Q. Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character?

• The independence of the judiciary is safeguarded
• The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units
• the Union cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties
• The Fundamental rights are enforceable by Courts of Law

Answer: (a) The independence of the judiciary is safeguarded

Notes:

• The establishment of an independent judiciary necessarily indicates the federal character of Indian polity. The Constitution establishes an independent judiciary headed by the Supreme Court to settle the disputes between the Centre and the states or between the states. 
• Following are the federal features of Indian Constitution:
  • Dual polity consisting of the Union at the Centre and the states at the periphery. 
  • Written Constitution 
  • Division of powers between the Centre and the states (by Schedule seven) 
  • Supremacy of the Constitution 
  • Rigidity of the constitution 
  • Bicameral legislature consisting of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha 
  • Independency of judiciary