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

(a) The independence of judiciary is safeguarded. ✓ UPSC's answer
(b) The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units.
(c) The Union Cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties.
(d) The Fundamental Rights are enforceable by Courts of Law.

Why the answer is (a)

• A federation divides power between the Union and the States under a supreme written Constitution; disputes over that division need a neutral umpire.

• An independent judiciary, insulated from both levels of government, is therefore an essential federal feature — it protects the constitutional division of powers (Article 131 original jurisdiction, judicial review) — option (a).

• Elected representatives from constituent units (b) exist in unitary states too; regional-party ministers (c) is a political, not structural, fact.

• Enforceable Fundamental Rights (d) mark a constitutional democracy, not federalism specifically.

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units.: Unitary legislatures also have members from regions; not a federal marker.
(c) The Union Cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties.: Coalition composition is political, not a structural federal feature.
(d) The Fundamental Rights are enforceable by Courts of Law.: Enforceable rights characterise constitutionalism, not federalism as such.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.