Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The Constitution provides a three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union and State Governments through three lists:

• Union List (97 subjects): Subjects of national importance — defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications, currency. Only the Union Government makes laws on these, as uniform national policy is needed. Example: Defence.
• State List (66 subjects): Subjects of State/local importance — police, trade, commerce, agriculture, irrigation. Only State Governments make laws on these. Example: Agriculture.
• Concurrent List (47 subjects): Subjects of common interest to both — education, forests, trade unions, marriage, adoption. Both Union and State Governments can legislate on these. Example: Education.

Why Union Government controls the Concurrent List: These subjects require both national consistency and local flexibility. Giving the Union authority ensures a uniform framework across all states while allowing states to legislate for local needs.

Conflict resolution: If a Union law and a State law on a Concurrent List subject conflict, the Union law prevails. The State law becomes void to the extent of repugnancy.

Subjects not in any list (e.g., computer software) fall under residuary powers, which belong to the Union Government.

Source: Chapter 2 — Federalism, "What makes India a Federal Country?"

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Examiners look for: correct identification and description of all three lists with examples, the reason for Union control over Concurrent List, and the conflict-resolution rule (Union law prevails). Mentioning residuary powers earns an extra point. Keep examples from the textbook — defence, agriculture, education are the safest choices. Avoid vague language; use terms like "repugnancy" or "Union law prevails" to show precision.