Class 10 Political Science Federalism
Q1. Write a key feature of federalism. (Answer in 7 points)
Key Features of Federalism:
- Two or more levels of government – Central government and State governments.
- Division of powers – The Constitution clearly divides powers between different levels.
- Jurisdiction – Each level has its own jurisdiction in matters of legislation, taxation, and administration.
- Constitutional guarantee – The authority of each level of government is guaranteed by the Constitution.
- Independent judiciary – Courts resolve disputes between different levels of government.
- No unilateral changes – No single level of government can change the Constitution.
- Financial autonomy – Each level has independent sources of revenue.
Q2. Difference between ‘Coming Together’ and ‘Holding Together’ federations (with examples)
| Basis | Coming Together | Holding Together |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Independent states come together | One country divides power among parts |
| Power Distribution | All units have equal power | Central government is stronger |
| Example | USA, Switzerland, Australia | India, Belgium, Spain |
| Purpose | To form a bigger union | To keep unity in diversity |
Q3. What makes India federal?
India has the following features that make it federal:
- A two-tier government system: Union and State governments.
- Three lists – Union, State, and Concurrent – divide powers.
- Independent judiciary for resolving disputes.
- Constitutional status to the division of power.
- Powers of states cannot be changed unilaterally.
- Financial division of resources.
- Democratic decentralization to local level (Panchayats and Municipalities).
Q4. All states in India do not have equal power – Explain
- Some Indian states like Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir (before 2019), and Union Territories have lesser powers than full-fledged states.
- They are under partial or direct control of the Central Government.
- For example, Delhi has an elected government, but police and land are under central control.
Q5. There are some units in India (Union Territories) which enjoy very little power – Explain
- Union Territories are directly governed by the Central Government through the President and administrators.
- They do not have full statehood powers.
- Examples: Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Q6. It is not easy to make changes in power sharing between Union and State governments – Explain
- The division of powers is written in the Constitution.
- To change it, a constitutional amendment is needed.
- This requires approval from both Parliament and half of the state legislatures.
- This makes the federal structure stable and strong.
Q7. How is federalism practiced in India?
Federalism in India is practiced in the following ways:
- Constitutional provisions clearly divide powers.
- Judicial decisions protect state rights.
- Linguistic reorganization of states (1956 onwards).
- Coalition governments gave more voice to states.
- Decentralization to local level (Panchayati Raj system).
- Financial support through Finance Commissions.
- Inter-state councils and meetings for cooperation.
Q8. The creation of linguistic states was the first major test for democratic politics in our country – Explain
- After independence, people demanded states based on language.
- The first linguistic state was Andhra Pradesh (1953).
- This was followed by the States Reorganisation Act (1956).
- This test showed that democracy can accommodate regional and cultural demands, strengthening unity.
Q9. Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language – Explain
- India has no national language.
- Hindi is the official language, and English is used for official purposes.
- 22 languages are listed in the 8th Schedule.
- This was done to respect linguistic diversity and avoid domination by any one language.
Q10. Unlike Sri Lanka, the Indian leaders promoted the use of Hindi without imposing it – Explain
- Indian leaders encouraged Hindi as a link language but did not force it on non-Hindi states.
- States were allowed to use their own languages for state matters.
- This peaceful approach maintained harmony unlike Sri Lanka, where imposing Sinhala led to civil war.
Q11. How have Centre-State relations influenced federalism in India?
- Earlier, the Centre dominated due to single-party rule.
- After 1990, coalition governments at the Centre increased state participation.
- State governments gained more power and voice.
- This led to strengthening of federalism and cooperative federalism.
Q12. Define decentralization.
- Decentralization means transferring power from central government to lower levels – state, district, and local levels.
- It allows people’s participation, better governance, and local decision-making.
Q13. The need for decentralization was recognized in our Constitution. Why were several steps taken?
- To promote local self-governance.
- To ensure direct participation of people in decision-making.
- To reduce the burden on higher governments.
- To make governance more responsive and accountable.
Q14. A major step was taken in 1992 to make the third tier of democracy more powerful – Explain
- The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) gave constitutional status to local governments.
- Elections made compulsory for Panchayats and Municipalities.
- Seats reserved for SCs, STs, and women.
- Powers and responsibilities clearly defined.
- State Election Commissions were set up.
Q15. The local government structure is recognized up to the district level – Explain
- Panchayati Raj in villages:
- Gram Panchayat → Panchayat Samiti → Zila Parishad
- Municipal system in urban areas:
- Nagar Panchayat (small towns)
- Municipal Council (medium towns)
- Municipal Corporation (big cities)
- These bodies take care of local issues like sanitation, street lighting, etc.
Q16. The new system of local government is unique in the world, but still faces some difficulties – What are they?
Difficulties in local self-government:
- Lack of funds and financial resources.
- State governments interfere in their functioning.
- Lack of proper training for local representatives.
- Low participation in rural and urban local bodies.
- Elections are not always held regularly or fairly.
- Corruption and political influence hamper effectiveness.