UPSSSC PET · Bite-size lessons
Federal System & Centre-State Relations
About 8 min · Indian Constitution & Public Administration · English
Time worked out from the lesson's 673 words at 150 words a minute, plus a minute for each question.
India's federal system represents a unique blend of unitary and federal features, designed to balance regional diversity with national unity. The Constitution divides powers between the Union (Centre) and the States through three legislative lists — Union List, State List, and Concurrent List — while establishing clear mechanisms for legislative, administrative, and financial relations. Mastery requires understanding the specific entries in each list, the residuary powers doctrine, conditions for Central intervention in State affairs, and the financial architecture including Article 280 (Finance Commission) and Article 360 (Financial Emergency).
Key ideas
- Quasi-federal structure: India is described as "a Union of States" (Article 1), exhibiting federal features (division of powers, written constitution, bicameralism) with strong unitary elements (single citizenship, integrated judiciary, emergency provisions, Governor's discretionary powers).
- Three-fold distribution of legislative powers: Seventh Schedule contains Union List (97 subjects originally, now 100), State List (66 subjects originally, now 61), and Concurrent List (47 subjects originally, now 52). Parliament has exclusive power over Union List; State legislatures over State List; both can legislate on Concurrent List.
- Residuary powers with Centre: Article 248 vests residuary powers (subjects not mentioned in any list) with Parliament, reinforcing the Centre's dominant position. Example: cybercrimes legislation falls under residuary powers.
- Parliamentary supremacy over concurrent subjects: When both Centre and State legislate on a concurrent subject, the Central law prevails (Article 254). State law becomes void to the extent of repugnancy unless it receives Presidential assent under Article 254(2).
- Centre's legislative authority over State subjects: Parliament can legislate on State List subjects under five circumstances: Rajya Sabha resolution (Article 249), National Emergency (Article 250), State request/consent (Article 252), implementation of international treaties (Article 253), and President's Rule (Article 356).
Watch out for
- Confusing the number of list subjects: Students often misremember that Union List currently has 100 entries (not 97 originally), State List has 61 (not 66), and Concurrent List has 52 (not 47).
- Assuming State laws on Concurrent subjects are automatically void: Many believe any Central law automatically invalidates State law on concurrent subjects. Article 254(2) actually allows State laws with Presidential assent to operate in that State despite Central law.
- Misunderstanding residuary powers placement: Students sometimes think residuary powers are shared or belong to States, influenced by other federal systems like the USA. Article 248 clearly vests them exclusively with Parliament.
Quick reference
- Quasi-federal system: Federal features with unitary bias; Centre dominates especially during emergencies per Articles 352, 356, 360.
- Three Lists: Union (100 entries), State (61 entries), Concurrent (52 entries) in Seventh Schedule. Residuary powers with Parliament (Article 248).
- Concurrent List rule: Central law prevails over State law in case of conflict (Article 254); State law valid if gets Presidential assent but Parliament can override anytime.
- Centre's legislative reach: Can legislate on State subjects under five conditions — Rajya Sabha 2/3rd resolution, National Emergency, State consent, treaty implementation, President's Rule.
- All-India Services: IAS, IPS, Indian Forest Service — recruited centrally under Article 312, serve both Centre and States, controlled by Central rules.
Check yourself: 3 questions
1. Which of the following subjects is included in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
2. Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, President's Rule can be imposed in a State. What happens to the legislative power of the State Legislature during this period?
3. In the context of Centre-State financial relations, which of the following statements is correct regarding the distribution of taxes? 1. Income tax is levied by the Union and the entire proceeds are retained by the Centre. 2. Goods and Services Tax (GST) on inter-state supply is collected by the Centre but shared with States. 3. The Finance Commission recommends the principles governing grants-in-aid to States from the Consolidated Fund of India.
This lesson is cut from the topic's note, not rewritten. Fact-checked on 17 Oct 2026: an AI-assisted check of this note against cited sources; the errors it found were corrected that day. Some errors may remain. The questions are from Shishya's validated question bank.
Read the full noteFlashcards for this topic
Saves this lesson and its 3 questions in this browser on this phone. No sign-in; nothing about you is saved or sent. A saved copy is not updated until you save it again. Parts that load from the server when you use them (the AI tutor, adaptive practice, sign-in) still need a connection.