Q81. Which of the following was a key recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission regarding Article 356?
Union-State Relations: RAS Prelims MCQs
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 81–86 of 86 questions
Q82. Which of the following was NOT a recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission?
Explanation
The Sarkaria Commission did not recommend the abolition of the Governor’s office. Instead, it suggested reforms to make the office more impartial, such as appointing persons from outside the state who are not active in politics. The commission believed that the Governor plays a vital role in the federal structure, and its recommendations focused on strengthening the office’s constitutional integrity rather than its removal.
Q83. Match the Commissions/Committees in List-I with their distinct recommendations on Centre- State relations in List-II:
| Commissions/Committees | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| A. Rajamannar Committee | i. Recommended ‘localized emergency’ under Article 355 |
| B. Sarkaria Commission | ii. Recommended setting up an Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission |
| C. Punchhi Commission | iii. Recommended abolition of Article 356 and the IAS/IPS |
| D. National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) | iv. Suggested firmly institutionalizing the process of consultation for treaty-making |
Explanation
Each commission offered unique perspectives on federalism. The Rajamannar Committee sought to abolish Article 356 and central services. The Sarkaria Commission proposed an Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission. The Punchhi Commission introduced the idea of localized emergency under Article 355 to handle specific disturbances without dismissing an entire state government. The NCRWC recommended institutionalizing consultation with states during the international treaty-making process to ensure regional interests are considered.
Q84. The Punchhi Commission on Centre-State relations was set up by the Government of India in the year:
Explanation
The Punchhi Commission on Centre-State Relations was established by the Government of India in 2007, nearly two decades after the Sarkaria Commission.
Q85. Consider the following recommendations:
I. Provision for a ‘localized emergency’ under Article 355 rather than declaring President’s Rule in the entire state.
II. Giving a fixed tenure of five years to the Governor.
III. Creation of a National Integration Council endowed with constitutional status.
IV. The procedure for the impeachment of the Governor should be same as that of the President.
V. Amending Article 263 to make the Inter- State Council’s advice binding on the Centre.
Which of the above were among the key recommendations of the Punchhi Commission?
I. Provision for a ‘localized emergency’ under Article 355 rather than declaring President’s Rule in the entire state.
II. Giving a fixed tenure of five years to the Governor.
III. Creation of a National Integration Council endowed with constitutional status.
IV. The procedure for the impeachment of the Governor should be same as that of the President.
V. Amending Article 263 to make the Inter- State Council’s advice binding on the Centre.
Which of the above were among the key recommendations of the Punchhi Commission?
Explanation
The Punchhi Commission recommended providing for localized emergencies under Article 355 and giving Governors a fixed five-year tenure. It also suggested that the state legislature should have the power to impeach the Governor, similar to the President’s model. These recommendations were intended to increase the stability of the Governor’s office and provide more nuanced tools for the Union to manage internal security without overreaching.
Q86. Which of the following statements about the Punchhi Commission’s view on the removal of the Governor is incorrect?
Explanation
The Punchhi Commission actually criticized the arbitrary removal of Governors and recommended deleting the phrase pleasure of the President from the Constitution. It argued for a fixed tenure and a formal impeachment process by the state legislature to protect the Governor from political interference by the Union. This view directly contradicts the idea of maintaining central control through the pleasure doctrine, aiming instead for gubernatorial independence.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 81 | (d) Used sparingly as a last resort in extreme circumstances. |
| 82 | (c) The office of the Governor should be abolished to grant complete autonomy to states. |
| 83 | (d) A-iii, B-ii, C-i, D-iv |
| 84 | (c) 2007 |
| 85 | (b) I, II and IV only |
| 86 | (b) Recommended that the Governor should continue to serve at the ‘pleasure of the President’ to ensure central control. |
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).