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Written by: Neeraj Anand
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Difference between Unitary and Federal Constitution
Introduction
Understanding the difference between a Unitary Constitution and a Federal Constitution is crucial for competitive exams like NDA, CDS, UPSC, AFCAT, RRB, IBPS-PO, SSC, KVS, CLAT, etc. This topic is often tested in the General Knowledge and Polity sections of these exams.
Key Differences between Unitary and Federal Constitution
| Unitary Constitution | Federal Constitution |
|---|---|
| 1. Single citizenship | 1. Dual citizenship |
| 2. Single Constitution | 2. Dual Constitution |
| 3. Power of union to override state matters | 3. Division of power between Centre and States |
| 4. Change in the names and boundaries of the State by the Parliament | 4. Change in the names and boundaries of the State by the Conference of the state. |
| 5. Integrated judiciary | 5. Dual judiciary |
| 6. No units have rights to secede from the centre | 6. Units have the right to separate from the centre |
| 7. Dependence of state on the centre for economic assistance and grants | 7. Residual power given to states |
| 8. Britain has a unitary Constitution | 8. US Constitution is a Federal Constitution |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main difference between a unitary and a federal constitution?
A: A unitary constitution centralizes power in the national government, while a federal constitution divides power between the national and state governments.
Q2: Can a unitary system have states or provinces?
A: Yes, but they function under the central government without autonomy in decision-making.
Q3: Which countries follow a unitary system?
A: Countries like the UK, China, and France follow a unitary system.
Q4: Which countries follow a federal system?
A: Countries like the USA, India, Canada, and Australia follow a federal system.
Q5: What type of constitution does India have?
A: India follows a federal system with unitary features, meaning that while power is shared, the Centre has overriding authority in certain situations.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1: Which of the following is a characteristic of a federal constitution?
A) Single citizenship
B) Integrated judiciary
C) Division of power between Centre and States
D) Central dominance over states
Answer: C) Division of power between Centre and States
Explanation: In a federal constitution, power is divided between central and state governments to ensure autonomy.
Q2: In a unitary system, the final authority lies with?
A) State Government
B) Central Government
C) Judiciary
D) Local Government
Answer: B) Central Government
Explanation: In a unitary system, the central government has supreme authority over all governance matters.
Q3: Which country follows a unitary constitution?
A) USA
B) India
C) UK
D) Canada
Answer: C) UK
Explanation: The UK follows a unitary constitution where the central government holds supreme power.
Q4: In a federal system, residual powers are given to?
A) Centre
B) States
C) Judiciary
D) Local Government
Answer: B) States
Explanation: In a federal system, residual powers are generally assigned to the states, allowing them to legislate on matters not specified in the constitution.
Conclusion
Understanding the unitary and federal constitutions is essential for various competitive exams. A federal constitution divides powers between different levels of government, while a unitary constitution centralizes power. To get comprehensive study material, visit Anand Classes.
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