In a federal country like India or the United States, which of the following is a primary and day to day function of State governments?

Introduction / Context:
In a federal system, powers are divided between a central government and various State governments. Understanding which level of government is responsible for what kind of work is essential in civics and political science. This question focuses on the primary functions of State governments, particularly in relation to public safety and law enforcement, which are typical State responsibilities in many federations, including India and the United States.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for a primary function of State governments.
• Options include supervising federal officials, regulating parties and media, organising military forces, and enforcing public safety laws.
• We assume a standard division of powers where national defence and foreign policy are central functions, while policing and local public safety are State functions.
• The context is a general federal system, not a unitary State.

Concept / Approach:
In a typical federation, subjects that require nationwide coordination, such as defence, foreign affairs, and national currency, are assigned to the central government. Matters that are closer to the everyday life of citizens, such as police, public health, local infrastructure, and public safety, are assigned to State or provincial governments. In India, the State List in the Constitution includes police, public order, and public health, all of which are directly connected to public safety. Therefore, enforcing laws regarding public safety and maintaining law and order within the State is a core responsibility of State governments, not the central government.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the basic principle of federalism, which divides powers between central and State levels of government.Step 2: Identify which functions are normally central, such as defence, foreign policy, and regulation of currency.Step 3: Recognise that State governments usually handle local administration, law and order, policing, and public safety issues.Step 4: Review the options. Supervising federal officials and controlling national media are central concerns, while organising a separate State military is not a standard State responsibility in a unified federal defence system.Step 5: Select the option that mentions enforcing laws regarding public safety and maintaining law and order, which fits typical State level responsibilities.

Verification / Alternative check:
In the Indian context, the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution lists police and public order in the State List, emphasising that these are State subjects. Similarly, in many other federations, State or provincial governments are responsible for local policing and public safety. When there are riots, traffic issues, or local crime, it is State police or local authorities that respond. The central government may assist in exceptional cases, but day to day law enforcement is clearly a State function. This consistent pattern confirms that the correct answer is the one referring to enforcing public safety laws within the State.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Supervising elected federal government officials at the national level: Federal officials are usually accountable to national institutions, not to State governments.
• Regulating political parties and controlling the national media: While States may have some regulatory powers, broad control of parties and national media is not their primary function.
• Organising a separate State military to replace national defence forces: National defence is handled by the central government, and State governments do not maintain separate competing armies in a modern federation.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse the visibility of national leaders with the actual distribution of powers. It may appear that the central government does everything, because it is highly visible, but routine public order and safety tasks are mostly handled by State governments and local bodies. Another mistake is to treat any authority at the State level, such as a reserve police force, as equivalent to a full military. Remember that the main daily role of State governments is to enforce laws within their territories, provide basic services, and maintain local order.

Final Answer:
A primary function of State governments in a federal system is to enforce laws regarding public safety and maintain law and order within the State.