Indian Federalism

Why it matters

• Balances the requirement for national unity with the necessity of regional autonomy in a diverse nation.
• Provides a framework for cooperative governance through institutional mechanisms like the Inter-State Council and the Finance Commission.
• Facilitates decentralized administration while retaining the constitutional authority to respond to national emergencies.

How it is asked

Focus on the 'quasi-federal' nature of the Constitution, the distribution of legislative, administrative, and financial powers, and the impact of judicial review on maintaining the federal balance.