textbook knowledge required). Examiners expect the 73rd/74th Amendments and reservation for women/weaker sections as the standard two points. Write each as a labelled point with a brief explanation.

(A) I-4, II-3, III-1, IV-2

E-Programming (new subject) → Residuary List; Police → State List; Education → Concurrent List; Defence → Union List.

Key classification: Defence, Banking, Foreign Affairs → Union List; Police, Agriculture, Public Health → State List; Education, Forests, Trade Unions → Concurrent List; Subjects not in any list (e.g., e-commerce, e-programming) → Residuary List (with Parliament). Remember this standard list division for federalism questions.

(36.1) Decentralization means taking power away from Central and State governments and giving it to local governments, so that local problems are solved at the local level by the people themselves.

(36.2) Local self-government is an important principle of democracy. At the local level, people can directly participate in decision-making, have better knowledge of local problems, and can manage resources more efficiently.

(36.3) Two steps taken for decentralization in India:

• The need for decentralization was recognized in the Constitution itself.
• Panchayats in villages and Municipalities in urban areas were set up in all States to govern at the local level.

Source: Democratic Politics, Chapter – Federalism (Decentralisation in India)

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• (36.1) is a 1-mark definition — one clear sentence is enough.
• (36.2) focus on "local self-government" as a democratic principle + direct participation; both points earn the mark.
• (36.3) needs two distinct steps from the passage — Constitutional recognition and setting up Panchayats/Municipalities are the two explicitly mentioned. Avoid adding outside information not in the extract.
• All answers must stay within the passage; examiners check source-based fidelity.

D) I-2, II-3, III-1, IV-4

Defence → Union List; Police → State List; Marriage → Concurrent List; Computer Software → Residuary Subjects.

The Indian Constitution divides subjects into three lists. Defence is a Union List subject (List I). Police is a State List subject (List II). Marriage falls under the Concurrent List (List III). Computer Software was not listed at the time of Constitution's drafting, so it is a Residuary Subject handled by the Union. Remember: Residuary subjects belong to the Centre by default.

36.1 About 36 lakh elected representatives in panchayats and municipalities make India's local government the largest experiment in democracy in the world — a number greater than the population of many countries, ensuring grassroots democratic participation.

36.2 Granting Constitutional status to local government has increased women's representation and voice in democracy, enabling them to participate actively in decision-making at the local level.

36.3 Two impacts of granting Constitutional status to local government:

• It has helped deepen democracy in the country by bringing governance closer to the people.
• It has increased women's representation and voice, making democracy more inclusive and participatory.

Source: Democratic Politics – II, Chapter: Outcomes of Democracy (Local Government section)

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• 36.1 is 1 mark — one clear point about significance (scale/size of representation) is enough.
• 36.2 is 1 mark — directly quote/paraphrase the passage: Constitutional status → increased women's representation.
• 36.3 is 2 marks — two distinct impacts are required. Deepening democracy and women's empowerment are the two explicitly stated in the passage. Avoid bringing in outside points; examiners check alignment with the source.
• Keep answers passage-based — do not add examples not mentioned in the extract.

(d) I-B, II-A, III-C, IV-D

Union list → Centre legislates for uniformity; State list → State governments alone; Concurrent list → both Centre and State; Residuary → Centre legislates on new subjects.

• Union List: Central Government has exclusive authority (defence, banking, etc.) — for national uniformity → matches B.
• State List: Only State Governments legislate (police, agriculture, etc.) → matches A.
• Concurrent List: Both Centre and States can legislate (education, forests, etc.) → matches C.
• Residuary subjects: New/unlisted subjects — Central Government has jurisdiction → matches D.

Remember: In case of conflict on Concurrent List subjects, Central law prevails.

Federal Government: Power is divided between a central authority and constituent units (states/provinces). Both levels enjoy independent powers guaranteed by the constitution. Neither can override the other. Example: India, USA.

Unitary Government: Either there is only one level of government, or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government. The central government can pass orders to provincial governments. Example: Sri Lanka.

Key Difference: In a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government; both are separately answerable to the people. In a unitary system, the central government holds supreme authority.

Source: Chapter 2, 'What is Federalism?'

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• Examiners expect a clear definition of both terms, followed by a stated difference and one example each — this earns all 3 marks.
• The key contrast phrase from the textbook is: "sub-units are subordinate to the central government" (unitary) vs "state government has powers of its own for which it is not answerable to the central government" (federal). Use this language.
• Do not confuse Belgium (shifted from unitary to federal) with Sri Lanka (remains unitary) — both are textbook examples worth remembering.

C) Only I, II and IV are correct.

The textbook states: "the formation of linguistic States has actually made the country more united. It has also made administration easier." Statement III is incorrect; linguistic States strengthened, not weakened, the federal structure.

Source: How is federalism practised?, Linguistic States section, Chapter 2.

Statement III is the trap option — the passage clearly says linguistic States made the country more united, not weaker. Statements I and II are directly quoted in the source. Statement IV (development of Indian languages) is supported by the overall context of linguistic recognition. Eliminate III to arrive at option C.

Option D — Currency, Communication, Defence

These are subjects of national importance listed under the Union List, on which only the Union Government can make laws.

The source passage clearly states that the Union List includes defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications, and currency. Option D matches three of these exactly. Options A, B, and C mix State List subjects (police, agriculture, trade, irrigation) and Concurrent List subjects (education, marriage) with Union List subjects, making them incorrect.

(36.1) Gandhi and other leaders promised their followers that when freedom came, the new nation would be based on a new set of provinces based on the principle of language.

(36.2) Linguistic states strengthened unity because it proved perfectly consistent to have a regional identity along with a national identity — one could be Kannadiga and Indian, Tamil and Indian, at the same time.

(36.3)

• Kerala — Malayalam
• Andhra Pradesh — Telugu

Source: Chapter 4 (Federalism / State Reorganisation), Democratic Politics – II

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• (36.1) is directly lifted from the passage — just reproduce the key phrase about language-based provinces.
• (36.2) The passage explicitly states linguistic states "helped strengthen" unity; use the examples given (Kannadiga, Tamil, Bengali + Indian) to explain the idea of dual identity.
• (36.3) This goes slightly beyond the passage (which doesn't name Kerala/AP languages), so recall from your textbook/general knowledge: Malayalam for Kerala, Telugu for Andhra Pradesh. These are standard facts examiners expect.
• Do not write lengthy paragraphs — each sub-question is worth only 1–2 marks; keep answers tight and to the point.

(D) Education, Forest, Marriage

The Concurrent List includes subjects where both Union and State Governments can make laws — Education, Forest, Trade Unions, Marriage, Adoption and Succession. Option D correctly lists three of these. Options A, B, C mix Union List (Currency, Defence, Banking) and State List (Agriculture, Irrigation) subjects.

36.1 A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form a panchayat samiti (block/mandal). The members of the panchayat samiti are elected by all the panchayat members in that area.

36.2 Municipalities are set up in towns and are headed by a Municipal Chairperson. Big cities are constituted into municipal corporations, which are headed by a Mayor instead of a chairperson.

36.3 Local government promotes democracy in the following ways:

• Representatives at all levels — panchayat samiti, zilla parishad, municipalities, and municipal corporations — are elected by the people.
• It ensures people's participation in governance at the grassroots level.
• Both rural and urban areas have their own elected bodies, making democracy inclusive and widespread.
• It is described as the largest experiment in democracy in the world, showing its vast democratic reach.

Source: Democratic Politics, Chapter – Federalism (Local Self Government)

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• 36.1 is a direct 1-mark factual question — one line on how panchayat samiti is formed from gram panchayats suffices.
• 36.2 asks for difference — focus on the two key distinctions: area (town vs. big city) and head (chairperson vs. mayor).
• 36.3 is a 2-mark "examine" question — give 2–3 points grounded in the passage. Examiners look for: elected bodies, people's representatives, grassroots democracy, and the "largest experiment" claim from the passage. Don't go beyond the passage for a source-based question.

(b) By ensuring a division of power between centre and states.

The Indian federal system divides power between the Union Government and State Governments through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, ensuring balanced governance across the nation.

Source: Federalism, Chapter 2 — What makes India a federal country?

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• Option (a) is wrong — states do not have complete autonomy; the Centre retains residuary powers and overrides on Concurrent List matters.
• Option (c) is wrong — that describes a unitary system, not federal.
• Option (d) is wrong — the Constitution gives more powers to states than local governments, not the reverse.
• Option (b) is correct because the core definition of federalism is division of power between Centre and states, guaranteed constitutionally through three legislative lists.

Examiner tip: For MCQs, eliminate clearly opposite/extreme options first. "Complete autonomy" and "all decisions under Centre" are instant eliminations in a federalism question.

The Indian Constitution accommodates social diversities through the following arrangements:

1. Federalism: The Constitution distributes powers between the Union and State Governments through three lists — Union List, State List, and Concurrent List — respecting regional diversity.

1. Linguistic States: States were reorganised on the basis of language (e.g., creation of Andhra Pradesh for Telugu speakers), making administration easier and respecting linguistic diversity.

1. Language Policy: No single national language was imposed. Hindi was made official language, but 22 Scheduled Languages are recognised. Non-Hindi states can use English for official purposes.

1. Special Provisions: States like Nagaland and Mizoram enjoy special powers under Article 371 to protect the culture and land rights of indigenous peoples.

Source: Federalism, Chapter 2, Class 10 Political Science

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• Examiners expect 3 distinct points with brief examples for a 3-mark answer.
• Avoid writing long paragraphs; use short labelled points.
• Key terms: Union/State/Concurrent List, Linguistic States, Scheduled Languages, Article 371 — using these shows conceptual clarity.
• The question says "with examples" — always name a state or specific provision as an example, or you risk losing marks.

(D) Switzerland

Switzerland is the best example of a 'coming together' federation, where independent states voluntarily joined to form a federation for mutual benefit.

There are two types of federations: 'coming together' (independent states voluntarily unite — e.g., USA, Switzerland, Australia) and 'holding together' (a large country divides power among states — e.g., India, Spain, Belgium). India is a classic example of a 'holding together' federation, so option (C) is wrong. Switzerland fits 'coming together' as historically independent cantons voluntarily united.

When India became independent in 1947, there were demands to reorganise State boundaries on the basis of language. Many national leaders feared this would lead to the disintegration of the country, so the Central Government initially resisted it. However, experience proved these fears wrong — the formation of linguistic States actually made the country more united and made administration easier.

States were reorganised so that people speaking the same language lived in the same State. Some States like Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand were created on the basis of culture, ethnicity or geography. This successful reorganisation showed that democratic India could accommodate diversity peacefully — making it the first major test for democratic politics.

Source: Federalism, Chapter 2 — Linguistic States

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• The examiner expects three clear points: (1) initial fear/resistance, (2) outcome — unity and easier administration, (3) basis of reorganisation (language/culture/ethnicity).
• Use the phrase "more united" — it is directly from the textbook and earns marks.
• Avoid writing about language policy or Centre–State relations; those are separate sub-topics and will waste word count.
• ~80 words fits 3 marks perfectly here.

Answer: (D) Australia

Australia is an example of a 'coming together' federation, where independent states voluntarily united to form a federation, as also seen in the USA.

The textbook distinguishes two types of federations: 'coming together' (independent states join voluntarily — USA, Australia, Switzerland) and 'holding together' (a large country divides power among regions — India, Belgium, Spain). Examiners expect you to recall Australia/USA as examples of 'coming together' federations. India, Belgium, and Spain are all 'holding together' federations, making (D) the correct choice.

Option C: a-iv, b-i, c-iii, d-ii

• Union List – Defence (iv); State List – Police (i); Concurrent List – Adoption (iii); Residuary Subjects – Computer software (ii).

The three lists come from the Indian Constitution (Federalism chapter). Union List has subjects of national importance (defence, banking, foreign affairs). State List has subjects of local/state importance (police, trade, agriculture). Concurrent List has subjects where both Centre and States can legislate (education, marriage/adoption, forests). Residuary subjects are those not mentioned in any list — like computer software — and belong to the Centre. Remember this distribution for MCQs and short-answer questions.

(b) I, II and IV

India is a quasi-federal state because the Centre has more powers than States (I), residuary subjects vest with the Centre (II), and subjects like Currency and Railways are on the Union List under Central control (IV).

A quasi-federal state means the Centre is stronger than the States — a feature of India's "holding together" federation. Statement III is incorrect because India does not have equal subjects between Centre and States; the Union List has more and weightier subjects than the State List. Statements I, II, and IV all point to Central dominance, which defines India's quasi-federal character.

(I) Language diversity makes India perhaps the most diverse country in the world. It reflects the rich cultural heritage of different communities and helps preserve distinct regional identities.

(II) The 22 languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution are called Scheduled Languages. The remaining languages out of the 121 major languages that are not included in the Eighth Schedule are called Non-Scheduled Languages.

(III) Despite having over 1300 mother tongues, Indians share common cultural values, festivals, and traditions, which unite them. For example, Hindi serves as a link language, drawing together speakers of Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Chhattisgarhi, and other regional tongues under one broader linguistic identity, fostering national unity.

Source: Democratic Politics II, Chapter – Power Sharing / Social Diversity

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• (I) is 1 mark — one clear point suffices; the passage directly states India is "perhaps the most diverse country," so use that.
• (II) is 1 mark — a simple two-line contrast using the exact definition from the passage (Eighth Schedule = Scheduled; rest = Non-Scheduled).
• (III) is 2 marks — examiners expect the concept of fusion/unity + a specific example. Since the passage mentions Hindi grouping diverse languages, use that as your example. If you go beyond the passage slightly (cultural unity), keep it brief and relevant.

(c) Decentralized System

All three clues point to decentralisation: power flows from Central → State → Local (three-tier), State governments share powers/revenue with local bodies, and it is called a three-tier government. These features are explicitly described under "Decentralisation in India" in Chapter 2.

(c) I-2, II-3, III-1, IV-4

Banks → Union List; Agriculture → State List; Education → Concurrent List; Computer → Residuary Subjects.

The Indian Constitution divides legislative subjects into three lists. Banking is a Union List subject (Centre legislates), Agriculture is a State List subject, Education was moved to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment (1976), and Computer/IT, not mentioned in any list, falls under Residuary Subjects (Union Parliament's jurisdiction). Remembering these classifications is a common MCQ topic in Federalism (Chapter 2, Political Science).

(a) i – 3, ii – 1, iii – 4, iv – 2

Union List: Banking (3); State List: Agriculture (1); Concurrent List: Education (4); Residuary Subjects: Computer Software (2).

This question is from the chapter on Federalism (Political Science). The Union List includes subjects like defence, banking, and foreign affairs (controlled by Centre). Agriculture is a State List subject. Education was moved to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment. Computer Software is a modern subject not listed in any of the three lists, so it falls under Residuary Subjects, which belong to the Centre. Remember this as a standard matching fact for board exams.

(b) USA

The USA is an example of a 'coming together' federation, where independent states voluntarily joined to form a union.

CBSE distinguishes between two types of federation: 'coming together' (independent states unite — e.g., USA, Australia, Switzerland) and 'holding together' (a large country divides power to keep the nation united — e.g., India, Belgium, Spain). India and Spain are 'holding together' federations; Belgium uses a unique community government model but is also a 'holding together' type. The USA is the classic textbook example of 'coming together.' Source: Federalism, Chapter 2, Democratic Politics.

Three characteristics of the Indian federal system are:

1. Three-tier government: India has three levels of government — the Union Government, State Governments, and Local Governments (Panchayats and Municipalities), each with separate jurisdiction.

1. Division of powers: The Constitution divides legislative powers into three lists — Union List (defence, banking), State List (police, agriculture), and Concurrent List (education, forests). The Union Government has power over residuary subjects.

1. Constitutional supremacy and independent judiciary: Power-sharing between Union and States is laid down in the Constitution. The Supreme Court and High Courts resolve disputes over division of powers, ensuring constitutional provisions are upheld.

Source: "What makes India a federal country?", Chapter 2

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Examiners expect three distinct, named features with a brief explanation each. Common choices are: three-tier structure, three-list division of powers, constitutional supremacy/judiciary, and special status of some states. Avoid vague statements — always mention a concrete example (e.g., name a list or a body). One crisp sentence per point is enough for a 3-mark answer.

India is a vast country with states as large as European nations. States are internally very diverse in terms of culture, language and geography. A large number of problems are best settled at the local level, where people have better knowledge of local issues and can directly participate in decision making. Therefore, the need for a third tier of government — below the Central and State governments — was recognised in the Constitution to enable effective local self-government.

Source: Decentralisation in India, Chapter 2

The examiner expects two clear points: (1) the reason — India's vast size and internal diversity making two-tier governance insufficient, and (2) the rationale — local problems are best solved locally with direct public participation. Avoid writing about Panchayati Raj amendments (1992) unless asked separately, as that addresses steps taken, not why the need was recognised.

(C) Nepali

Nepali is a Scheduled Language recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Bhojpuri, Garhwali, and Rajasthani are grouped under Hindi and are non-scheduled languages.

The source passage lists all 22 Scheduled Languages, and Nepali appears in that table. Bhojpuri and Rajasthani are explicitly mentioned as languages grouped under 'Hindi' (hence non-scheduled). Garhwali is similarly non-scheduled. For MCQs, simply state the correct option and give a one-line reason — no elaboration needed.

The correct answer is (B) State List – Police and Agriculture.

Police and Agriculture are subjects in the State List, on which only State governments can legislate.

The Union List includes subjects like Defence, Foreign Affairs, Banking, etc. The State List includes Police, Agriculture, Public Health, etc. The Concurrent List includes subjects like Education, Forests, Trade Unions — not Communication (which is Union). Residuary subjects (like computer software) belong to the Union, not a separate "Residuary" category. Option (B) is the only fully correct pairing, making it the right answer.

In a federal system, power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units (states/provinces). Both levels of government enjoy independent powers guaranteed by the Constitution, and neither can override the other.

In a unitary system, either there is only one level of government, or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government. The central government can pass orders to provincial or local governments and even withdraw their powers.

Key contrast: In federalism, the state government has powers of its own and is not answerable to the central government. In a unitary system, the central government has supreme authority. For example, Sri Lanka is unitary — the national government holds all powers — whereas Belgium shifted to a federal system in 1993, giving constitutional powers to regional governments independent of the centre.

Source: Federalism, Chapter 2, "What is Federalism?"

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• Examiners expect a clear definition of both systems followed by the contrast — not just one side.
• The key distinction is constitutional guarantee of powers vs. subordination to centre.
• Use the Belgium/Sri Lanka example from the textbook — it directly supports the answer and shows you've read the source.
• At 3 marks, write 3 distinct points: define federal, define unitary, state the contrast (with example). Don't write more than ~80 words in the model answer section.

Role of the Supreme Court in the Federal System of India:

1. Settling disputes: In case of any dispute about the division of powers between the Union and State Governments, the Supreme Court makes the final decision, acting as an independent umpire.

1. Protecting State autonomy: A major Supreme Court judgement made it difficult for the Central Government to dismiss State Governments in an arbitrary manner, thus strengthening federal power-sharing.

Source: Federalism, Chapter 2 (What makes India a federal country? / How is federalism practised?)

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The examiner expects two distinct, accurate points — one on the judiciary's constitutional role (dispute resolution) and one on its practical contribution (judgement protecting states from arbitrary dismissal). Both points are directly from the chapter. Avoid vague statements like "the Supreme Court is important" — be specific. Each point should be one clear sentence.

Role of the Constitution in India's Federal System:

1. Distribution of Powers: The Constitution clearly divides legislative powers into three lists — Union List, State List, and Concurrent List — giving each level of government its own jurisdiction to prevent conflicts.

1. Protection of Federal Structure: Changes to power-sharing arrangements require a two-thirds majority in Parliament and ratification by at least half the State legislatures, ensuring no single level can unilaterally alter the federal structure.

Source: What makes India a federal country?, Chapter 2

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• The examiner expects two distinct, clearly labelled points — one on distribution of powers (three lists) and one on constitutional safeguards/amendment process.
• Avoid vague answers like "the Constitution is important." Name specific mechanisms.
• The judiciary's role (Supreme Court as umpire) is a valid third point if asked, but two points suffice here.
• Each point should be a complete sentence explaining the how, not just naming the feature.

(C) Concurrent List

'Education' is a subject in the Concurrent List, on which both the Union Government and State Governments can make laws.

Source: What makes India a federal country?, Chapter 2

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The passage explicitly lists Education under the Concurrent List along with forest, trade unions, marriage, etc. A common mistake is choosing the State List — remember, Education was moved to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976). Examiners expect the correct option and, for 1 mark, a brief supporting line is sufficient.

(36.1) Giving power to Panchayats fulfils the dream of Mahatma Gandhi, who envisioned self-governing village republics as the foundation of Indian democracy.

(36.2) The primary objective of giving power to Panchayats is to restore power to the people — the only place where power truly belongs in a democracy.

(36.3) Panchayati Raj contributes to democracy in two key ways:

• It places power directly in the hands of the people, establishing true democracy at the grassroots level.
• When people participate in planning and implementing developmental schemes, they exercise greater control, which eliminates corrupt middlemen, reduces corruption, increases administrative efficiency, and thereby strengthens the foundations of democracy.

Source: Democratic Politics, Federalism chapter

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• 36.1 is 1 mark — one line linking Panchayati Raj to Gandhi's vision is sufficient.
• 36.2 is 1 mark — the examiner looks for "power in the hands of the people" as the core point.
• 36.3 is 2 marks — you need two distinct points: (i) true democracy/people's participation, and (ii) reduction of corruption/eliminating middlemen. Both are explicitly stated in the passage, so always quote/paraphrase the source directly in source-based questions.

(B) Supreme Court of India

According to the features of federalism, courts have the power to interpret the constitution and act as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government.

Source: What is federalism?, Chapter 2

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The source passage clearly states: "The highest court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers." In India, the Supreme Court is the highest court. The Finance Commission deals with financial relations, the President has a different constitutional role, and the Prime Minister is the head of the executive — none of these resolve Centre-State disputes judicially. Examiners expect you to link the correct institution to its constitutional function.

The correct answer is (B) I-b, II-c, III-a, IV-d.

Banking → Union List; Police → State List; Trade Union → Concurrent List; Internet → Residuary List.

• Union List contains subjects of national importance like defence, banking, and foreign affairs (controlled by Central Government).
• State List includes subjects of local/state concern like police, agriculture, and public health.
• Concurrent List has subjects where both Centre and States can legislate, such as education, forests, and trade unions.
• Residuary powers (subjects not mentioned in any list, like internet/cyber law) vest with the Central Government in India.
• This is a standard chapter 2 (Federalism) concept — remember these examples for board exams.

(36.1) The 2011 Census of India recorded more than 1300 distinct languages as mother tongues.

(36.2) The languages were grouped under some major languages. For example, Bhojpuri, Magadhi, Bundelkhandi, Chhattisgarhi, Rajasthani and many others were grouped together under 'Hindi'. After such grouping, 121 major languages were identified.

(36.3) The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution includes 22 languages, known as 'Scheduled Languages'. This gives official recognition to these languages, acknowledging their importance and protecting them. The remaining languages are called 'Non-Scheduled Languages'. By formally recognising 22 out of 121 major languages, the Constitution ensures that major linguistic groups receive constitutional status, thereby respecting and preserving India's rich linguistic diversity.

Source: Linguistic Diversity of India, Democratic Politics II (CBSE Class 10)

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• (36.1) is a direct recall — state the exact figure (more than 1300). One line is sufficient.
• (36.2) requires you to explain the grouping method with an example from the passage (Hindi grouping). Examiners expect the example.
• (36.3) carries 2 marks — mention the number (22), the term 'Scheduled Languages', the contrast with 'Non-Scheduled Languages', and link it to constitutional recognition/protection of diversity. Avoid going beyond the passage for a source-based question.

(D) Odia

Odia is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution as one of the 22 Scheduled Languages. Hariyanavi, Rajasthani, and Garhwali are not scheduled languages.

Source: How is federalism practised?, Chapter 2

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The passage explicitly lists all 22 Scheduled Languages in a table, and Odia (3.10% speakers) appears in it. Rajasthani is mentioned as being grouped under Hindi, not as a separate scheduled language. Hariyanavi and Garhwali do not appear at all. Examiners expect students to recall that there are 22 Scheduled Languages in the Eighth Schedule and identify the correct one from the options.

(C) Concurrent List Subjects – Adoption

From the textbook exercise (Ch. 2, Q.9), Marriages (I) falls under the Concurrent List, not Residuary. Communications (G) is a Union List subject, and Education (D) is a Concurrent List subject, not State List. Adoption also falls under the Concurrent List, making (C) correct.

Source: Federalism, Chapter 2 Exercises, Q.9

• Union List includes Defence, Banking, Communications — so (A) is correct on its own, but the question tests all options.
• Education shifted to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment (1976) — so (B) is wrong.
• Marriages is a Concurrent List subject (per Q.9 of the exercise) — so (D) is wrong; Residuary powers cover subjects not listed anywhere (e.g., cyber law).
• Adoption is a personal law matter and falls under the Concurrent List, making (C) correct.

The statement is valid and can be analysed through the following arguments:

1. Three-tier structure: The Constitution establishes Union, State, and Local Governments, each with separate jurisdictions, making power-sharing fundamental to its design.

1. Three-fold distribution of powers: Legislative powers are divided into the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, clearly defining areas of authority for each government.

1. Rigidity of amendment: This power-sharing arrangement cannot be changed by Parliament alone. Any amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses and ratification by at least half the State legislatures.

1. Judiciary as guardian: The Supreme Court and High Courts oversee the division of powers and resolve disputes, protecting the federal structure.

Thus, Centre-State power sharing is not merely a feature but the very foundation of the Indian Constitution.

Source: Federalism, What makes India a federal country? — Chapter 2

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• Examiners look for 3 distinct points for 3 marks — aim for one point per mark.
• The key evidence from the textbook is the three lists, the rigid amendment procedure, and the role of judiciary — use all three.
• Avoid writing vague general statements; cite specific constitutional provisions (Union List, State List, Concurrent List, two-thirds majority, half the states).
• The phrase "basic to the structure" is the textbook's own wording — always link back to it in your answer.

Vertical distribution of power in India is effective through a three-tier federal structure:

• Union Government handles national subjects.
• State Governments handle state subjects.
• Local Governments (Panchayati Raj and Municipalities) handle local issues after the 1992 Constitutional amendment.

This decentralisation ensures people's direct participation in governance and promotes local self-government.

Source: Federalism, Chapter 2 (Decentralisation in India)

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• The examiner wants you to link vertical power sharing → federalism → three tiers explicitly.
• Mention the 1992 amendment as the key step that made the third tier constitutionally effective — this earns a dedicated mark.
• Avoid writing about Belgium/Sri Lanka here; this question is India-specific.
• Two marks = two clear points (the three-tier structure + its effectiveness/outcome like decentralisation and participation).

Answer: D — Tamil

Tamil is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution as one of the 22 Scheduled Languages. Bhojpuri, Magadhi, and Rajasthani are grouped under 'Hindi' and are not separately listed in the Eighth Schedule.

Source: Linguistic diversity of India, Chapter 2

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The passage explicitly lists all 22 Scheduled Languages in a table, and Tamil (5.70% speakers) appears in it. The passage also states that Bhojpuri, Magadhi, and Rajasthani are "grouped together under 'Hindi'" — meaning they are not independent Scheduled Languages. This is a direct fact-recall question; just remember the table lists Tamil but not the other three options.

35.1 Decentralisation of power has been done at three levels in the Indian Constitution — Central Government, State Government, and Local Government (third tier).

35.2 Local self-government bodies like Panchayats and Municipalities are closer to the people, so they can better understand and solve local problems related to water supply, sanitation, roads, and basic amenities efficiently.

35.3 Local government is the best form of democracy because it allows people to directly participate in decision-making at the grassroots level. Problems of a locality are best understood and solved by local people themselves. The 1992 Constitutional amendment strengthened this by giving Panchayats and Municipalities real powers and resources, making self-governance meaningful and effective.

Source: Democratic Politics – II, Chapter: Federalism

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• 35.1: The passage mentions three tiers — Central, State, and Local (third-tier). State this clearly.
• 35.2: Though not directly in the passage, CBSE expects you to link proximity of local bodies to people as the basis for solving problems. One crisp line suffices for 1 mark.
• 35.3: This 2-mark answer needs two points: (i) direct participation of people, and (ii) local issues handled locally. Mentioning the 1992 amendment adds value. Examiners look for the idea that self-governance = people governing themselves at the local level.

Answer: D — Switzerland

Switzerland is an example of sharing of power between the national and state (cantonal) governments to account for its internal linguistic and cultural diversity.

The question asks about vertical power sharing (federal division of power) specifically to accommodate internal diversity. Switzerland is the classic textbook example cited in NCERT for a multilingual, multicultural nation using federalism to manage diversity. While the USA and Australia are also federal countries, Switzerland is the specific example highlighted in the context of managing internal diversity through power sharing between national and state governments.

(35.1) Participatory democracy is a form of democracy in which citizens directly participate in decision-making processes of governance, rather than only electing representatives.

(35.2) The given example defines a decentralised government, where power is distributed to local levels and people at the grassroots participate in governance alongside the formal municipal council.

(35.3) In India, the Panchayati Raj system is similar to this example. Villages have a Gram Sabha, where all voters of the village can participate. Elected members form the Gram Panchayat, headed by a Sarpanch. In urban areas, Municipal Councils/Corporations perform similar functions. These local bodies discuss local issues, prepare budgets, and take decisions for their area, just like Porto Alegre's system.

Source: Democratic Politics – II, Chapter 2 (Federalism)

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• (35.1) One line is sufficient for 1 mark — define the term clearly.
• (35.2) The key concept being tested is decentralisation (third tier of government). Avoid writing "federal" or "democratic" alone — be specific.
• (35.3) For 2 marks, name the system (Panchayati Raj), mention Gram Sabha (parallel to sector meetings), and the elected body (Gram Panchayat/Municipality). Drawing the comparison to the passage strengthens the answer. Examiners look for both rural and urban local bodies.

(B) Bolivia — Federal

Bolivia practices a federal system of government, making this the correctly matched pair.

Canada, Australia, and Spain are not federal systems in the simple sense used here — Canada and Australia are federal, but the options list them as "Unitary," making those pairs incorrect. Bolivia is explicitly mentioned in the NCERT textbook (Ch. 2) as an example of a federal country. Examiners expect direct recall of which countries follow federal vs. unitary systems as given in the textbook.

(C) Federal

Belgium solved its problem of majoritarianism by strengthening the Federal form of government, giving constitutional powers to regional governments independent of the central government.

Source: What is federalism?, Chapter 2

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The passage explicitly states: "Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of government" after the 1993 constitutional changes. Regional governments were given constitutionally guaranteed powers not dependent on the central government. This is the key fact examiners expect.

The correct option is (B) Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The Krishna and Godavari rivers flow through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, making these the primary states involved in the inter-state water dispute. This question is from the chapter on Water Resources / Federalism context. The source passages provided do not directly address this topic, but this is standard CBSE Class 10 Geography/Political Science content. Note: since no matching source passage was provided, answer is based on prescribed NCERT content.

The Indian Constitution provides a three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union and State Governments through three lists:

1. Union List – Subjects of national importance like defence, banking, foreign affairs, and currency. Only the Union Government can make laws on these.

1. State List – Subjects of local importance like police, agriculture, trade, and irrigation. Only State Governments can make laws on these.

1. Concurrent List – Subjects of common interest like education, forests, and marriage. Both Union and State Governments can legislate; in case of conflict, Union law prevails.

Subjects not in any list (e.g., computer software) are called residuary subjects and fall under Union Government jurisdiction.

Source: Chapter 2 – Federalism, "What makes India a federal country?"

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• Examiners expect all three lists named and explained with at least one example each — this is the core of the answer.
• Mentioning who has legislative power for each list is mandatory.
• The conflict-resolution rule (Union law prevails in Concurrent List) and residuary powers add completeness and are often tested separately too.
• Keep examples short — one or two per list is enough.

Option B — Only I, II and IV are correct.

Statement III is incorrect because the Municipal chairperson is the head of the Municipality, not Block Samiti.

The textbook clearly states: "Municipalities are set up in towns. Big cities are constituted into municipal corporations. Municipal chairperson is the political head of the municipality. In a municipal corporation, such an officer is called the mayor." Statement III wrongly assigns the Municipal chairperson to Block Samiti (which is a rural, panchayat-level body). Eliminating Statement III rules out options A, C, and D, leaving B as correct.

Two features of federalism:

1. Two or more levels of government: There are different tiers of government (e.g., Central and State) that govern the same citizens, but each has its own jurisdiction in matters of legislation, taxation and administration.

1. Constitutional guarantee of powers: The jurisdiction of each tier is specified in the Constitution. Fundamental provisions cannot be changed unilaterally by one level; consent of both levels is required.

Source: What is federalism?, Chapter 2

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• The question asks for any two features — pick the clearest, most examinable ones. The two given above are directly stated in the textbook's numbered list.
• Each feature should be named + briefly explained (one sentence each) for full marks.
• Avoid vague answers like "power is shared" without specifying between whom or how.
• Other valid features include: courts as umpire, financial autonomy of each tier, or dual objectives of unity + diversity — any two from the textbook list will earn full marks.

(B) I, III and IV are correct.

Statement II is incorrect — only one-third (not two-third) seats are reserved for women in local government bodies.

Source: Decentralisation in India, Chapter 2

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The passage clearly states: "at least one-third of all positions are reserved for women" — not two-thirds. Statements I (mandatory regular elections), III (State Election Commission), and IV (seats reserved for SCs and STs) are all explicitly mentioned as measures taken in 1992. Option B is therefore correct.

The Indian Constitution distributes powers between the Centre and states through a three-fold distribution using three lists:

1. Union List – 97 subjects of national importance (e.g., defence, foreign affairs, banking, currency). Only the Central Government can make laws on these.

1. State List – 66 subjects of local importance (e.g., police, agriculture, irrigation). Only State Governments can make laws on these.

1. Concurrent List – 47 subjects of common interest (e.g., education, forests, marriage). Both Centre and States can legislate; in case of conflict, Central law prevails.

Residuary powers (subjects not in any list, e.g., computer software) are given to the Union Government.

Source: Democratic Politics – II, Chapter 2: Federalism

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• Examiners expect all three lists named with examples — this earns the bulk of marks.
• Mention residuary powers briefly for a complete answer.
• Do not write lengthy paragraphs; a numbered list with one-line explanations is ideal for 3 marks.
• The conflict-resolution rule (Central law prevails) for Concurrent List is a frequently tested detail — include it.

(B) only i, ii and iv are correct.

Statement iii is incorrect — Panch and Sarpanch are directly elected by adult voters of the ward/village, not selected by the Election Commission.

The passage clearly states: "They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or village." The State Election Commission only conducts elections; it does not select representatives. Statements i, ii, and iv are directly supported by the passage. This type of MCQ tests careful reading — watch for words like "selected" vs "elected."