Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Residuary powers refer to the power of the Union Government to legislate on subjects not included in any of the three lists — Union List, State List, or Concurrent List — as well as on new subjects (e.g., computer software) that arose after the Constitution was framed.

They exist because it is impossible to foresee and list every subject at the time of drafting a constitution. Assigning these leftover subjects to the Union prevents a legal vacuum.

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

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• The textbook explicitly mentions residuary powers in the context of the three lists. State both what they are and why they exist — both parts carry marks in a 2-mark question.
• The example of "computer software" is straight from the textbook — using it shows you have read carefully and impresses examiners.
• Keep it to 2–3 sentences; no need for elaboration beyond what the source passage says.