📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I Q.58 | Classroom Explanation

(Polity | Constitutional Amendment & Federal Provisions)

📌 Question

Q.58) Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India:

I. List I (Union List) in the Seventh Schedule
II. Extent of the executive power of a State
III. Conditions of the Governor’s office

For a constitutional amendment, with respect to which of the above is ratification by the Legislatures of not less than one-half of the States required before presenting the Bill to the President for assent?

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III

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✅ Correct Answer: (a) I and II only

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🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

This is a high-yield Article 368 proviso question. UPSC tests whether you can identify federal features that mandate State ratification.

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🔍 Constitutional Rule to Recall

Proviso to Article 368(2) requires State ratification (≥ 1/2 States) for amendments affecting, inter alia:

• Seventh Schedule (Lists)
• Articles 73 & 162 (extent of executive power of Union/States)
• Election of the President
• Union–State relations
• Supreme Court/High Courts’ powers
• Representation of States in Parliament

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🔍 Statement-wise Analysis

✅ I. Union List (List I), Seventh Schedule — Correct

• Amendments to any List in the Seventh Schedule affect the distribution of legislative powers between Union and States.
• Explicitly covered by the Article 368(2) proviso.

➡️ State ratification required.

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✅ II. Extent of the executive power of a State — Correct

• Governed by Article 162 (State) and Article 73 (Union).
• Any amendment altering these articles impacts Centre–State functional balance.
• Explicitly included in the proviso.

➡️ State ratification required.

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❌ III. Conditions of the Governor’s office — Incorrect

• Governed primarily by Article 158 and the Second Schedule.
• Not listed in the Article 368(2) proviso.
• Does not require State ratification; special majority in Parliament suffices.

➡️ State ratification not required.

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🧮 UPSC-Style Elimination

Item	Requires State Ratification?
I	✅
II	✅
III	❌

➡️ Correct combination: I and II only

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🎯 Final Answer

✅ Correct Answer: (a) I and II only

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📦 High-Value Prelims Add-Ons (Info Box)

🧠 One-Line Memory Hook

Lists and executive reach = States must ratify.

⚠️ UPSC Trap Alert

• Many service-conditions provisions (e.g., Governor’s office) do not trigger State ratification.
• Always check the Article 368(2) proviso list.

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