A constitution that combines the features of both a unitary and a federal constitution is described as:

A constitution that combines the features of both a unitary and a federal constitution is described as "quasi-federal"; the Indian Constitution is often described in this way.

Meaning of "quasi-federal":

• "Quasi" means "almost" or "partly".
• A quasi-federal system is a federation in which the central government is much stronger than the units, and which has some features of a unitary state.

Federal and unitary systems:

• In a federal system, power is divided between a central government and regional governments, each independent in its own sphere.
• In a unitary system, all power is concentrated in the central government, and the regional governments get only the powers given to them by the centre.

The Indian Constitution:

The Constitution does not use the word "federation"; it describes India as a "Union of States".

Dr. Ambedkar explained that the Indian federation was not the result of an agreement among the states, and that the states had no right to secede from it.

India has a federal system, but with a strong unitary bias, so that the country can remain united and act quickly in times of crisis.

Descriptions by experts:

• C. Wheare described the Indian Constitution as "quasi-federal".
• Granville Austin described it as "cooperative federalism".
• Morris-Jones described it as "bargaining federalism".
• Ivor Jennings described it as "a federation with a strong centralising tendency".

The Supreme Court has held that federalism is part of the basic structure of the Constitution (S. R. Bommai case).

Why a strong centre:

• The makers of the Constitution had seen the partition of the country, the problem of integrating the princely states, communal riots, and the threat of external attack.
• They felt that a strong centre was needed to protect the unity and integrity of the country.

Why not the other options?

• ✗A confederal system is a loose union of independent states; a purely unitary system has no division of power; a presidential system is about the relation between the executive and the legislature.