Question 9 of 28intermediate🔍 AnalyzeShort Answer4 marks

Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.

Correct Answer

One feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to Belgium is the constitutional division of powers. In Belgium, the regional governments were given constitutional powers that were no longer dependent on the Central Government. Similarly, in India, the Constitution clearly provides a three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments.

One feature that is different is that India has a three-tier system of government. The Indian Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system, but later, a third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities. The description of Belgium's federalism in the text focuses on the shift from a unitary to a federal form involving regional governments, without mentioning a similar third tier of local government.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 3 | (Chapter: 15)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The answer is derived from the comparison of federalism descriptions in the provided text. The similarity is based on the text stating that Belgium gave 'constitutional powers' to regional governments, just as India has a 'three-fold distribution of legislative powers' in the Constitution. The difference is identified from the specific mention of a 'third tier' (Panchayats and Municipalities) in the Indian context, which is absent in the description of Belgium's transition from a unitary to a federal system.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify the similarity by comparing the nature of power distribution. The text notes Belgium gave 'constitutional powers' to regions, and India has a 'three-fold distribution' of powers.

  2. Step 2: Identify the difference by comparing the structure of government. The text explicitly mentions India added a 'third tier' of federalism (local government), a feature not mentioned for Belgium.

  3. Step 3: Synthesize these points into a coherent comparison highlighting the constitutional status of powers and the number of tiers.

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