Federalism: CBSE Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 Notes

Key Features of Federalism

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. Unlike a unitary system where only one tier of government exists (or sub-units are completely subordinate to the center), federalism operates with multiple tiers. Let us explore the seven key features of federalism as outlined in the NCERT syllabus:

1. Two or more levels of government: There are distinct tiers, such as Central, State, and Local (Panchayats/Municipalities in India).
2. Jurisdiction: Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own specific jurisdiction in matters of legislation, taxation, and administration.
3. Constitutional guarantee: The existence and authority of each tier of government are constitutionally guaranteed, preventing arbitrary changes by one level alone.
4. Rigid amendment process: The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Consent from both levels is required.
5. Judicial arbitration: Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution. The Supreme Court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government.
6. Financial autonomy: Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure financial independence.
7. Dual objective: The system safeguards and promotes the unity of the country while accommodating regional diversity.

Types of Federations: Coming Together vs. Holding Together

Coming Together Federations

A system where independent states voluntarily come together to form a bigger unit, aiming to increase security while pooling sovereignty and retaining identity. Examples include the USA, Switzerland, and Australia. In this model, all constituent states usually enjoy equal power.

Holding Together Federations

A system where a large country decides to divide its power between the constituent states and the national government. Examples include India, Spain, and Belgium. Here, the central government tends to be more powerful vis-à-vis the states, and constituent units often have unequal powers (some may have special powers).

How Federalism is Practiced in India

1. 1. Creation of Linguistic States — The formation of linguistic states was the first and major test for democratic politics in India. Boundaries of old states were changed to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in the same state (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra). This accommodated regional diversity and actually made the country more united.
2. 2. Framing a Flexible Language Policy — India did not declare any single language as the national language. While Hindi was identified as the official language, safeguards were created for other languages. The Constitution recognizes 22 languages as Scheduled Languages. English continues to be used for official administrative purposes alongside Hindi to prevent regional conflicts.
3. 3. Restructuring Centre-State Relations — For a long time, the same party ruled at both the Centre and in most states, weakening autonomous state power. After 1990, the rise of regional political parties led to the era of Coalition Governments at the Centre. This developed a new culture of power-sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments, supported by landmark Supreme Court judgments.

Board Exam Tip: The Three-Fold Distribution of Legislative Powers

A highly recurring 5-mark question in CBSE Class 10 Civics exams asks you to explain the legislative lists under the Indian Constitution. Be sure to structure your answer with these four precise points:

• Union List: Includes subjects of national importance like Defense, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Communications, and Currency. Only the Central Government can make laws on these subjects because a uniform policy is needed nationwide.
• State List: Contains subjects of state and local importance such as Police, Trade, Commerce, Agriculture, and Irrigation. Only State Governments have the power to legislate here.
• Concurrent List: Includes subjects of common interest to both Central and State governments, like Education, Forest, Trade Unions, Marriage, Adoption, and Succession. Both can make laws. If their laws conflict, the law made by the Central Government prevails.
• Residuary Subjects: Subjects that arose after the constitution was written (like Computer Software/Cyber Laws). The Union Government has the exclusive power to legislate on these.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: Explain the major differences between a Unitary Government and a Federal Government. A: Step 1: Define both systems. Under a unitary system, there is only one level of government or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government. In a federal system, power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units. Step 2: Compare legislative authority. In a unitary state, the central government can pass orders to the provincial governments. In a federal state, the state government has independent powers and is not answerable to the central government for everything. Step 3: Compare territorial scope and examples. Unitary governments (e.g., UK, Sri Lanka) prioritize centralized control. Federal governments (e.g., India, USA) aim to secure local autonomy while maintaining national integrity. Final answer: Federal systems distribute power across multiple independent tiers of government with constitutional guarantees, whereas unitary systems concentrate all sovereign authority in a single central body.
• Q: What is Decentralization? Highlight its significance with reference to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts of 1992. A: Step 1: Define decentralization. It is the sharing of power from Central and State governments to local governments (Panchayats and Municipalities). Step 2: List the major changes made in 1992 to make third-tier democracy effective. Step 3: Point out key provisions: 1. It is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies. 2. Seats are reserved for SC, ST, and OBC candidates. 3. At least one-third (33%) of all positions are reserved for women. 4. An independent State Election Commission was created to conduct elections. 5. State governments must share some powers and revenue with local bodies. Final answer: Decentralization deepens democracy at the grassroots level by delegating structural, financial, and administrative power directly to local communities as mandated by the 1992 constitutional amendments.
• Q: Why is India described as a 'quasi-federal' country or a federation with a strong central bias? A: Step 1: Analyze India's structural design. While India has a federal structure with three levels of government and separate lists of authority, it also possesses strong unitary features. Step 2: Provide examples of unitary bias. First, the Union List contains more subjects than the State List, and in Concurrent List disputes, Union laws prevail. Second, Residuary powers belong to the Centre. Third, the Governor of a state is appointed by the President, allowing central oversight. Step 3: Synthesize. The Constitution of India describes India as a 'Union of States'. It does not use the word 'federation', but its structure is based on federal principles. Final answer: India is classified as a 'holding together' federation where the central government is constitutionally designed to be more powerful to preserve national integrity and security, giving it a strong central bias.
• Q: What was the main reason behind the linguistic reorganization of states in India after Independence? A: Step 1: Explain the post-partition context. After 1947, there were fears that creating states based on language would lead to further division and disintegration of the country. Step 2: Discuss the actual result. When states were reorganized (starting with Andhra Pradesh in 1953) on a linguistic basis, it accommodated regional aspirations and minimized regional conflict. Step 3: Conclude with the impact. Experience has shown that linguistic states made the administration easier and actually strengthened the unity of the nation. Final answer: Linguistic reorganization was carried out to align state boundaries with regional languages, which unexpectedly united the country and streamlined democratic administration.

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