Introduction and Context

The Federal Character of India

Indian federalism is best described as a federal system with a strong unitary tilt — or, in Granville Austin's words, a "cooperative federalism." Unlike classical federal systems (USA, Australia) where the federal compact is between co-equal sovereign units, India's federation is a deliberate construct in which the Centre has been given extensive powers to ensure national unity and integrity.

The makers of the Constitution — deeply influenced by the partition of India and the near-chaos of princely state integration — deliberately designed a system with the following features:

• States are not constitutionally indestructible (Parliament can redraw boundaries by simple majority)
• Residuary powers vest with the Centre (not states)
• The Centre can legislate on state subjects in multiple circumstances
• The Governor is appointed by the Centre and remains its agent in the state

Evolution Over Seven Decades

Yet over seven decades, judicial interpretation, political evolution, and interstate negotiations have produced a robustly federal culture. States assert their rights, the Supreme Court has curtailed Article 356 misuse, and the GST Council represents an unprecedented model of joint Centre–State governance.

For RPSC 2026, focus areas: 7th Schedule's three lists, Centre's five overriding legislative powers, Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions, Bommai case, Governor's role, and the GST/NITI Aayog dimension of cooperative federalism.

---