For the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States in India through Union, State, and Concurrent Lists, which of the following Articles of the Constitution mainly govern this scheme?

Introduction / Context:
India is a federal country with a division of powers between the Union and State governments. This division is mainly reflected in three lists the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. The constitutional basis for this arrangement is found in specific Articles that define the extent and subject matter of the legislative powers of Parliament and State Legislatures. This question asks you to identify which Articles govern this distribution.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the Articles that deal with legislative powers and the three lists.
• The options include various pairs of Articles dealing with unrelated topics.
• We assume familiarity with the basic structure of Part XI of the Constitution.

Concept / Approach:
Articles 245 and 246 of the Constitution of India are central to the distribution of legislative powers. Article 245 describes the extent of laws made by Parliament and State Legislatures, while Article 246 sets out the subject matter of laws made by Parliament and State Legislatures with reference to the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists in the Seventh Schedule. Other Articles listed in the options deal with very different subjects, such as the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court or service commissions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Part XI of the Constitution deals with the relations between the Union and the States, including legislative relations.Step 2: Remember that Article 245 defines the extent of laws that Parliament and State Legislatures can make.Step 3: Recall that Article 246 defines the subject matter of laws in relation to the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.Step 4: Compare this with the other options, which refer to Articles dealing with different topics like Supreme Court powers or public service commissions.Step 5: Conclude that Articles 245 and 246 govern the distribution of legislative powers based on the three lists.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, open any standard polity textbook and look up the chapter on Union State legislative relations. You will consistently see Articles 245 and 246 discussed at the beginning of the chapter, along with references to the Seventh Schedule. Other Articles such as 141 and 142 relate to the powers of the Supreme Court to declare law and to pass certain orders, which are clearly not about legislative lists. This confirms that 245 and 246 are the correct Articles for this topic.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Articles 4 and 5 are linked with the admission or establishment of new states and citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution. Articles 56 and 57 refer to the term and eligibility of the President of India. Articles 141 and 142 relate to the binding nature of Supreme Court judgments and its power to do complete justice. Articles 320 and 321 deal with the functions of Public Service Commissions. None of these Articles govern the distribution of powers through Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes select Articles 141 and 142 because they have heard them mentioned in landmark Supreme Court cases, but these Articles are about judicial powers, not legislative distribution. Others may simply guess based on the numbers. A good approach is to connect Articles 245 and 246 firmly with the Seventh Schedule and the three lists, as this trio appears together frequently in exam materials.

Final Answer:
Articles 245 and 246