Final answer:
Without a federal system, India would likely see a reduction in regional autonomy, potentially more streamlined but less context-sensitive governance, and centralized decision-making that may marginalize local interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
If India operated without a federal system, the most likely impacts would center around regional autonomy, effectiveness in governance, and the decision-making process. Without federalism, regional autonomy would likely decrease, as the central government gains more direct control over local matters. This shift could lead to a loss of local cultural governance and potentially aggravate regional disparities and tensions.
The effectiveness in governance might increase in some areas, due to streamlined decision-making and uniform policies across the nation. However, this could also lead to a one-size-fits-all approach that does not account for local needs and context, potentially resulting in inefficient and inappropriate policies for diverse regions.
As for the decision-making process, it would become more centralized, potentially speeding up the implementation of policies. Yet, this centralization could also deter political participation and reduce the opportunity for policy innovation at the local level. Moreover, it may marginalize minority and regional interests, as national priorities overshadow local concerns.
Federal systems offer a balance of power and accommodate diverse viewpoints, thus any movement away from such a system in India could undermine the pluralistic nature that has kept the country united despite significant ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity.