Quasi-Federal Structure: Meaning, Features, and Examples

1. What is a Quasi-Federal Structure?

A quasi-federal system is a type of governance that has both federal and unitary features. While power is divided between the central and state governments, the central government holds more authority and can intervene in state matters under certain conditions.

📌 K.C. Wheare, a constitutional expert, described India as “quasi-federal” because it has a federal structure with a strong unitary bias.

2. Features of a Quasi-Federal Structure

Feature	Federal Aspect	Unitary Aspect
Division of Powers	Centre and states have separate powers (Seventh Schedule).	The Centre has more control over states.
Written Constitution	India has a detailed, written Constitution.	The Centre can amend key provisions affecting states.
Independent Judiciary	The Supreme Court resolves Centre-State disputes.	The Parliament can alter the powers of High Courts.
Dual Government	Both the Centre and States have their own governments.	The Governor (appointed by the Centre) can influence state decisions.
Emergency Provisions	Normal governance follows federal principles.	During emergencies, India becomes unitary (Article 352, 356, 360).
Residuary Powers	Subjects not mentioned in the Constitution go to Parliament.	Unlike the US, states do not have residuary powers.

3. Why is India Called a Quasi-Federal Country?

India’s Constitution grants autonomy to states but gives overriding powers to the Union Government. Here’s why India is quasi-federal:

✔ More Power to the Centre – The Union List (97 subjects) is longer than the State List (66 subjects).
✔ Residuary Powers – Parliament controls unlisted subjects (Article 248).
✔ Emergency Provisions – The Centre can take over State governance (Article 356).
✔ Governor’s Role – The Governor (appointed by the Centre) can influence state administration.
✔ Unified Judiciary – India has a single judicial system, unlike fully federal countries like the US.

4. Examples of Quasi-Federal Systems

Country	Quasi-Federal Features
India	Strong Centre, Emergency Provisions, Single Constitution
Canada	Residuary powers with the Centre, Strong Federal Government
Pakistan	Federal in structure, but the Centre controls key policies

5. Difference: Federal vs. Quasi-Federal vs. Unitary

Feature	Federal (USA)	Quasi-Federal (India)	Unitary (UK, China)
Power Distribution	Equal between Centre & States	Centre has more power	All power is in the Central Govt.
Constitution	Dual (Each state has its own Constitution)	Single (One Constitution for all)	Single
Emergency Power	No central takeover	Centre can take over State Govt.	No states, only local governments
Judiciary	Independent for each state	Unified for entire country	Centralized courts

6. Conclusion

✔ India follows a quasi-federal system, meaning it is federal in normal times but unitary in emergencies.
✔ It provides decentralization with strong central control, ensuring unity and stability.
✔ The system helps maintain national integrity while giving limited autonomy to states.