Federalism implies a division of powers between the central government and the constituent units, with a system of checks and balances. An independent judiciary is crucial for interpreting the constitution, resolving disputes between the centre and states, and upholding the division of powers, thereby safeguarding federal principles. While elected representatives in the legislature and enforceable fundamental rights are important constitutional features, they do not, on their own, exclusively signify a federal character as directly as an independent judiciary does in maintaining the federal structure.