NCERT Class 10 Political Science — Chapter 1: Federalism

mcqeasy

Which statement correctly describes the role of the judiciary in a federal system of government?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AState courts are barred from interpreting the Constitution.
BIt acts as an umpire in disputes between different levels of government.
CIt is subordinate to the central government in constitutional matters.
DIt has no role in interpreting the powers of the government.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is It acts as an umpire in disputes between different levels of government..

Explanation

A federal system of government is characterized by a division of powers between a central authority and constituent political units (states or provinces). To maintain this balance, the Constitution is supreme, and an independent judiciary is essential to interpret the Constitution and adjudicate disputes arising from the division of powers.

Option Analysis

It acts as an umpire in disputes between different levels of government. is Correct: In a federal structure, the judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution and an impartial umpire. It resolves legal disputes regarding the distribution of powers and jurisdiction between the central government and the state governments, ensuring that neither encroaches upon the authority of the other.
It has no role in interpreting the powers of the government. is Incorrect: Interpreting the Constitution and defining the extent of powers held by different levels of government is a primary function of the judiciary in a federal system. Without this power, the division of powers cannot be effectively enforced.
It is subordinate to the central government in constitutional matters. is Incorrect: For a federal system to function effectively, the judiciary must be independent of both the central and state governments. If the judiciary were subordinate to the central government, it would compromise its ability to act as a neutral arbiter in federal disputes.
State courts are barred from interpreting the Constitution. is Incorrect: While the Supreme Court (or a Federal Court) is typically the final interpreter of the Constitution, courts at the state level (such as High Courts in India) are generally not barred from interpreting the Constitution. In India, High Courts possess the power of judicial review and can interpret Constitutional provisions.

Key Takeaway: An independent judiciary is a prerequisite for a federal system to act as the final interpreter of the Constitution and to resolve conflicts between the Centre and the States.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Federalism

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Consider the following statements regarding the creation of Linguistic States in India: 1. The original Constitution of India explicitly prohibited the formation of states on a linguistic basis. 2. The Central Government initially resisted the idea, fearing national disintegration. 3. Experience has shown that linguistic states have actually made the country more united. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following sets of States was created primarily to recognize differences based on culture, ethnicity, or geography rather than language?

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With regard to India's Language Policy, consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India declares Hindi as the National Language. 2. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as Scheduled Languages. 3. States are not permitted to have their own official languages. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Concurrent List": 1. It includes subjects of purely local importance such as public health and sanitation. 2. Both the Parliament and the State Legislatures can frame laws on the subjects mentioned in this list. 3. It includes matters such as marriage, adoption, and succession. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is It acts as an umpire in disputes between different levels of government..

Explanation

Option Analysis

It acts as an umpire in disputes between different levels of government. is Correct: In a federal structure, the judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution and an impartial umpire. It resolves legal disputes regarding the distribution of powers and jurisdiction between the central government and the state governments, ensuring that neither encroaches upon the authority of the other.
It has no role in interpreting the powers of the government. is Incorrect: Interpreting the Constitution and defining the extent of powers held by different levels of government is a primary function of the judiciary in a federal system. Without this power, the division of powers cannot be effectively enforced.
It is subordinate to the central government in constitutional matters. is Incorrect: For a federal system to function effectively, the judiciary must be independent of both the central and state governments. If the judiciary were subordinate to the central government, it would compromise its ability to act as a neutral arbiter in federal disputes.
State courts are barred from interpreting the Constitution. is Incorrect: While the Supreme Court (or a Federal Court) is typically the final interpreter of the Constitution, courts at the state level (such as High Courts in India) are generally not barred from interpreting the Constitution. In India, High Courts possess the power of judicial review and can interpret Constitutional provisions.

Key Takeaway: An independent judiciary is a prerequisite for a federal system to act as the final interpreter of the Constitution and to resolve conflicts between the Centre and the States.