The correct option is In the USA, every state has equal representation, whereas in India, representation is weighted by population..
Explanation
The Upper House in a federal legislature represents the federating units (states). Different constitutions adopt different principles for this representation: either "equality of states" (symmetrical federalism) or "representation based on population." The Indian Constitution adopts the latter for the Rajya Sabha, diverging from the strict federal model seen in the USA.
Analysis of Options:
- In the USA, every state has equal representation, whereas in India, representation is weighted by population. is Correct: In the USA, the Senate represents the principle of the equality of federating units. Every state, regardless of its size or population, has equal representation (two senators). In contrast, the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha (Fourth Schedule) is based on the population of each State and Union Territory.
- The USA follows a system of proportional representation based on population, while India follows equal representation. is Incorrect: This statement reverses the systems. The USA follows equal representation, whereas India follows representation proportional to the population.
- The USA allows for nominated members in the Senate, whereas the Rajya Sabha consists only of elected members. is Incorrect: The US Senate consists entirely of directly elected members. The Rajya Sabha, however, includes 12 members nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social service.
- In the USA, the Senate is dissolved every four years, whereas the Rajya Sabha is a permanent house. is Incorrect: The US Senate is a continuous body, similar to the Rajya Sabha. It is not dissolved every four years. US Senators serve six-year terms, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.
Key Takeaway:
The US Senate adheres to the rigid federal principle of equal representation for all states (2 per state), whereas the Rajya Sabha allocates seats based on population, granting larger states higher representation.