Federal and Unitary Features of the Indian Union
  • India is different from the United States of America because in United States the federation is based on an agreement between different states, and the States have the right to secede from the Union.
  • The India Constitution has the feature both of a federal and unitary form of Government.

Federal Feature

  • Distribution of Power between Union and the States has been made as per the three lists.
  • The Union Government as well as the State Governments have to function strictly in accordance with the Constitution. They can neither alter the distribution of power nor override the dictates of the Constitution.
  • India Constitution is entirely written. An amendment to it must be passed by the Parliament and if an amendment affects the federal structure it must be ratified by at least half the State Legislature.
  •  Like other federal states our country also has an independent judiciary as an essential feature.

Unitary features of the Indian Constitution

  • In a federation, people enjoy dual citizenship, that of the Centre and of the State to which they belong. But the Indian constitution provides every Indian with single citizenship.
  • The most important subject are included in the Union List which has been allocated to the centre.
  • The centre can legislate on the subject in the concurrent list.
  • Residuary powers belong to the Centre.
  • Single Constitutional Framework has been provided for the Centre as well as for the State.
  • The proclamation of National emergency can immediately turn the federal system of India into a Unitary one.
  • In a federation, each State should get equal representation irrespective of its size or population. But in the Rajya Sabha in India, States are represented on the basis of population. Beside, the President has the power to nominate twelve members  to the Rajya Sabha.
  • The Indian Constitution provides for single judiciary, a and the Chief Election Commissioner uniformly prevails over the Union as well as States.