VT

VARUN TOKASAIR 117· 2025

Question Q2GS2GS2

How does the federal structure of India differ from that of the United States? (Answer in 150 words)

Open scan (p.3)

Main Body

As the oldest written Constitution, the federation defined in USA is significantly more in favour of state autonomy than Indian polity.

USA

1Residuary power to states
2Amendments to Constitution must require assent of 3/4 of states
3Senate has equal representation for all states
4Dual hierarchy of courts for state and centre
5No provision for emergency
6Governor is elected by people of state
7State and Central citizenship
8States have own Constitution
9Senate has qualified veto to oweult President

India

1Residuary power to centre
2Only special Amendments need assent from a simple majority of states
3Rajya Sabha seats are proportional to population (C4 Schedule)
4Single hierarchy of courts

Continuation of comparative points:

4Single hierarchy of courts
5National Emergency or President's Rule can revoke executive and dissolve legislature
6Governor is appointed by President
7Only one citizenship nation
8States do not have a separate constitution
9Rajya Sabha has no corresponding power
166 words3 paragraphs

Conclusion

Hence Indian federalism is more centralizing then the American federation.

10 words

Diagram

Two-column comparative table: USA vs India federal features

Examiner score
1.1/10

Open original scan

Page 3

Topper

VARUN TOKAS

AIR 1172025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Federal Structure - Functions, Responsibilities, Devolution of Powers and Finances

Federalism

Comparison with USA

Writing Stats

176

Total words

3

Paragraphs

comparative

Tone