Question

“Sharing of power between the Union Government and State Governments is basic to the structure of our Constitution.” Support the statement.

Answer 1

The statement "Sharing of power between the Union Government and State Governments is basic to the structure of our Constitution" is fundamentally supported by the Indian Constitution through its provisions for federalism, judicial oversight, and fiscal autonomy, as illustrated below:

1. Constitutional Amendments: Any change to the Constitution necessitates approval by both Houses of Parliament with at least a two-thirds majority, followed by ratification from the legislatures of at least half of the states. This rigorous process underscores the federal principle by requiring both the Union and a significant portion of the State Governments to agree on amendments, especially those affecting the distribution of powers between the two.
2. Judicial Oversight: The judiciary, including the High Courts and the Supreme Court, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the federal balance by overseeing the implementation of constitutional provisions and resolving disputes related to the division of powers. This ensures that both the Union and State Governments operate within their constitutionally defined boundaries, preserving the federal structure.
3. Fiscal Federalism: The Constitution grants both the Union and State Governments the authority to levy taxes to fund their respective responsibilities, embodying fiscal federalism. This division of fiscal powers allows each level of government to have its own sources of revenue, critical for carrying out the duties and responsibilities assigned to them, further reinforcing the concept of shared power within the federal framework.