GK Question

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Under Article 248, Parliament has exclusive power to make laws with respect to any matter not enumerated in the Concurrent List or State List, including the power to impose taxes not mentioned in either List, reflecting Indian federalism's ______ bias designed for national unity in diverse post-Partition context.

  1. State-centric
  2. unitary
  3. confederal
  4. decentralized

Answer: unitary

Residuary powers and unitary bias: (a) Article 248: Parliament exclusive power over residuary subjects (not in State/Concurrent Lists), including residuary taxation — gives Indian federalism strong unitary bias, (b) Rationale: Constituent Assembly prioritized national unity and coordinated development in diverse, post-Partition India; strong Centre to prevent fragmentation, ensure integration, (c) Contrast: USA (10th Amendment) vests residuary powers with States, reflecting founding priority for State autonomy; India's design reflects post-colonial context requiring strong Centre

Topic Federalism - Article 248 Residuary Powers and Unitary Bias
Exam Relevance Residuary powers federal design frequently asked in UPSC and SSC exams
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