86 RAS Prelims MCQs on Union-State relations cover how legislative and executive powers are divided and when Parliament can make laws on State subjects. Residuary powers, Articles 249, 250, 252 and 253, the Governor’s role as an agent of the Centre, Article 356 and the landmark cases are asked as facts and statements.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 11–20 of 86 questions
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q11. Read the following statements regarding Article 253 of the Constitution and select the correct option: Statement I: Parliament has the power to make any law for the whole or any part of the territory of India for implementing any international treaty. Statement II: For enacting laws to implement international agreements that affect subjects in the State List, Parliament requires the consent of the majority of the states.
Explanation
Article 253 grants Parliament exclusive power to legislate for the implementation of any international treaty or agreement. This authority extends to subjects otherwise reserved for the State List. Crucially, Parliament does not require the consent of the states to enact such laws. This ensures that the Union government can effectively fulfill its international obligations without being hindered by regional legislative constraints.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q12. Match the Articles in List-I with their respective subjects in List-II:
Articles of the Constitution
Subjects
A. Article 249
i. Power of Parliament to legislate with respect to a matter in the State List if a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation.
B. Article 250
ii. Legislation for giving effect to international agreements.
C. Article 252
iii. Power of Parliament to legislate with respect to a matter in the State List in the national interest.
D. Article 253
iv. Power of Parliament to legislate for two or more States by consent.
Explanation
The Constitution provides specific articles for Parliament to legislate on state subjects. Article 249 covers national interest, while Article 250 applies during emergencies. Article 252 allows legislation when two or more states provide consent. Article 253 empowers Parliament to implement international agreements. These provisions ensure that the federal structure remains flexible enough to address national priorities and global commitments when necessary.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q13. Which of the following represents the most appropriate rationale for maintaining a ‘Concurrent List’ in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
Explanation
The Concurrent List serves as a bridge between central and state legislative powers. It includes subjects where a common national approach is desirable, such as criminal law or education, but allows states to make specific modifications to suit local conditions. This dual authority prevents rigid centralization while ensuring that the legal framework across the country remains relatively consistent for all citizens.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q14. Consider the following subjects: I. Public Health and Sanitation II. Trade Unions III. Banking IV. Agriculture V. Forests Which of the above subject(s) is/are placed strictly in the State List according to the Seventh Schedule?
Explanation
Public health and agriculture are subjects strictly placed within the State List of the Seventh Schedule. While banking is a Union subject, trade unions and forests are included in the Concurrent List. Legislative authority over public health and sanitation allows states to manage local medical services and hygiene, whereas control over agriculture enables states to address regional farming needs and land reforms.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q15. Identify the incorrectly matched pair regarding the distribution of subjects in the Seventh Schedule:
Explanation
Public order is a subject enumerated in the State List, granting state governments exclusive power to maintain peace and security within their territories. Police services also fall under state jurisdiction. In contrast, education is a concurrent subject, and defence is strictly a Union matter.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q16. Through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, which of the following subjects was transferred from the State List to the Concurrent List?
Explanation
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 transferred five subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List to ensure better national coordination. These subjects included education, forests, weights and measures, protection of wild animals and birds, and administration of justice. This shift allows the Union to formulate national policies on environmental conservation while states retain the power to implement local regulations.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q17. Which of the following represents the correct descending sequence of the three legislative lists based on the original number of subjects specified in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India?
Explanation
Originally, the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution contained 97 subjects in the Union List, 66 subjects in the State List, and 47 subjects in the Concurrent List. This descending sequence reflects the prioritisation of national authority and the broad range of administrative responsibilities given to the states. Over time, amendments have modified these numbers, but the relative hierarchy of the lists remains.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q18. Which of the following statements regarding the Concurrent List is incorrect?
Explanation
The concept of the Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution was inspired by the Australian Constitution, not the Irish one. This list allows for joint legislative authority, where central laws generally prevail over state laws in case of conflict. It covers essential areas like criminal law and civil procedure, ensuring that a unified legal standard is maintained across the entire Indian federation.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q19. Under which Article of the Constitution of India are the ‘Residuary Powers of Legislation’ vested in the Parliament?
Explanation
Article 248 of the Indian Constitution vests the residuary powers of legislation exclusively in the Parliament. This means that if a subject is not mentioned in any of the three lists of the Seventh Schedule, the power to make laws on that subject belongs to the Union. This provision strengthens the central government, ensuring it can address new and unforeseen legislative requirements.
RAS PrelimsIndian Polity and Governance · Union-State Relations
Q20. The residuary power of legislation vested in the Union Parliament explicitly includes the power to make laws imposing:
Explanation
Residuary powers granted to Parliament under Article 248 include the authority to impose any tax that is not specifically mentioned in either the State List or the Concurrent List. While taxes on agricultural income or alcoholic liquors are clearly assigned to states, the Union retains the right to create and levy new forms of taxation to meet evolving economic needs and challenges.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
11
(a) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect
12
(d) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii
13
(a) Enabling nationwide legislative uniformity while permitting essential regional adaptations.
14
(b) I and IV only
15
(b) Public Order - Concurrent List
16
(c) Wildlife and bird protection.
17
(d) Union List, State List, Concurrent List
18
(c) The concept was inspired by the Irish Constitution.
19
(b) Article 248
20
(d) Any tax omitted from the State or Concurrent Lists.
Key facts from Union-State Relations
Residuary powers, over subjects in none of the three lists, belong to Parliament.
Parliament can legislate on a State List subject by a two-thirds Rajya Sabha resolution (Article 249), in a National Emergency (Article 250), with State consent (Article 252) and to implement a treaty (Article 253).
A Rajya Sabha resolution under Article 249 lasts one year at a time.
Article 256 requires the States to exercise their executive power in compliance with Union laws.
The S. R. Bommai case (1994) laid down guidelines on Article 356 and made it subject to judicial review.
The Sarkaria Commission recommended that the Governor be an eminent person from outside the State.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Union-State Relations?
This page has 86 practice MCQs on Union-State Relations (Indian Polity and Governance). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What are residuary powers?
The powers of legislation over subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists. Article 248 gives them to Parliament, unlike in the United States, where residuary powers belong to the States.
What did the S. R. Bommai case decide?
In 1994 the Supreme Court laid down guidelines to prevent misuse of Article 356 (President’s Rule). It held that a proclamation is subject to judicial review, and that a floor test is the way to test a government’s majority.
When can Parliament make laws on State subjects?
In five situations: a Rajya Sabha resolution (Article 249), a National Emergency (250), consent of two or more States (252), implementation of international treaties (253) and President’s Rule (356).
