Question

Which of the following are true about a federal system?
A. A federal system is based on a constitutional division of power.
B. In a federal system the power remains centralized.
C. A federal system is an innovation of modern times to deal with the issues of mass democracies.
D. In a federal system the regional units participate in the decision-making process at federal level electorally.
E. It is characterized by primacy of territorial representation.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Only A, B, C, D
• B. Only A, C, D, E
• C. Only A, B, C
• D. Only B, C, D, E

Hint:

In multiple-choice questions with multiple statements, use the "Elimination Method".
Knowing that "centralization" is the opposite of federalism makes statement B false, allowing you to quickly eliminate options 1, 3, and 4.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's evaluate each statement:
- Statement A is True: The core of federalism is the constitutional division of powers between the centre and states/provinces.
- Statement B is False: Centralization is a characteristic of a Unitary system. In federalism, power is decentralized or distributed.
- Statement C is True: Federalism is indeed a modern political innovation used by large, diverse nations (mass democracies) to balance national unity with regional autonomy.
- Statement D is True: Regional units participate in central decision-making through bodies like the Upper House (e.g., Rajya Sabha in India, Senate in the US) where representatives are elected or selected from the regions.
- Statement E is True: Representation in a federal system is often based on defined geographic territories (States/Provinces) rather than just population.
Since B is false, any option containing B is incorrect. This leaves only option (B).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The true statements are A, C, D, and E.