RAS question
Article 355 imposes a duty on the Union to:
Correct answer: (A) Protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance.
Article 355 places a duty on the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that each State government is carried on according to the Constitution.
Explanation
Article 355 is framed as a constitutional duty of the Union, not as a narrow power over one administrative subject. Its text says the Union must protect every State against two kinds of threats: external aggression and internal disturbance. The same article also adds a second limb: the Union must ensure that the Government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. That is why option A captures the central idea correctly. The article is about the Union's protective and constitutional responsibility towards States, rather than a limited function such as money transfers, border protection alone, or appointments.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Article 355 does not speak of only financial aid; it imposes a duty to protect States and to ensure constitutional governance in them.
- (C) The article covers protection against external aggression, but it also covers internal disturbance and constitutional functioning, so it is not limited to borders.
- (D) Article 355 is not about only appointing Governors; its text concerns the Union's duty to protect States and secure constitutional government.
Concept
This tests Union-State relations under the Constitution, especially the Union's responsibility when a State faces disorder or a breakdown in constitutional functioning. RAS asks it often because Article 355 is a core link between federalism, internal security and constitutional governance.