Explain the Three Fold Distribution of Legislative Powers Between Union and State Government

Legislative Powers Distribution Between Union and State Government

The Indian Constitution clearly outlined a three-fold division of authority between the federal and state governments. The following distribution is based on three lists, each with a different legislative subject:

Union List

• Because it covers more subjects than the State Lists, the Union List signifies a strong Centre.
• The Parliament can modify the powers and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court on the issues of the Union List.
• The important subjects in the Union List are defense, military, ports, international relations, railroads, highways, and communications.
• There are 97 subjects on the Union List.

State List

• The State List outlines subjects with regional, local, and various interest-friendly implications.
• Twenty subjects have been included in the State List, where MPs have the sole power to levy taxes.
• Some of the important subjects under the state list are Police, Public Order, Sanitation and Public Health, Hospitals, and Pharmacies.

Concurrent List

• The federal and state governments can pass laws on the concurrent list of subjects.
• While the central and state governments can take action on the issues included in the concurrent list, priority is given to the central government’s bill in case of opposition.
• The subjects in the Concurrent List include marriage, education, environment, and trade unions.

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