Federalism Notes in English Class 10 Political Science Chapter-2 Book-DEMOCRATIC POLITICS-II
0Team Eklavyaअप्रैल 23, 2025
Introduction
In this chapter we will discuss federalism, a common way of sharing power in modern democracies. It is a system in which different regions get a chance to live and work together under the same democratic system. We will try to understand the theory and practice of federalism in India. It will study the constitutional provisions, policies and politics that strengthen federalism. Finally, a new level of Indian federalism, i.e. local governance, will also be discussed.
What is federalism?
1. Federalism
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between the central government and the states (or provinces). In this, both levels of government function independently and are responsible for their respective areas.
2. Difference between federalism and unitary government
There is a significant difference between federalism and unitary government.
In federalism the central and provincial governments work independently and cannot command each other.
In contrast, in a unitary government the central government has all the power and the provincial governments work under the centre.
Thus, in a federal structure there is division of powers, whereas in a unitary system all the power remains vested with the central government.
3. Main features of federal government
In a federal system there are two or more levels of government, such as the central and state levels.
There is a clear division of powers, with rights and responsibilities determined by the Constitution.
To protect the Constitution, changes in it can be made only with the consent of both levels of government.
Courts play an important role in resolving rights disputes.
Under financial autonomy, different revenue sources are determined for every level of government.
The federal system maintains the unity of the country while respecting equality and diversity and recognizes regional diversities.
4. Ways of building a federal system
Federal systems may be created based on the unification of independent countries or on internal diversity.
In examples of unification of independent countries, such as the United States and Australia, states are given more power and are largely autonomous.
At the same time, in federal countries based on internal diversity, such as India and Belgium, the central government is more powerful, which manages the diversity while maintaining the unity of the country.
The aim of federalism is to maintain the unity of the country and respect regional diversities.
This is an ideal form of governance in which cooperation and trust are paramount.
federal system in india
1. Federalism in India
In a diverse country like India, the division of power has been done very thoughtfully. The Constitution of India declares the country as a union of states and adopts the features of a federal system of government.
2. Federal system of government in India
In a federal system, power is divided into three levels:-
Central Government: Makes laws and policies for the entire country.
State Governments: Handle the internal and local affairs of the states.
Local bodies: Panchayats and municipalities, which are responsible for day-to-day administration.
The division of power has been done in three lists:-
Union List: It contains subjects like defence, foreign affairs, and banking. Only the central government can make laws on these.
State List: It contains subjects like police, agriculture, and irrigation. The state government makes laws on these.
Concurrent List: It includes subjects like education, marriage, and trade unions. Both the centre and the state can make laws on these. But in case of conflict, the centre's law will prevail.
Subjects that do not fall in these lists (such as computer software) are under the authority of the Central Government.
3. Not all states have equal rights
Some states and union territories enjoy special status under the Indian Constitution.
States like Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram have been given special rights under Article 371, which preserves the culture of the indigenous people and their land rights.
On the other hand, Union Territories like Delhi, Chandigarh and Lakshadweep are smaller areas which do not have equal rights as states. Their administration is under the central government.
4. Strength of the Constitution and the role of the judiciary
It is not easy to make any change in the distribution of power between the Centre and the states and a special procedure has to be followed for this.
A two-thirds majority in Parliament and approval of half the state assemblies is required.
Apart from this, if any dispute arises regarding rights between the Centre and the states, then it is the responsibility of the Supreme Court to resolve it.
5. Revenue and resources
Both the Centre and the States have been given the power to impose taxes and collect revenue at their respective levels so that they can run their operations smoothly.
This right is given to them under the Constitution so that they can perform their responsibilities effectively and provide essential services to the public.
The federal structure of India balances both the diversity and unity of the country. This system is based on the principle of "taking everyone along".
How does a federal system work?
The effective functioning of the federal system in India does not depend only on constitutional provisions. The real reason for its success is the character of India's democratic politics. This politics promotes the spirit of federalism, respect for diversity, and the desire to live together.
Main reasons for running the federal system: -
Clear provisions in the Constitution: The Indian Constitution has a clear division of powers between the Centre and the states. For this, three lists—Union List, State List, and Concurrent List—have been provided, through which the responsibilities and rights of the Centre and the states have been determined. This system ensures balance of power and effective administration.
Respect for diversity: Indian politics has succeeded in maintaining unity by embracing its linguistic and cultural diversities. The reorganisation of states on the linguistic basis was an important and successful step in this direction, which gave various linguistic and cultural groups an opportunity to maintain their identity and also strengthened national unity.
Participation of regional parties: Regional parties played an important role in effectively raising local issues of the states and taking them to the centre. As a result, the states gained their identity and rights, which made the Indian federal structure more strong and balanced.
Political cooperation: Even though different parties are in power at the Centre and in the states, they have worked together through consensus and dialogue. This mutual cooperation plays an important role in strengthening the federal system and maintaining national unity.
Role of Judiciary: The judiciary has played an important role in resolving disputes arising between the Centre and the states. The courts resolved disputes while ensuring adherence to constitutional values, which helped maintain the stability and balance of the federal system.
Unity in times of crisis: In situations like natural disasters or national emergencies, the Centre and the states work together to ensure effective relief and management. Such joint action strengthens the federal spirit and strengthens national unity.
Creation of linguistic states
The formation of states on linguistic basis in India was the first major test of the country's democratic politics. From independence in 1947 to 2019, India's political map has seen many major changes. Old provinces disappeared, new states were formed, and the boundaries, areas and names of many states were changed.
1. Creation of linguistic states
In the 1950s, the boundaries of many old states were changed with the aim of organising people speaking one language into one state, thereby making administration easier and smoother.
In addition, new states were also formed on the basis of language as well as culture, geography, and ethnic diversity, such as Nagaland, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand, reflecting the special identity and needs of these regions.
2. Fear and consequences
Initially, many leaders feared that the formation of linguistic states could weaken the unity of the country. However, the result was just the opposite.
The formation of states on linguistic basis not only made the country more integrated and strong, but also improved administration. At the same time, it strengthened national unity by increasing respect for regional diversity.
3. Language policy of India
Language policy in India was the second major test of the federal structure of the country.
The Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language, but recognised Hindi as the official language.
Since Hindi is the mother tongue of only 40% of Indians, special steps were also taken to preserve other languages.
4. Main points of language policy of India
The Indian Constitution gave Hindi the status of an official language and recognised 22 other languages as scheduled languages.
In central government examinations, candidates are allowed to appear in these languages. At the state level, each state has its own official language, and administrative work is mainly done in that language.
According to the Constitution, the use of English was to cease in 1965, but it was continued on demand from non-Hindi speaking states, especially in South India.
There were violent protests in Tamil Nadu over this issue, following which the central government permitted the use of both Hindi and English.
The central government promotes Hindi, but refrains from imposing it on non-Hindi speaking states. This flexible approach has helped India avoid language-based unrest like Sri Lanka.
Centre-State Relations: Federalism in India
The relationship between the central and state governments in India has changed over time. These changes have proved important in strengthening the federal structure and improving power sharing.
1. First round: One party dominates
After independence, for a long time the Centre and most states were ruled by the same party (Congress), which reduced the effective use of federal autonomy by state governments.
Later, when governments of different parties started forming at the Centre and in the states, the Central Government often ignored the rights of the states.
Under this, state governments of opposition parties were dissolved by misusing the constitutional provisions, thereby affecting the federal system.
2. Era of change: After 1990
With the rise of regional parties, these parties gained power in many states, giving greater importance to the autonomy of the states.
As no single party got a majority in the Lok Sabha, an era of coalition governments began, which forced the central government to coordinate better with the states.
Furthermore, a landmark judgement of the Supreme Court prohibited the arbitrary dissolution of state governments by the Central Government.
This decision further strengthened the spirit of federalism and ensured protection of the rights of the states.
3. Today's era: Strong federalism
Today the power sharing between the Centre and the states in India has become more effective than before.
Respect for the autonomy of the states has increased, and better coordination between the Centre and the states has strengthened the federal system.
This collaborative approach not only streamlines administration but also promotes national unity and development.
Decentralisation in India
In a large and diverse country like India, it was not enough to limit governance to only two levels (Center and State). There was a need to divide power within the states as well. This is why a three-tier government structure was adopted in India, in which the third level is of local governments. This is called decentralization.
1. What is decentralization?
When the central and state governments delegate some of their powers and responsibilities to local governments, it is called decentralisation.
Its main objective is to solve problems at the local level, because local people understand the needs and priorities of their area better.
This system not only makes administration more effective but also encourages public participation.
2. Benefits of decentralization
Through decentralisation, local problems can be solved more effectively, as local people understand their issues better and can deal with them efficiently.
Besides, this system promotes democratic participation as people are involved in decision making at the local level, thereby strengthening the roots of democracy.
Reservation of seats has been ensured to empower women and disadvantaged sections, thereby increasing the representation of women and Scheduled Castes/Tribes and making their participation more effective.
3. Introduction and improvement of decentralization
Earlier, gram panchayats and municipalities existed, but they were completely under the control of the state governments, which had neither adequate powers nor resources.
Even their elections were not held regularly. In 1992, these local self-governing bodies were given constitutional status by amending the Constitution.
Under this reform, regular local elections became mandatory, and reservation of seats for women and underprivileged classes was ensured.
At the same time, state governments were mandated to transfer a portion of their revenues and powers to local bodies, giving these institutions greater autonomy and effectiveness.
4. Structure of local governments
Under the local self-government system, there is a Gram Panchayat in every village at the village level, whose members (Panchayat) and Pradhan are elected by the people of the village.
The Gram Sabha, which comprises all the voters of the village, oversees the functioning of the Panchayat. At the block level, several Gram Panchayats are combined to form a Panchayat Samiti, whose members are elected by the representatives of the Panchayats.
At the district level, all the Panchayat Samitis are combined to form the Zila Parishad, whose members are directly elected by the people, and it also includes MPs and MLAs.
In urban areas there are municipalities for small towns and municipal corporations for big cities, whose heads (mayors) and members are elected by the people. This structure strengthens the local administration.
5. Problems and challenges
Though local self governing bodies have been granted constitutional status, many challenges still remain.
Most gram sabhas do not meet regularly, and many states have not provided adequate powers and resources to local bodies.
Because of this, the autonomy of local governments is still limited, which negatively impacts the effectiveness of their actions and decisions.
