NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Chapter 2: Federalism

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Article 1 of the Constitution describes India as:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA Confederation of Provinces
BA Federation of States
CA Union of States
DA United Republic of India

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is C.

Explanation

Article 1 of the Constitution of India defines the name and territory of the Union. It establishes the structural nature of the Indian polity, emphasizing the indestructible nature of the Union despite its federal structure.

Statement A is Incorrect: A confederation is a loose association of independent states that retain their sovereignty. India is not a confederation as the constituent units do not have the right to secede.
Statement B is Incorrect: While the Indian Constitution is federal in form, the term "Federation of States" is deliberately avoided in Article 1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar clarified that the use of "Union" indicates that the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement by the states, and no state has the right to secede from it.
Statement C is Correct: Article 1(1) explicitly states, "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States." This nomenclature underscores the administrative convenience of states within a permanent, unified sovereign entity.
Statement D is Incorrect: While India is a Republic (as stated in the Preamble), the specific phrase "United Republic of India" is not the description used in Article 1 to define the character of the nation.

Key Takeaway:

Article 1 describes India as a "Union of States" to signify that the Indian Federation is not a result of a contract between states and is indissoluble.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Federalism

Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of state boundaries in India: 1. At the time of independence, the provinces were organized primarily based on linguistic distinctiveness to ensure cultural homogeneity. 2. The integration of princely states involved their merger into existing provinces or the creation of new administrative units. 3. The renaming of states, such as Mysore to Karnataka, reflects the constitutional flexibility regarding the identity of constituent units. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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hard

With reference to the essential characteristics of a federal system, consider the following statements: 1. It mandates a system of dual citizenship to foster regional and national loyalties simultaneously. 2. It requires a written constitution that serves as the supreme source of power for both the central and regional governments. 3. It necessitates an independent judiciary to adjudicate disputes regarding the division of powers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which statement best describes the Indian Constitution's approach to federalism?

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Consider the following subjects: 1. Cyber Laws 2. Agriculture 3. Forests 4. Banking Which of the above are correctly categorized under the State List?

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The correct option is C.

Explanation

Statement A is Incorrect: A confederation is a loose association of independent states that retain their sovereignty. India is not a confederation as the constituent units do not have the right to secede.
Statement B is Incorrect: While the Indian Constitution is federal in form, the term "Federation of States" is deliberately avoided in Article 1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar clarified that the use of "Union" indicates that the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement by the states, and no state has the right to secede from it.
Statement C is Correct: Article 1(1) explicitly states, "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States." This nomenclature underscores the administrative convenience of states within a permanent, unified sovereign entity.
Statement D is Incorrect: While India is a Republic (as stated in the Preamble), the specific phrase "United Republic of India" is not the description used in Article 1 to define the character of the nation.

Key Takeaway:

Article 1 describes India as a "Union of States" to signify that the Indian Federation is not a result of a contract between states and is indissoluble.