Which of the following countries divide power between the constituent states and the national government to form a 'holding together federation'?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → India, Spain, Belgium
Federations are formed in two ways:
Coming together federation: independent states come together on their own to form a bigger unit, keeping much of their identity; the states are usually equally strong (USA, Switzerland, Australia).
Holding together federation: a large country decides to divide its power between the states and the national government to hold its diverse regions together; the centre is usually stronger (India, Spain, Belgium).
The question describes the second kind, and India, Spain and Belgium all became federations this way.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) USA, Switzerland, Canada — Incorrect. The USA and Switzerland are the standard examples of coming together federations.
Option (2) India, Myanmar, Bangladesh — Incorrect. Bangladesh is a unitary state, and Myanmar has a strongly centralised government, not a federal division of power.
Option (3) India, USA, Australia — Incorrect. The USA and Australia were formed by coming together of separate states or colonies.