Consider the following statements about the amendment process of the Indian Constitution's power-sharing arra…

Question

Consider the following statements about the amendment process of the Indian Constitution's power-sharing arrangement and choose the correct option:
I. The Parliament alone can change the power-sharing arrangement between Union and States.
II. Any change must be passed by both Houses of Parliament with at least two-thirds majority.
III. After Parliament passes it, at least half the State legislatures must ratify it.
IV. The President's assent is the only requirement for such a change.

((A)) Only I and IV are correct.
((B)) Only II and III are correct.
((C)) Only I, II and III are correct.
((D)) Only II, III and IV are correct.

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer **(B) Only II and III are correct.** As per the textbook, the Parliament **cannot on its own** change the power-sharing arrangement (Statement I is wrong). Any change must be passed by both Houses with at least two-thirds majority (II ✓), then ratified by at least half the State legislatures (III ✓). President's assent alone is insufficient (IV is wrong). Source: *Democratic Politics I*, Chapter 2 — "What makes India a federal country?" ## Explanation The key passage states: *"The Parliament cannot on its own change this arrangement. Any change to it has to be first passed by both the Houses of Parliament with at least two-thirds majority. Then it has to be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the total States."* Statement I is false (Parliament cannot act alone) and Statement IV is false (President's assent is not mentioned as sufficient). Only II and III match the textbook exactly.

Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question