Class 10 • Civics • Democratic Politics-II
Federalism Class 10 MCQs with Answers
165 chapter-based multiple choice questions covering federalism, India's constitutional arrangements, linguistic States, language policy, Centre-State relations, decentralisation and local government.
Chapter focus: Federalism as vertical power-sharing; coming-together and holding-together federations; the Union, State and Concurrent Lists; Indian federal practice; linguistic States; language policy; Centre-State relations; coalition politics; decentralisation; Panchayati Raj; municipalities; and participatory democracy.
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Federalism at a Glance
NCERT • CLASS 10
Core ideaPower is divided between different levels of government.
Two routesComing together and holding together federations.
IndiaUnion, State and Concurrent Lists organise legislative powers.
LanguageNo national language; Hindi is the official language, with safeguards for other languages.
PoliticsLinguistic States, regional parties and coalition politics strengthened federal practice.
Local levelDecentralisation gives constitutional status and responsibilities to local bodies.
Exam tip: Do not confuse official language with national language. Also remember the distinction between the Union, State and Concurrent Lists and between coming-together and holding-together federations.
SECTION 1
Federalism: Core Concepts
15 carefully selected MCQs covering this part of the chapter.
1
What is federalism?
Correct Answer: A) A system in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units
2
Which form of power-sharing is the main focus of the chapter?
Correct Answer: D) Vertical division of power among different levels of government
3
Which principle allows different levels of government to exercise authority within their own jurisdictions?
Correct Answer: B) Constitutionally defined division of powers
4
Usually, a federation has:
Correct Answer: D) Two levels of government
5
In a federal system, the governments at different levels generally:
Correct Answer: D) Enjoy powers independent of the other within their jurisdictions
6
What are the two dual objectives of a federal system?
Correct Answer: B) Unity of the country and accommodation of regional diversity
7
Which two aspects are crucial for the practice of federalism?
Correct Answer: C) Mutual trust and agreement to live together
8
The exact balance of power between central and state governments mainly depends on:
Correct Answer: C) The historical context in which the federation was formed
9
Which of the following is a 'coming together' federation mentioned in the chapter?
Correct Answer: D) United States of America
10
Which group contains only examples of 'coming together' federations?
Correct Answer: C) USA, Switzerland and Australia
11
Which group contains only examples of 'holding together' federations?
Correct Answer: C) India, Spain and Belgium
12
In a 'coming together' federation, constituent States usually:
Correct Answer: D) Have equal power and are strong vis-à-vis the federal government
13
In a 'holding together' federation, the Central Government tends to be:
Correct Answer: D) More powerful vis-à-vis the States
14
Which term means the area over which someone has legal authority?
Correct Answer: D) Jurisdiction
15
Under a unitary system, sub-units are generally:
Correct Answer: C) Subordinate to the central government
SECTION 2
Key Features of Federalism
15 carefully selected MCQs covering this part of the chapter.
16
How many levels or tiers of government must a federal system have according to the chapter's key features?
Correct Answer: C) Two or more
17
In a federal system, different tiers govern:
Correct Answer: B) The same citizens, but within their own jurisdictions
18
Which areas can different tiers have their own jurisdiction over?
Correct Answer: C) Legislation, taxation and administration
19
The jurisdictions of the different levels of government are normally specified in the:
Correct Answer: B) Constitution
20
The existence and authority of each tier in a federal system are:
Correct Answer: B) Constitutionally guaranteed
21
Fundamental constitutional provisions in a federal system cannot normally be changed:
Correct Answer: A) Unilaterally by one level of government
22
Changes to fundamental federal arrangements require the consent of:
Correct Answer: D) Both levels of government concerned
23
Who interprets the Constitution and the powers of different levels of government?
Correct Answer: D) Courts
24
The highest court acts as an umpire when disputes arise between:
Correct Answer: D) Different levels of government
25
Federalism requires clear sources of revenue for each level mainly to ensure:
Correct Answer: D) Financial autonomy
26
Which statement best distinguishes federal and unitary government?
Correct Answer: A) Federal systems divide constitutional powers among levels; unitary systems place sub-units under the centre
27
In a federal system, a state government has powers of its own for which it is:
Correct Answer: D) Not answerable to the central government
28
In a federal system, both central and state governments are separately answerable to:
Correct Answer: D) The people
29
Which of the following is NOT a key feature of federalism?
Correct Answer: C) One level having unlimited power over all others
30
Which feature helps prevent one level of government from changing the federal arrangement alone?
Correct Answer: B) Requirement of consent of both levels
SECTION 3
What Makes India Federal?
20 carefully selected MCQs covering this part of the chapter.
31
How does the Constitution describe India?
Correct Answer: B) A Union of States
32
Although the Constitution does not use the word 'federation', the Indian Union is based on the principles of:
Correct Answer: B) Federalism
33
The Constitution originally provided for which system of government?
Correct Answer: D) A two-tier system
34
Which third tier was later added to Indian federalism?
Correct Answer: B) Panchayats and Municipalities
35
How many broad lists distribute legislative powers between the Union and State Governments?
Correct Answer: D) Three
36
Which list contains subjects of national importance such as defence and foreign affairs?
Correct Answer: C) Union List
37
Who can make laws on subjects in the Union List?
Correct Answer: A) Union Government alone
38
Which of the following is a Union List subject mentioned in the chapter?
Correct Answer: C) Currency
39
Which list contains subjects of State and local importance such as police and agriculture?
Correct Answer: C) State List
40
Who can make laws on subjects in the State List?
Correct Answer: B) State Governments alone
41
Which of the following is a State List subject mentioned in the chapter?
Correct Answer: C) Agriculture
42
The Concurrent List contains subjects of:
Correct Answer: C) Common interest to both Union and State Governments
43
Which of the following is in the Concurrent List according to the chapter?
Correct Answer: A) Education
44
If Union and State laws conflict on a Concurrent List subject, which law prevails?
Correct Answer: B) Union law
45
Subjects not included in any of the three lists are called:
Correct Answer: B) Residuary subjects
46
Who has the power to legislate on residuary subjects in India?
Correct Answer: D) Union Government
47
A new subject is not mentioned in the Union, State or Concurrent List. Who has the power to legislate on it?
Correct Answer: C) The Union Government
48
A State wants to make a law on police. Which list gives the State Government jurisdiction over this subject?
Correct Answer: A) State List
49
Parliament and a State Legislature both make laws on a Concurrent List subject, and the two laws conflict. Which principle applies according to the chapter?
Correct Answer: B) The Union law generally prevails
50
Why are defence, foreign affairs and currency included in the Union List?
Correct Answer: B) They require a uniform policy throughout the country
SECTION 4
Special Powers, Union Territories and Constitutional Protection
12 carefully selected MCQs covering this part of the chapter.
51
According to the chapter, which States are mentioned as enjoying special powers under certain provisions of Article 371?
Correct Answer: C) Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram
52
Special powers for certain States are linked in the chapter to their:
Correct Answer: D) Peculiar social and historical circumstances
53
The special provisions mentioned in the chapter particularly relate to protection of:
Correct Answer: C) Land rights, culture and preferential government employment
54
What are Union Territories?
Correct Answer: C) Areas that do not have the powers of a State and where the Centre has special powers
55
Which of the following is mentioned as a Union Territory in the chapter?
Correct Answer: C) Chandigarh
56
Which other places are mentioned as Union Territories in the chapter?
Correct Answer: A) Lakshadweep and Delhi
57
Why do some areas have Union Territory status according to the chapter?
Correct Answer: C) They are too small to become independent States or could not be merged with existing States
58
Can Parliament alone change the constitutional power-sharing arrangement between Union and States?
Correct Answer: D) No, a special constitutional procedure is required
59
For a constitutional amendment affecting the federal power-sharing arrangement, each House of Parliament must pass it by:
Correct Answer: B) A special majority: a majority of the total membership and at least two-thirds of members present and voting
60
After Parliament passes such an amendment, it must be ratified by the legislatures of at least:
Correct Answer: D) Half of the total States
61
Which institutions make decisions in disputes about the division of powers?
Correct Answer: D) High Courts and Supreme Court
62
Both Union and State Governments have power to raise resources by:
Correct Answer: B) Levying taxes
SECTION 5
How Federalism Is Practised: Linguistic States
8 carefully selected MCQs covering this part of the chapter.
63
What was the first major test of democratic politics for Indian federalism?
Correct Answer: A) Creation of linguistic States
64
Why were many new States created on a linguistic basis?
Correct Answer: D) To ensure people speaking the same language lived in the same State
65
Some States were created not on language but to recognise differences based on:
Correct Answer: C) Culture, ethnicity or geography
66
Which of the following is mentioned as a State created recognising cultural, ethnic or geographical differences?
Correct Answer: B) Nagaland
67
Which combination is mentioned as examples of States created not solely on linguistic grounds?
Correct Answer: C) Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand
68
What did some national leaders initially fear about linguistic States?
Correct Answer: B) They would lead to disintegration of the country
69
What did experience show about the formation of linguistic States?
Correct Answer: B) It actually made the country more united
70
According to the chapter, linguistic States also made:
Correct Answer: C) Administration easier
SECTION 6
Language Policy
19 carefully selected MCQs covering this part of the chapter.
71
Did the Constitution give the status of national language to any one language?
Correct Answer: D) No
72
Which language was identified as the official language in the chapter?
Correct Answer: C) Hindi
73
According to the chapter, Hindi was the mother tongue of about what share of Indians in the context discussed?
Correct Answer: C) About 40 per cent
74
How many languages are listed in the chapter's table as Scheduled Languages under the Eighth Schedule?
Correct Answer: B) 22
75
A candidate in a Central Government examination may opt to take the examination in:
Correct Answer: C) Any of the recognised Scheduled Languages mentioned
76
States in India generally have:
Correct Answer: A) Their own official languages
77
According to the chapter, what was originally supposed to happen to the use of English for official purposes in 1965?
Correct Answer: D) It was to stop
78
What did many non-Hindi-speaking States demand regarding English?
Correct Answer: A) That its use should continue
79
Where did the movement against the language policy take a violent form?
Correct Answer: A) Tamil Nadu
80
How did the Central Government respond to demands to continue English?
Correct Answer: B) It agreed to continue English along with Hindi for official purposes
81
What does promotion of Hindi NOT mean according to the chapter?
Correct Answer: B) The Centre can impose Hindi on States where people speak another language
82
What helped India avoid a situation like Sri Lanka's language conflict?
Correct Answer: C) Flexibility shown by Indian political leaders
83
According to the 2011 Census discussion in the chapter, how many distinct languages were mentioned as mother tongues before grouping?
Correct Answer: C) More than 1300
84
After grouping, the Census found how many major languages?
Correct Answer: A) 121
85
How many languages were included in the Eighth Schedule according to the chapter's 2011 discussion?
Correct Answer: A) 22
86
According to the chapter's table, Hindi was the mother tongue of approximately:
Correct Answer: C) 43.63 per cent
87
According to the chapter's table, Bengali accounted for approximately:
Correct Answer: C) 8.03 per cent
88
According to the chapter's table, Telugu accounted for approximately:
Correct Answer: B) 6.70 per cent
89
A State uses its own regional language for government work while also using Hindi or English where constitutionally appropriate. What does this illustrate?
Correct Answer: D) India's flexible language policy
SECTION 7
Centre-State Relations and Coalition Politics
11 carefully selected MCQs covering this part of the chapter.
90
For a long time after Independence, what party relationship existed between the Centre and most States?
Correct Answer: A) The same party ruled at the Centre and in most States
91
What effect did one-party dominance often have on State Governments?
Correct Answer: C) They did not exercise their rights as autonomous federal units fully
92
What did the Central Government sometimes do to State Governments controlled by rival parties?
Correct Answer: A) Use the Constitution to dismiss them
93
Such dismissal of rival State Governments undermined the:
Correct Answer: D) Spirit of federalism
94
What major political change occurred after 1990?
Correct Answer: A) Rise of regional parties and coalition governments at the Centre
95
Why did major national parties have to form alliances after 1990?
Correct Answer: B) No single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha
96
What is a coalition government?
Correct Answer: A) A government formed by the coming together of at least two political parties
97
Coalition partners usually form:
Correct Answer: A) A political alliance and adopt a common programme
98
What did the rise of regional parties and coalition governments encourage?
Correct Answer: D) Power-sharing and respect for State autonomy
99
What did a major Supreme Court judgement do regarding dismissal of State governments?
Correct Answer: A) Made arbitrary dismissal more difficult
100
According to the chapter, federal power-sharing today is:
Correct Answer: D) More effective than in the early years after the Constitution came into force
SECTION 8
Decentralisation and Local Government
28 carefully selected MCQs covering this part of the chapter.
101
Why does India need another tier of government below the State level?
Correct Answer: A) Because many States are large and internally diverse and local issues need local decision-making
102
What is decentralisation?
Correct Answer: A) Taking power from central and State governments and giving it to local government
103
What is the basic idea behind decentralisation?
Correct Answer: A) Many problems are best settled at the local level
104
Why can local people make better decisions on many local issues?
Correct Answer: B) They have better knowledge of problems in their localities
105
Decentralisation makes it possible for people to:
Correct Answer: C) Directly participate in decision-making
106
Local self-government helps inculcate a habit of:
Correct Answer: D) Democratic participation
107
Before the major constitutional amendment of 1992, local governments often:
Correct Answer: A) Were under State government control and lacked adequate powers and resources
108
What major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992?
Correct Answer: B) The Constitution was amended to make the third tier more powerful and effective
109
After the 1992 constitutional amendment, regular elections to local government bodies became:
Correct Answer: C) Constitutionally mandatory
110
Seats in local elected bodies are reserved for:
Correct Answer: B) Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women
111
At least what fraction of all positions in local bodies is reserved for women according to the chapter?
Correct Answer: A) One-third
112
Which institution conducts panchayat and municipal elections in each State?
Correct Answer: B) State Election Commission
113
State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with:
Correct Answer: C) Local government bodies
114
What is rural local government popularly known as?
Correct Answer: A) Panchayati Raj
115
What is the village-level elected body called?
Correct Answer: A) Gram Panchayat
116
The Gram Panchayat consists of:
Correct Answer: B) Several ward members and a president or sarpanch
117
The Gram Panchayat works under the overall supervision of:
Correct Answer: A) Gram Sabha
118
Who are members of the Gram Sabha?
Correct Answer: A) All voters in the village
119
According to the chapter, the Gram Sabha has to meet at least:
Correct Answer: A) Twice or thrice a year
120
One function of the Gram Sabha mentioned in the chapter is to:
Correct Answer: A) Approve the annual budget and review Gram Panchayat performance
121
A few Gram Panchayats are grouped together to form a:
Correct Answer: B) Panchayat Samiti, block or mandal
122
All Panchayat Samitis or mandals in a district together form the:
Correct Answer: D) Zilla Parishad
123
Who is the political head of the Zilla Parishad?
Correct Answer: B) Zilla Parishad chairperson
124
What local bodies are generally set up in towns?
Correct Answer: D) Municipalities
125
Big cities are constituted into:
Correct Answer: A) Municipal corporations
126
Who is the political head of a municipal corporation?
Correct Answer: D) Mayor
127
The constitutional status of local government has helped to:
Correct Answer: D) Deepen democracy and increase women's representation and voice
128
Which remains a major difficulty in decentralisation according to the chapter?
Correct Answer: C) Many State governments have not transferred significant powers and adequate resources
SECTION 9
Participatory Democracy and Chapter Review
10 carefully selected MCQs covering this part of the chapter.
129
Which city in Brazil is discussed as an experiment combining decentralisation with participative democracy?
Correct Answer: D) Porto Alegre
130
In Porto Alegre, local inhabitants participate in:
Correct Answer: C) Making the budget for their city
131
About how many people participate each year in the Porto Alegre decision-making exercise described in the chapter?
Correct Answer: D) About 20,000
132
What did participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre help prevent?
Correct Answer: A) Money being spent only for the benefit of richer colonies
133
What similar experiment is mentioned in India?
Correct Answer: C) People participating in development planning in some areas of Kerala
134
According to the chapter, the new local government system is described as:
Correct Answer: D) The largest experiment in democracy conducted anywhere in the world
135
About how many elected representatives are mentioned as serving in panchayats, municipalities and related local bodies?
Correct Answer: B) About 36 lakh
136
Which statement best captures the chapter's conclusion about decentralisation?
Correct Answer: A) It has deepened democracy, but India is still a long way from fully realising self-government
137
Which statement about Gram Sabhas is identified as a difficulty?
Correct Answer: C) They are not held regularly
138
Which of the following best summarises Indian federalism in the chapter?
Correct Answer: A) Constitutional power-sharing has been strengthened by democratic politics, linguistic accommodation, regional parties, coalition politics and decentralisation
SECTION 10
Application, Assertion & Case-Based Challenge
27 higher-order MCQs using application, assertion-reasoning and case-based thinking.
139
Which of the following correctly matches a subject with the Union List?
Correct Answer:C) Defence
140
Which of the following correctly matches a subject with the State List?
Correct Answer:A) Police
141
Which of the following correctly matches a subject with the Concurrent List?
Correct Answer:D) Education
142
Which statement best explains why India is a federal country?
Correct Answer:D) Union and State powers are specified in the Constitution and each level has its own jurisdiction
143
Which situation best illustrates financial autonomy in federalism?
Correct Answer:B) Each level has clearly specified sources of revenue to perform its responsibilities
144
A State Government wants to make a law on national defence. Which constitutional list places defence under the Union Government's jurisdiction?
Correct Answer:D) Union List
145
A State law conflicts with a Union law on a subject in the Concurrent List. According to the chapter, which law prevails?
Correct Answer:B) The Union law
146
A country is formed when several independent States voluntarily join together while retaining their identity. Which type of federation does this describe?
Correct Answer:B) Coming together federation
147
India has a strong Centre, while some States enjoy special powers because of their peculiar social and historical circumstances. Which feature of Indian federalism does this illustrate?
Correct Answer:C) Holding together federation
148
A State has a language different from Hindi and wants to preserve its own official language. Which feature of India's language policy supports this arrangement?
Correct Answer:B) States can have their own official languages
149
A Central Government tries to dismiss a State Government merely because a rival party controls the State. According to the chapter, why is this problematic?
Correct Answer:B) It undermines the spirit of federalism
150
A national election produces no clear majority, so several national and regional parties join together and adopt a common programme to form the government. What is this government called?
Correct Answer:B) Coalition government
151
A village needs to decide how to use local funds for a community facility. Which level of government is most directly suited to handle such a local issue under decentralisation?
Correct Answer:B) Local government
152
A Gram Sabha meeting includes all voters of the village, who discuss the Gram Panchayat's work and budget. Which principle is best illustrated?
Correct Answer:A) Local participation in democratic decision-making
153
A State Government has created local bodies but has not transferred significant powers or adequate resources to them. What does the chapter identify this as?
Correct Answer:D) A continuing difficulty in decentralisation
154
Assertion (A): Coming-together federations generally give constituent States equal power. Reason (R): Independent States come together by pooling sovereignty while retaining their identity.
Correct Answer:A) Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A
155
Assertion (A): India is described in the chapter as a holding-together federation. Reason (R): In such federations, the Central Government tends to be more powerful vis-à-vis the States and some units may have special powers.
Correct Answer:A) Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A
156
Assertion (A): Constitutional provisions alone guarantee the success of federalism in practice. Reason (R): The chapter says that democratic politics, respect for diversity and the desire to live together are also important.
Correct Answer:B) A is false, but R is true
157
Assertion (A): India has no national language according to the Constitution. Reason (R): The Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language.
Correct Answer:D) Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A
158
Assertion (A): Promotion of Hindi means that the Central Government can impose Hindi on every State. Reason (R): The chapter says promotion of Hindi does not mean imposing it on States where people speak a different language.
Correct Answer:A) A is false, but R is true
159
Assertion (A): The rise of regional parties and coalition governments strengthened federal power-sharing in practice. Reason (R): Coalition politics encouraged power-sharing and greater respect for State autonomy.
Correct Answer:A) Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A
160
Assertion (A): Decentralisation can increase democratic participation. Reason (R): Local people often have better knowledge of problems in their own localities and can participate directly in decisions.
Correct Answer:B) Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A
161
Which situation best shows how federalism can protect regional diversity while maintaining national unity?
Correct Answer:C) Giving States constitutionally protected powers while keeping the country united
162
A dispute arises between a State Government and the Union Government over their constitutional powers. Which institution is designed to settle such disputes?
Correct Answer:A) The Supreme Court
163
Some States with indigenous populations receive special constitutional provisions. What is the main purpose of such arrangements?
Correct Answer:D) To accommodate distinctive social and historical circumstances
164
Which statement correctly describes a major strength of India's federal arrangement?
Correct Answer:B) Different levels of government have constitutionally defined powers and jurisdictions
165
A federal arrangement is working well when different levels of government follow agreed rules and trust one another to respect their jurisdictions. Which federal principle does this illustrate?
Correct Answer:C) Mutual trust and agreement to live together