Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The Indian Constitution requires any change to the power-sharing arrangement between the Union and State Governments to be passed by both Houses of Parliament with at least a two-thirds majority, and then ratified by the legislatures of at least half of all States.

This high threshold is set because such changes directly affect the powers of State Governments. Allowing Parliament alone to alter this arrangement would let the Centre unilaterally reduce the autonomy of States, destroying the very basis of federal governance.

This requirement itself reflects the key federal principle that both levels of government are sovereign within their own spheres — States must have a say in decisions that affect their powers. It ensures that federalism is not merely on paper but is protected in practice.

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

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• The examiner expects you to state the exact procedure (2/3 majority in both Houses + ratification by at least half the States) — get these figures right.
• Then explain why this is needed: prevents the Centre from unilaterally amending federal arrangements.
• Finally, link the procedure back to the federal principle: States share sovereignty, so their consent is mandatory — this is what makes it a true federal safeguard.
• Avoid writing vague general statements about democracy; keep it specific to federalism and Centre-State relations.