The framers of the Indian Constitution opted for a strong central government primarily because: 1. The country faced immense socio-economic problems requiring coordinated planning. 2. There was a need to integrate over 500 princely states into the Indian Union. 3. The British colonial administration had already established a fully federal system which needed reversal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 2 only. Explanation The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system with a strong unitary bias, often described as "quasi-federal." The Constituent Assembly deliberately opted for a strong Centre to ensure the unity and integrity of the nation, considering the specific historical and political context of India at the time of independence. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: At the time of independence, India faced severe socio-economic challenges, including widespread poverty, illiteracy, and lack of industrial infrastructure. The framers believed that a strong central government was essential to mobilize resources, implement land reforms, and execute coordinated economic planning (e.g., through the Planning Commission) to ensure balanced development across regions. - Statement 2 is Correct: The immediate aftermath of independence involved the traumatic Partition and the existence of approximately 565 princely states. There was a genuine fear of "balkanization" or fragmentation of the country. A strong Centre was deemed necessary to integrate these diverse princely states into the Indian Union and to suppress any secessionist tendencies effectively. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The British colonial administration had not established a "fully federal" system. While the Government of India Act, 1935, envisaged a federal structure, the federal provisions regarding the Centre were never implemented, and the British system remained largely unitary and centralized in practice. Furthermore, the framers did not aim to "reverse" federalism; rather, they adopted a federal structure but modified it with unitary features to suit Indian conditions. Key Takeaway: The unitary bias in the Indian Constitution was a pragmatic necessity driven by the challenges of Partition, the integration of princely states, and the requirement for centralized planning to address socio-economic backwardness.

NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Chapter 2: Federalism

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The framers of the Indian Constitution opted for a strong central government primarily because:

The country faced immense socio-economic problems requiring coordinated planning.
There was a need to integrate over 500 princely states into the Indian Union.
The British colonial administration had already established a fully federal system which needed reversal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B1 only
C1 and 2 only
D2 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 2 only.

Explanation

The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system with a strong unitary bias, often described as "quasi-federal." The Constituent Assembly deliberately opted for a strong Centre to ensure the unity and integrity of the nation, considering the specific historical and political context of India at the time of independence.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: At the time of independence, India faced severe socio-economic challenges, including widespread poverty, illiteracy, and lack of industrial infrastructure. The framers believed that a strong central government was essential to mobilize resources, implement land reforms, and execute coordinated economic planning (e.g., through the Planning Commission) to ensure balanced development across regions.
Statement 2 is Correct: The immediate aftermath of independence involved the traumatic Partition and the existence of approximately 565 princely states. There was a genuine fear of "balkanization" or fragmentation of the country. A strong Centre was deemed necessary to integrate these diverse princely states into the Indian Union and to suppress any secessionist tendencies effectively.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The British colonial administration had not established a "fully federal" system. While the Government of India Act, 1935, envisaged a federal structure, the federal provisions regarding the Centre were never implemented, and the British system remained largely unitary and centralized in practice. Furthermore, the framers did not aim to "reverse" federalism; rather, they adopted a federal structure but modified it with unitary features to suit Indian conditions.

Key Takeaway: The unitary bias in the Indian Constitution was a pragmatic necessity driven by the challenges of Partition, the integration of princely states, and the requirement for centralized planning to address socio-economic backwardness.

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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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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Article 1 of the Constitution describes India as:

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Keep practising Chapter 2: Federalism

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The correct option is 1 and 2 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: At the time of independence, India faced severe socio-economic challenges, including widespread poverty, illiteracy, and lack of industrial infrastructure. The framers believed that a strong central government was essential to mobilize resources, implement land reforms, and execute coordinated economic planning (e.g., through the Planning Commission) to ensure balanced development across regions.
Statement 2 is Correct: The immediate aftermath of independence involved the traumatic Partition and the existence of approximately 565 princely states. There was a genuine fear of "balkanization" or fragmentation of the country. A strong Centre was deemed necessary to integrate these diverse princely states into the Indian Union and to suppress any secessionist tendencies effectively.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The British colonial administration had not established a "fully federal" system. While the Government of India Act, 1935, envisaged a federal structure, the federal provisions regarding the Centre were never implemented, and the British system remained largely unitary and centralized in practice. Furthermore, the framers did not aim to "reverse" federalism; rather, they adopted a federal structure but modified it with unitary features to suit Indian conditions.