Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2 Federalism
Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2 Federalism notes in English medium
HOTS, Important terms and key points of the Chapter 2 Federalism
Union List:
Subjects of national importance like defence, foreign
affairs, atomic energy, banking, post and telegraph are included in the Union
List. The central government can pass laws on the subjects mentioned in the
Union List.
State List:
It comprises those important subjects on which the
state government can pass laws. Subjects like police, local government, trade
and commerce within the state and agriculture are included in the State List.
Concurrent List:
The Concurrent List comprises the subjects which are
of common concern both to the center, and the state governments. Ordinarily,
both the central and the state governments can frame laws on these subjects
like education, health etc.
Residuary Powers:
Matters which are not included in the division of
powers, are known as residuary powers. It was felt that there can be subjects
which are not mentioned in either of the Union lists or State lists. The
central government has been given the power to legislate on these residuary'
subjects.
Jurisdiction:
The area over which someone has legal authority. The
area may be defined in terms of geographical boundaries or in terms of certain
kinds of subjects.
Federalism
Federalism is a system of government under which power
is divided between a central authority and its various constituent units. The
various constituent units and the central authority run their administration
independently and do not interfere unnecessarily in the affairs of one another.
Unitary Government
Under the unitary system, either there is only one
level of government or the subunits are subordinate to the central government.
Gram Sabha
Every adult of the village who is 18 years of age
constitute the Gram Sabha.
Functions of Gram Sabha-
(i)
It is the
decision-making body of the entire village.
(ii)
The village
Panchayat works under the supervision of the Gram Sabha.
(iii)
It approves the
annual budget of the Gram Panchayat.
Panchayati Raj
The rural local government is known as the Panchayati
Raj.
Importance of Panchayati Raj:
i.
i) It helps the
people to directly participate in decision-making.
ii. ii) It helps in the
decentralisation of power.
iii. iii) It reduces the
burden of the central government.
Q.1 Distinguish between the Coming Together
Federations and the Holding Together Federations.
Ans.
Coming Together Federations |
Holding Together Federations |
|
(i) Under this, the independent states come together on their own to form a bigger unit. |
(i) Under this, a large country decides to divide its power between the constituent stakes and the national government. |
|
(ii) Under this, all the constituent states usually have equal powers. |
(ii) Under this, Central government tends to be more powerful. |
|
(ii) Examples- USA, Switzerland and Australia. |
(iii) Examples-India, Spain and
Belgium. |
Q.2 Explain the major key features of federalism.
Ans. Major features of federalism-
(1) Two or more levels of government:
Federalism is a system of government in which the
governmental power is divided between a central authority and its various
constituent units. Usually, a federation has two levels of government. One is
the government for the entire country and the other governments at the state or
provincial level.
(ii) Same citizens separate jurisdiction:
Different tiers of the government govern the same
citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of
legislation, taxation and administration.
(iii) Superiority of Constitution:
The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of
the government are specified in the Constitution. So, the existence and
authority of each tier of the government are constitutionally safeguarded.
(iv) Rigid Constitution:
The fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot
be unilaterally changed by one level of the government. Such changes require
the consent of the both the levels of the government.
(v) Supreme authority of the courts:
Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution
and the powers of different levels of the government. The highest court acts as
an umpire in case of disputes arising between different levels of the
government in the exercise of their respective powers.
(vi) Dual objectives:
The federal system has dual objectives, to safeguard
and promote the unity of the country, while at the same time, to accommodate
the regional diversity.
Q.3. 'India is a federal country."
Explain by giving examples. Or Mention any five main features which make India
a federal country.
(i) Division of powers:
The Constitution demarcates the powers of the central
and the state governments into different lists of subjects. There are three
lists:
1.
Union List.
2.
State List.
3.
Concurrent List.
(ii) Three-tier system:
Under federal government different tiers of the
government govern the same citizens. This is true for India. In India, we have
a three-tier system of government, i.e.,
1.
Union Government
2.
State Government
3.
Local
Self-Government.
(iii) Amendment in Fundamental structure:
Under a federal government, fundamental provisions
cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of the government, and the same is
true for India. The Parliament cannot on its own change the fundamental
structure of the Constitution.
(iv) Jurisdiction:
In a federation, the judiciary plays an important role
in overseeing the implementation of constitutional provisions and procedures.
The same is true for India. In case of any dispute about the division of
powers, the High Courts and the Supreme Court take a decision.
(v) Separate sources of income:
A clear mention regarding the financial powers of the center and the states has been made in the Indian Constitution. Income tax,
excise duty, corporation tax, etc., are levied and collected by the central
government, whereas land revenue, stamp duty, building tax, etc., come under
the state government.
Q.4. How is federalism practiced in India?
Explain.
Ans.
(1) Linguistic States:
After independence, in 1950, the boundaries of several
old states were changed in order to create new states. This was done to ensure
that the people who spoke the same language, share common culture, ethnicity or
geography could live in the same state.
(ii) Language Policy:
The Indian Constitution did not give the status of
national language to any one of the languages. Though Hindi was identified as
the optional language, but the central government has not imposed Hindi on
states where people speak a different language. Besides Hindi, there are 21
other languages recognised as Scheduled Languages by the Indian Constitution.
(iii) Centre-State relations:
After 1990, a new culture of power sharing between
National and Regional parties has emerged in the form of coalition governments
at the centre. In the past, the Central government has often misused the
Constitution to dismiss the state governments that were controlled by rival
parties. This undermined the spirit of federalism, and that of democracy. The
judiciary has played a major role in improving the autonomy of the state
governments because many a time, it has rescued state governments which were
dismissed in an arbitrary manner.
Q.5 "The creation of linguistic states was the first and major test for democratic politics in our country." Justify this statement.
Or
Why were the linguistic states created? What
are their advantages?
Ans. (1) In 1947, the boundaries of several old States
of India were changed in order to create new States. This was done to ensure
that people who spoke the same language lived in the same State.
(ii) Some States were created not on the basis of
language but to recognize differences based on culture, ethnicity or geography.
These include States like Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand.
(iii) When the demand for the formation of States on
the basis of language was raised, some national leaders feared that it would
lead to the disintegration of the country.
(iv) The Central Government resisted linguistic States
for some time.
(v) But the experience has shown that the formation of
linguistic States has actually made the country more united. It has also made
administration easier.
Q.6. Describe the division of power between the Central and the State governments in India.
Or
How are the powers divided between the
states and center? Explain with examples.
Ans. (i) Union List:
It includes subjects of national importance such as
defence of the country. foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency.
They are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these
matters throughout the country. The Union Government alone can make laws
relating to the subjects mentioned in the Union List.
(ii) State List:
It contains subjects of State and local importance
such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation. The State
Governments alone can make laws relating to the subjects mentioned in the State
List.
(iii) Concurrent List:
It includes subjects of common interest to both the
Union Government as well as the State Governments, such as education, forest, trade
unions, marriage, adoption and succession. Both the Union as well as the State
Governments can make laws on the subjects mentioned in this list. If their laws
conflict with each other, the law made by the Union Government will prevail.
(i) Under a federal government, the fundamental
provisions cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of the government and
the same is true for India.
(ii) The Parliament cannot on its own change the
fundamental structure of the Constitution. Any change in it must be first
passed by both Houses of the Parliament with at least two-third majority. Then
it has most to be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the total
states.
Q.7 Explain the language policy of Indian
Federal. How is it different from Sri Lanka?
or
Write any four characteristics of language policy
of India.
Or
Describe in brief the language policy of India.
Our Constitution did not give the status of national
language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the official language.
But Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore,
there were many safeguards to protect other languages.
(ii) Scheduled Languages:
Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised
as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution. A candidate in an examination
conducted for the Central Government positions may opt to take the examination
in any of these languages. States too have their own official languages. Much
of the government work takes place in the official language of the concerned
State.
(iii) Spread of Hindi with cautious approach:
Unlike Sri Lanka, the leaders of our country adopted a
very cautious attitude in spreading the use of Hindi. According to the
Constitution, the use of English for official purposes was to stop in 1965.
However, many non-Hindi-speaking States demanded that the use of English
continue. The Central Government responded by agreeing to continue the use of
English along with Hindi for official purposes.
(iv) Language policy of Sri Lanka:
In 1956, an Act was passed by the Sri Lankan
government to recognise Sinhala as the only official language whereas in case
of India the government agreed to continue the use of English along with Hindi
for official purposes.
Q.8 What is decentralisation? What is the
importance or need for decentralisation? Explain the advantages of
decentralisation.
Ans. When power is taken away from the Central and
State governments, and given to the Local governments, it is called
decentralisation.
(1) The basic idea behind decentralisation is that
there are many problems and issues which are best settled at the local level.
People have a better knowledge of problems in their localities. They also have
better ideas on where to spend money, and how to manage things more
efficiently.
(ii) At the local level, it is possible for the people
to directly participate in decision-making. This helps to inculcate a habit of
democratic participation. Basically, the local government is the best way to
realise one important principle of democracy, namely the Local Self Government.
Advantages of decentralisation
(1) Locals have better knowledge:
The basic idea behind decentralisation is that there
are a large number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local
level. People have better knowledge of problems in their localities. They also
have better ideas on where to spend money, and how to manage things more
efficiently.
(ii) Direct participation of the people:
Decentralisation makes it possible for the people to
directly participate in decision making. This helps to inculcate a habit of
democratic participation. The Local government is the best way to realise one
important principle of democracy, namely the Local Self-Government.
(iii) Foundation of democracy:
Local governments are most important in a democratic
system. These are training schools for local citizens and local leadership. These
provide political education. The people get familiar about the electoral process,
and the proper use of their vote, which is the very foundation of democracy.
(iv) Reduction of burden of the Central
Government:
It reduces the burden of the Central or State
governments. These can concentrate on matters of national or state importance
in a better way. In this way, the Local Self-Government ensures efficiency
everywhere, at all the three levels of today's governance. Indian leaders have
recognised the need for decentralisation.
(v) Women empowerment:
At least one-third of all positions are reserved for
women in all the local bodies. This has lead to women empowerment.
Q9 Distinguish between the Union List and
the Concurrent List.
Ans.
|
Union
List |
Concurrent
List |
|
(i) This list includes subjects of
national importance like defence, foreign affairs, energy, etc. atomic |
(i) This list includes the subjects
which are of common concern both to the centre and the state governments. |
|
(ii) Only the central government can
pass laws on these subjects. |
(ii) Both the central and the state
governments can frame laws on these subjects. |
|
(iii) This list contains 97 subjects. Examples-
defence, foreign affairs, atomic energy, banking, post and telegraph etc. |
(iii) This list contains 47 subjects.
Examples- education, health etc. |
Ans.
|
Federal
Government |
Unitary
Government |
|
(i) Under this, the power is divided
between a central authority and its various constituent units. |
Under this, there is only a single
government controlling all the powers. |
|
(ii) In a federal government, there is
division of subjects. |
Under this, there is no division of
subjects. |
|
(iii) Local governments enjoy freedom
and powers. |
Local governments do not enjoy any
freedom or powers. |
|
(iv) India, USA, Australia, Canada,
etc., have adopted a federal system. |
England, Japan, France, Italy, etc.
have adopted a unitary system. |
Federalism NCERT exercise solutions
1. Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India:
i) Manipur, ii) Sikkim, iii) Chhattisgarh and iv) Goa.
Ans.
 |
| Source- https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/Map-of-india-political-enlarge-view.gif |
2. Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on blank outline political map of the world.
Ans.
 |
| Image Source : NCERT class 10 Political Science |
3. Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
Ans. One similar feature of Federalism between India and Belgium:
India and Belgium are both holding together federations where the Central Governments tend to be more powerful vis-a-vis the states.
One different feature of Federalism between India and Belgium:
In Belgium, there are three kinds of government- government at the center, government at the state level and third kind of government is the community government. The community government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.
But in India, there is no third kind of government, there is no community government.
4. What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
Ans. Refer to Q. 3 above
5. State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
Ans.
|
Local Govt. Before 1992 |
Local Govt. After 1992 |
|
(i) Local governments were directly under the control of the state government. |
(i) Local governments have got some powers of their own. |
|
(ii) Elections were not held regularly. |
(ii) Elections are held regularly. |
|
(iii) Elections were controlled by the state governments. |
(iii) An independent State Election Commission is responsible to conduct the elections. |
6. Fill in the blanks:
Since the United States is a ……………………. (i) type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ………………….. (ii) vis-Ã -vis the federal government.
But India is a ………………………… (iii) type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the ………………….. (iv) government has more powers.
Ans. (i) coming together (ii) stronger (iii) holding together (iv) central
7. Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
Ans. The position and idea held by Sangeeta is the right one. The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
According to the Constitution, the use of English for official purposes was to stop in 1965. But many non-Hindi-speaking states demanded that the use of English should continue. The Central Government agreed to continue the use of English along with Hindi for official purposes. Such a flexibility shown by the Indian Government helped our country to avoid the conflict that is being faced by Sri Lanka.
8. The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
(a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments.
(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.
Ans. (d)
9. A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.
A. Defence; B. Police; C. Agriculture; D. Education; E. Banking; F. Forests; G. Communications; H. Trade; I. Marriages
Ans.
|
Union List |
State List |
Concurrent List |
|
a) Defence |
b) police |
d) education |
|
e) Banking |
c) agriculture |
f) forests |
|
g) communications |
h) trade |
i) marriages |
10. Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) State government- State List
(b) Central government- Union List
(c) Central and State governments- Concurrent List
(d) Local governments- Residuary powers
Ans. (d) is not correctly matched. Because only Central govt can make laws of residuary subjects.
11. Match List with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
|
List I |
List II |
|
1. Union of India |
A. Prime Minister |
|
2. State |
B. Sarpanch |
|
3. Municipal Corporation |
C. Governor |
|
4. Gram Panchayat |
D. Mayor |
|
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
(a) |
D |
A |
B |
C |
|
(b) |
B |
C |
D |
A |
|
(c) |
A |
C |
D |
B |
|
(d) |
C |
D |
A |
B |
Ans. (c)
12. Consider the following statements.
A. In a federation the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.
B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the States have been devolved to the local government bodies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B and C (b) A, C and D (c) A and B only (d) B and C only
Ans. (c)
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