Federalism
Federalism — Study Notes
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Federalism
ExplanationFederalism
Federalism is a form of power-sharing in modern democracies characterized by a vertical division of power among different levels of government. This chapter focuses on federalism as a major form of power-sharing, where authority is constitutionally divided between a central government and constituent political units such as states or provinces. The chapter begins by explaining federalism in general terms and then explores the theory and practice of federalism in India. It discusses the constitutional provisions that establish federalism in India, followed by an analysis of the political and policy factors that have strengthened federalism in practice. Towards the end, the chapter introduces the concept of local government as a third tier of Indian federalism, emphasizing decentralization and democratic participation at the grassroots level.
- Federalism involves vertical division of power among different levels of government.
- It is a major form of power-sharing in modern democracies.
- The chapter focuses on both theory and practice of federalism in India.
- Local government forms the third tier in Indian federalism.
- Constitutional provisions and democratic politics both shape federalism.
- Decentralization strengthens democracy at the local level.
- 📌 Federalism: A system of government where power is constitutionally divided between central and constituent units.
- 📌 Power-sharing: Distribution of authority among different levels or branches of government.
What is federalism?
ExplanationWhat is federalism?
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. Typically, a federation has two levels of government: the central government responsible for national interests and the state or provincial governments responsible for local administration. These levels of government have independent powers and jurisdictions, meaning the central government cannot unilaterally withdraw powers from the states. The chapter illustrates this with the example of Belgium, which shifted from a unitary to a federal system in 1993 by granting constitutional powers to regional governments. In contrast, Sri Lanka remains a unitary state where the central government holds all powers. Federalism is contrasted with unitary government systems where sub-units are subordinate to the central government. The section also highlights that only 25 out of 193 countries in the world have federal systems, but these countries represent 40% of the global population. Most large countries are federations, with some exceptions.
- Federalism divides power between central and state governments.
- States have constitutionally guaranteed powers independent of the center.
- Belgium shifted to federalism in 1993 by empowering regional governments.
- Sri Lanka remains a unitary state with centralized power.
- Only 25 countries have federal systems, but they represent 40% of the world population.
- Federalism is common in large countries.
- 📌 Federation: A political system with constitutionally divided powers between central and regional governments.
- 📌 Unitary government: A system where the central government holds all powers and sub-units are subordinate.
Key features of federalism
ExplanationKey features of federalism
Federalism is characterized by several key features that distinguish it from other forms of government. First, there are two or more levels (or tiers) of government, each governing the same citizens but with separate jurisdictions in legislation, tax
Practice Questions — Federalism
Includes NCERT exercise questions with answers
Q1.1. Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India: Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa.
Answer:
Locate Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa on a blank political map of India. Manipur and Sikkim are in the northeastern region; Chhattisgarh is in central India; Goa is on the western coast.
Explanation:
Manipur is located in the northeastern part of India bordering Myanmar. Sikkim is also in the northeast, north of West Bengal. Chhattisgarh is in central India, carved out of Madhya Pradesh. Goa is a small coastal state on the western coast of India near Maharashtra.
Q2.2. Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.
Answer:
Identify and shade countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada on a blank world map as examples of federal countries.
Explanation:
Federal countries have a division of powers between central and regional governments. The United States, Australia, and Canada are classic examples of federal countries. These should be shaded on the map.
Q3.3. Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
Answer:
Similar feature: Both India and Belgium have a division of powers between central and regional governments. Different feature: India has a strong central government with more powers, whereas Belgium has a more balanced federal structure with significant autonomy to regions.
Explanation:
India and Belgium both follow federalism with power sharing. However, India’s federalism is asymmetric with the central government having more powers, while Belgium’s federalism is more symmetric with regions having substantial autonomy.
Q4.4. What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
Answer:
The main difference is that in a federal government, power is divided between central and regional governments, each having their own jurisdiction. In a unitary government, all power is concentrated in the central government. For example, India is a federal country where states have their own powers, whereas the United Kingdom is a unitary state where the central government holds supreme power.
Explanation:
Federalism involves constitutional division of powers between levels of government. Unitary systems have a single central authority. This division ensures autonomy in federal systems, unlike unitary systems.
Q5.5. State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
Answer:
Before 1992, local governments did not have constitutional status, and their powers and resources were limited and controlled by state governments. After the 1992 amendment, local governments were given constitutional recognition, regular elections were mandated, and they were granted more powers and financial resources.
Explanation:
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992 gave constitutional status to Panchayats and Municipalities, ensuring regular elections and devolution of powers, which was not guaranteed before.
Q6.6. Fill in the blanks: Since the United States is a ______________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ______________ vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a ______________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the ______________ government has more powers.
Answer:
Since the United States is a dual type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are sovereign vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a quasi-federal type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the central government has more powers.
Explanation:
The US is a dual federation with clear division and equality of powers between states and the federal government. India is quasi-federal because the central government has overriding powers and some states have more autonomy.
Q7.7. Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions. Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity. Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language. Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
Answer:
Supporting Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation, such as creating language-based states, has allowed people to preserve their languages and cultures, which has helped maintain unity in diversity. For example, the formation of Andhra Pradesh for Telugu speakers helped reduce linguistic conflicts. Supporting Arman: Language-based states have sometimes led to regionalism and conflicts, such as the demand for separate states or linguistic chauvinism. Supporting Harish: The emphasis on English as a link language has increased its dominance, sometimes at the expense of regional languages.
Explanation:
Each viewpoint reflects different perspectives on India's language policy. The policy aimed to balance unity and diversity but has had mixed outcomes.
All 5 Chapters in Democratic Politics
Social Science · Class 10