Federalism in India: Why "Quasi-Federal" Is the Precise Word
Which provisions give India its unitary tilt — and why exams ask.
Rohit Tandon · 17 September 2026 · 2 min read
Article 1 calls India a "Union of States", not a federation. The Constitution divides powers between the Union and the states, like a federation, but tilts that balance towards the centre.
Federal features
- Two levels of government with powers listed in the Seventh Schedule
- A written constitution and an independent judiciary
- A bicameral Parliament with a Rajya Sabha representing states
The unitary tilt
- Residuary powers rest with the Union
- Parliament can form new states and change boundaries (Article 3)
- Emergency provisions (Articles 352, 356, 360)
- Governors are appointed by the President
K. C. Wheare described India as "quasi-federal" — a useful phrase to remember for the exam.
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