Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Role of the Constitution in India's Federal System:

1. Distribution of Powers: The Constitution clearly divides legislative powers into three lists — Union List, State List, and Concurrent List — giving each level of government its own jurisdiction to prevent conflicts.

1. Protection of Federal Structure: Changes to power-sharing arrangements require a two-thirds majority in Parliament and ratification by at least half the State legislatures, ensuring no single level can unilaterally alter the federal structure.

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

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• The examiner expects two distinct, clearly labelled points — one on distribution of powers (three lists) and one on constitutional safeguards/amendment process.
• Avoid vague answers like "the Constitution is important." Name specific mechanisms.
• The judiciary's role (Supreme Court as umpire) is a valid third point if asked, but two points suffice here.
• Each point should be a complete sentence explaining the how, not just naming the feature.