In a federal system, power is divided between central and state/provincial governments, each having independent authority (e.g., India). In a unitary system, all power rests with the central government and sub-units are subordinate to it (e.g., Sri Lanka).

Source: What is federalism?, Chapter 2

The examiner expects you to clearly contrast the two systems in one sentence each. The key word in federal is "divided/independent"; in unitary it is "subordinate/central control." Always name one example for each — India/USA for federal, Sri Lanka/UK for unitary. The source passage explicitly uses Sri Lanka as the unitary example and India as federal, so prefer those in board exams.

Parliament cannot change this arrangement on its own because any amendment to the power-sharing arrangement between the Union and States must be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the total States.

Source: What makes India a federal country?, Chapter 2

The examiner wants the specific constitutional safeguard that prevents unilateral change by Parliament. The key point is that state legislatures must ratify the change (at least half of all states), making it a joint process, not Parliament's alone. Also acceptable: "it must be passed by both Houses of Parliament with at least two-thirds majority AND ratified by at least half the state legislatures." For 1 mark, mentioning the ratification by states is sufficient.

India accommodates linguistic diversity by giving equal recognition to all 22 Scheduled Languages, reflecting an inclusive, non-majoritarian approach where no single language is imposed on citizens.

Source: Language policy, How is federalism practised?, Chapter 2

The examiner wants you to connect the specific example (22 languages, exam choice) to India's broader federal/inclusive approach. Key contrast is with Sri Lanka's majoritarian Sinhala-only policy. One crisp sentence linking the fact to the principle scores full marks. Avoid writing more than 1–2 lines for a 1-mark question.

Decentralisation refers to the transfer of power from the Central and State governments to local governments, so that people at the grassroots level can participate in decision-making.

Importance in India: India is a vast and diverse country — states like Uttar Pradesh are larger in population than many independent nations. A large number of problems are best understood and solved at the local level, as people have better knowledge of their local needs. Decentralisation allows direct participation of citizens in governance, making administration more efficient and truly democratic.

Source: Democratic Politics – II, Chapter 2 (Federalism – Decentralisation in India)

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• The definition must mention the transfer of power to local government — this is the key phrase examiners look for.
• For the reason, you can choose any one valid point: size/diversity of India, local knowledge, efficient resource use, or direct participation. Briefly justify it — one sentence is enough.
• Avoid copying the train analogy or the Brazil example; they are not needed for this question.
• This is a 3-mark question: 1 mark for definition, 2 marks for the reason (with explanation). Keep it around 70–80 words total.

(C) Regular elections must be held to local government bodies.

The 1992 Constitutional amendment (73rd and 74th) made holding regular elections to local government bodies constitutionally mandatory. This is a key fact from the chapter on federalism. Options A, B, and D are incorrect and not supported by the text.

The three tiers of rural local government in India are:

1. Gram Panchayat – at the village or group-of-villages level
2. Panchayat Samiti (Block/Mandal) – formed by grouping several gram panchayats
3. Zilla Parishad – at the district level, comprising all panchayat samitis in a district

The body that functions at the village or group-of-villages level is the Gram Panchayat. It consists of ward members (panch) and a president (sarpanch), all directly elected by adult voters of the village. It is the decision-making body for the entire village and works under the overall supervision of the Gram Sabha.

Source: Federalism, Decentralisation in India — Chapter 2

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• The question has two parts: name all three tiers (2 marks) and identify the village-level body (1 mark). Address both clearly.
• Use the correct terminology: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti/Block/Mandal, Zilla Parishad — these exact terms fetch marks.
• Briefly mentioning the composition of the Gram Panchayat (panch + sarpanch, directly elected) and its link to the Gram Sabha shows depth and secures full marks.
• Avoid writing about urban local bodies — the question asks only about rural government.