The constitution of India is the framework for governing the country at the central and state levels but with provision for a strong center during emergencies. What does this refer to?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Federalism with Unitary Bias
The Constitution of India sets up two levels of government, the Union and the states, each with its own list of subjects; this is the federal part. But it gives the Union the upper hand in many ways, and during an emergency (Article 352) Parliament can make laws on state subjects and the Union can direct the states, so the system works like a unitary one. A federal structure with such a strong centre is called federalism with a unitary bias (or quasi-federal).
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Dual Structure — Incorrect. It names only the two levels of government and says nothing of the strong centre in an emergency.
Option (2) Unitary Structure — Incorrect. In a unitary state all power lies with one central government, as in the UK; India’s states have powers of their own.
Option (4) Federal Structure — Incorrect. It describes the division of power alone, without the tilt towards the centre that the question describes.