Federalism | Class 11 Political Science Notes

WHAT IS FEDERALISM?

Federalism is a system of government designed to accommodate multiple levels of government within a single political entity, each with autonomy in its own sphere. The chapter discusses the breakup of federations like the USSR, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Pakistan to highlight that federalism alone does not guarantee unity. Excessive centralisation or domination by one region can cause disintegration. Canada nearly broke up due to tensions between English and French-speaking regions, but India has remained united despite its diversity, partly due to its federal structure. The West Indies federation is used as an example where a weak central government and independent economies of units led to its dissolution, but later cooperation was established through a common legislature, supreme court, currency, and market. Federalism involves two sets of governments — regional and national — each autonomous in their spheres, often with dual citizenship (though India has single citizenship). People have dual identities — regional and national. Powers and responsibilities are constitutionally divided, with the judiciary resolving conflicts. The chapter emphasizes that federalism is shaped by political culture, trust, cooperation, and respect among units. Dominance by one group or ideology can lead to resentment and conflict, including demands for secession or civil wars.

📊 Diagram: Figure showing a school analogy: students belong to classes and divisions but share pride in the school, illustrating federalism's dual identities and unity.

🔗 Connection: Prepares the reader to understand federalism in the Indian Constitution, highlighting the need for a federal system tailored to India's diversity.