Q6: Describe any three characteristics of distribution of power between the center and states in India. (2020)

Federal Structure: The Constitution of India provides for a federal structure of the government, although it describes India as 'a Union of States'. The essence of federalism is the distribution of power between the central authority and the constituent units. In India, both the Centre and the States have their own jurisdictions and autonomy in administration. For example, the Centre has exclusive powers to make laws on 97 subjects of national importance (like defense, atomic energy, etc.), States have powers to legislate on 66 subjects of local importance (like police, agriculture, etc.), and both can make laws on 47 concurrent subjects (like bankruptcy, marriage, etc.).

Supremacy of the Constitution: The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land. The powers of both the Centre and the States are defined by the Constitution and both have to operate within their respective spheres as demarcated by the Constitution. Any law or action violating the Constitution can be declared invalid by the judiciary.

Judiciary: The judiciary plays a crucial role in the distribution of power between the Centre and the States in India. It has the power of judicial review by which it can declare a law made by the Centre or a State as unconstitutional and void if it contravenes any provision of the Constitution. It also settles disputes between the Centre and the States or between the States. The Supreme Court of India has the ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution.