GK Question

polity hard fill_blank

Under Article 368(2) proviso, constitutional amendments affecting federal provisions like distribution of legislative powers, representation of States in Parliament, or the Supreme Court require ratification by legislatures of not less than ______ of States.

  1. one-third
  2. one-half
  3. two-thirds
  4. three-fourths

Answer: one-half

Federal amendment safeguard: (a) Article 368(2) proviso: Amendments affecting: (i) election of President, (ii) extent of executive power of Union/States, (iii) Supreme Court/High Courts, (iv) distribution of legislative powers (Seventh Schedule), (v) representation of States in Parliament, (vi) Article 368 itself, require ratification by legislatures of not less than half of States, (b) Procedure: After Parliament passes amendment with special majority, Bill sent to State Legislatures; simple majority in each suffices, (c) Rationale: Protects federal balance by preventing Union from unilaterally altering core federal features, (d) Case study: 101st Amendment (GST) required State ratification as it affected legislative distribution. Illustrates constitutional federalism: procedural safeguard ensuring States' voice in fundamental constitutional changes affecting their autonomy.

Topic Federalism - Article 368 Federal Amendment Safeguard
Exam Relevance Federal amendment procedure case study critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams