Which of the following are the characteristics of Federal Government ?
I. Supremacy of the Constitution.
II. Distribution of powers between the Federal Centre and the federating units.
III. Presence of Bi-cameral Federal legislature.
Correct option is :

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 3, which includes statements I, II, and III, is the correct answer because all three characteristics are fundamental aspects of a federal government.

1. **Supremacy of the Constitution (Statement I):** In a federal system, the constitution is the supreme law of the land. It establishes the framework for governance and delineates the distribution of powers between different levels of government. This ensures that both the federal and state governments operate within their constitutional limits, maintaining the balance of power.

2. **Distribution of powers between the Federal Centre and the federating units (Statement II):** A defining feature of federalism is the division of powers between the central government and the constituent political units (such as states or provinces). This distribution is typically outlined in the constitution, ensuring that each level of government has autonomy in its respective areas of jurisdiction.

3. **Presence of Bi-cameral Federal legislature (Statement III):** Most federal systems have a bicameral legislature, which consists of two houses. This structure allows for representation of both the population at large (usually in the lower house) and the federating units (usually in the upper house), ensuring that both individual citizens and states/provinces have a voice in the legislative process.

Now, let's explain why the other options are incorrect:

- **Option 1 (I and II):** This option is incorrect because it omits Statement III, which is also a characteristic of a federal government. The presence of a bicameral legislature is crucial for representing both the people and the federating units, which is a key aspect of federalism.

- **Option 2 (II and III):** This option is incorrect because it excludes Statement I. The supremacy of the constitution is essential in a federal system to maintain the rule of law and ensure that all levels of government adhere to the constitutional framework.

- **Option 4 (I and III):** This option is incorrect because it leaves out Statement II. The distribution of powers is a core principle of federalism, allowing for a clear division of responsibilities and preventing the centralization of power.

In conclusion, Option 3 is the correct answer as it comprehensively includes all the essential characteristics of a federal government: the supremacy of the constitution, the distribution of powers, and the presence of a bicameral legislature.