Question:easy

Which one of the following is the best example of ‘coming together federation’?

Show Hint

Ask whether the smaller units existed before the country or after it. Where independent units joined on their own, the federation came together. Where a big country shared out power, it held together.
Updated On: Sep 15, 2026
  • England
  • Spain
  • India
  • Switzerland
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
  • The two kinds of federation can be told apart by asking a single question: did the smaller units exist first, or did the big country exist first.
  • Whichever came first decides the type.

Step 1: Apply the question to India.
India existed as one country and then organised itself into states. The units did not exist first as independent nations, so India is a holding together federation. Option (C) is out.

Step 2: Apply the question to Spain.
Spain too was already a single country, and later granted autonomy to regions such as Catalonia and the Basque country. That again is holding together. Option (B) is out.

Step 3: Apply the question to England.
England is not a federation at all. The United Kingdom is a unitary state where the central government holds ultimate authority, so the question does not even apply. Option (A) is out.

Step 4: Apply the question to Switzerland.
The Swiss cantons were separate self-governing units that agreed to join together for greater security. The smaller units clearly came first, so this is a coming together federation.

Step 5: Check the power balance as a cross-test.
In Switzerland the cantons remain strong and enjoy equal status, which is the mark of a coming together federation. In India and Spain the centre is clearly stronger.

Final Answer: (D) Switzerland
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