Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2: Federalism

Chapter 2: Federalism

🟢 What is Federalism?

Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units (like states or provinces).

Example: India, USA, Canada, Australia are federal countries.

---

🔹 Features of Federalism:

1. Two or more levels of government:
   • In India: Union Government (Central) and State Governments. Local bodies are the third tier.
2. Jurisdiction is specified:
   • Each level has its own powers and responsibilities as stated in the Constitution.
3. Constitutional guarantee:
   • The power-sharing between levels is protected by the Constitution.
4. Independence of judiciary:
   • Supreme Court settles disputes between different levels of government.
5. Sources of revenue:
   • Each level has its own sources of income, ensuring financial independence.
6. Dual government:
   • Each government works independently within its area.

---

🟢 Types of Federations

🔹 Coming Together Federation

• Independent states come together to form a larger unit.
• All states usually have equal power.
• Example: USA, Switzerland, Australia

🔹 Holding Together Federation

• A single country divides power between the central and state governments.
• The central government is usually more powerful.
• Example: India, Belgium, Spain

---

🟢 Federalism in India

🔹 Features of Indian Federalism:

• The Constitution of India provides for a quasi-federal system (federal in form but unitary in spirit).
• Three-tier government:
  1. Union Government – for the entire country
  2. State Governments – for each state
  3. Local Governments – Panchayats and Municipalities (added by 73rd and 74th Amendments)

---

🔹 Division of Powers (Indian Constitution):

Schedules of the Constitution define the division of powers:

List	Description	Example Subjects
Union List	Subjects of national importance	Defense, foreign affairs, atomic energy, banking
State List	Subjects of state/local importance	Police, trade, agriculture, irrigation
Concurrent List	Subjects of common interest	Education, forest, marriage, adoption

• In case of conflict, Union law prevails over State law in the Concurrent List.

---

🟢 How is Federalism Practised in India?

🔹 1. Linguistic States

• States were reorganized on the basis of language after 1956.
• Promoted national unity and made administration easier.

🔹 2. Language Policy

• Hindi is the official language, but not imposed on non-Hindi states.
• States are free to use their own languages for governance.
• India has 22 Scheduled Languages in the Constitution.

🔹 3. Centre-State Relations

• Division of powers was originally tilted in favor of the Centre.
• After 1990 (rise of regional parties), state power increased, making India more federal.

---

🟢 Decentralisation in India (Third Tier)

🔹 Need for Decentralisation:

• To reduce burden on higher levels.
• To give local people a voice in governance.
• To improve accountability and efficiency.

---

🔹 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992)

• Created Panchayati Raj (rural) and Municipalities (urban) as constitutional bodies.

🔹 Features:

1. Elections every 5 years.
2. Reservation for SCs, STs, and women (1/3rd seats).
3. Powers related to education, health, water, roads, sanitation given to local bodies.
4. State Finance Commissions set up to manage funds.

Today, there are over 2.5 lakh local government bodies in India.

🟢 Important Definitions

Term	Definition
Federalism	A system where power is divided between the central and state governments.
Union List	Subjects only the central government can legislate on.
State List	Subjects under the jurisdiction of state governments.
Concurrent List	Subjects where both Centre and State can legislate.
Decentralisation	Transfer of powers from central to lower levels of government.
Panchayati Raj	The rural local government system in India.
Municipality	Urban local government body.