The correct option is 1 and 2 only.
Explanation
The West Indies Federation was a short-lived political union of various Caribbean islands that existed in the mid-20th century. It is frequently cited in political science, including Indian constitutional studies, as a case study of a failed federation due to internal disparities and structural weaknesses.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Federation was established in 1958 and was dissolved in 1962. It was formed with the intention of creating a political unit that would eventually become independent from Britain as a single state.
- Statement 2 is Correct: This statement reflects the core political dilemma of the Federation. The constituent units (islands) shared a common colonial history but had distinct identities and economic interests. They struggled to function as a unified sovereign entity ("live together") due to rivalries, yet many were considered too small or economically vulnerable to sustain independence individually ("live separately") at that time.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Federation collapsed primarily because it had a weak central government, not a strong one. The federal government lacked sufficient powers, resources, and independent revenue mechanisms. The larger islands, particularly Jamaica and Trinidad, felt the burden of supporting the smaller islands without adequate political control, leading to their withdrawal and the Federation's dissolution.
Key Takeaway:
The West Indies Federation (1958-1962) failed due to a weak central authority, geographical separation, and economic disparities, illustrating that a federation requires a viable balance of power and resource sharing to survive.