Federalism
संघवाद
📘 RBSE Board
📗 CBSE Board
📙 Class 10 Political Science
⭐ Board Exam 2026
📌 Chapter at a Glance
| Chapter Name | Federalism |
|---|---|
| Hindi Name | संघवाद |
| Subject | Political Science (Civics) |
| Class | 10th |
| Board | RBSE / CBSE |
| Union List | 97 Subjects |
| State List | 66 Subjects |
| Concurrent List | 47 Subjects |
| Key Amendment | 73rd & 74th (1992) |
| Board Weightage | 5-6 Marks |
| Question Types | MCQ, Short, Long Answer |
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. In India, this means power is shared between the Union Government (Centre) and State Governments. Both levels of government are independent in their own spheres and derive their powers from the Constitution.
This chapter explains what federalism means, how it works in India, the three lists that divide powers, how linguistic states were created, and how decentralization through Panchayati Raj brings government closer to the people.
Understanding federalism is crucial because India is a diverse country with different languages, cultures, and religions. Federalism ensures that this diversity is respected while maintaining national unity.
📋 Table of Contents
1. What is Federalism?
📖 Definition of Federalism
Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority (Union/Federal Government) and various constituent units (States/Provinces) of the country. Both levels of government enjoy their power independent of the other.
In a federal system:
- ✅ There are two or more levels of government
- ✅ Each level has its own jurisdiction (area of authority)
- ✅ The jurisdiction of each level is specified in the Constitution
- ✅ Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution and resolve disputes
- ✅ Neither level can unilaterally change the fundamental provisions of the Constitution
🆚 Federal vs Unitary System
| Aspect | Federal System | Unitary System |
|---|---|---|
| Power Distribution | Divided between Centre and States | Concentrated in Central Government |
| State Powers | States have independent powers | States are subordinate to Centre |
| Constitution | Written and rigid | May be unwritten or flexible |
| Examples | India, USA, Germany, Australia | UK, France, Japan, China |
2. Key Features of Federalism
| # | Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Two or More Levels of Government | At least two tiers - Central (Union) and State/Provincial. India has three tiers including Local Government. |
| 2 | Constitutional Division of Powers | The Constitution clearly specifies which level has what powers. Neither can encroach on the other's domain. |
| 3 | Written Constitution | A federal country must have a written Constitution that defines the powers and functions of each level. |
| 4 | Rigid Constitution | Fundamental provisions cannot be changed unilaterally. Usually requires consent of both levels. |
| 5 | Independent Judiciary | Courts interpret the Constitution and resolve disputes between Centre and States. |
| 6 | Sources of Revenue | Each level has its own sources of revenue to ensure financial independence. |
3. Types of Federation
Federations can be formed in two different ways, depending on how the constituent units came together:
🤝 "Coming Together" Federation
- How formed: Independent states come together to form a bigger unit
- Why: To pool sovereignty and retain identity
- Character: States have more autonomy
- Central Govt: Relatively weaker
- Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia
🏛️ "Holding Together" Federation
- How formed: Large country divides power with constituent states
- Why: To accommodate diversity and keep unity
- Character: States have less autonomy
- Central Govt: Relatively stronger
- Examples: India, Spain, Belgium
💡 Did You Know?
India is a "Holding Together" federation. When India became independent, it was a diverse nation with different princely states, languages, and cultures. To maintain unity while respecting diversity, the Constitution divided powers between Centre and States, with Centre being relatively stronger.
4. Federalism in India
The Indian Constitution does not use the word "Federation" anywhere. Instead, Article 1 describes India as a "Union of States". However, the Indian system has all the features of a federation:
🇮🇳 Federal Features of Indian Constitution
- ✅ Two levels of government: Union Government and State Governments
- ✅ Third tier added: Panchayats and Municipalities (Local Government)
- ✅ Written Constitution: Longest written Constitution in the world
- ✅ Division of powers: Three lists - Union, State, Concurrent
- ✅ Independent Judiciary: Supreme Court as the final interpreter
- ✅ Bicameral Legislature: Rajya Sabha represents States
⚠️ Unitary Features of Indian Constitution
India is not a "pure" federation. It has some unitary features that make the Centre stronger:
- ⚡ Centre can create new states, change boundaries (without state consent)
- ⚡ Residuary powers lie with Centre (not states)
- ⚡ Single citizenship (not dual)
- ⚡ Emergency provisions give Centre more power
- ⚡ All-India Services (IAS, IPS) controlled by Centre
- ⚡ Governor appointed by Centre
This is why India is called "Quasi-Federal" or "Federation with a strong Centre".
5. The Three Lists
The Constitution of India divides legislative powers between Centre and States through three lists given in the Seventh Schedule:
| List | No. of Subjects | Who Makes Laws? | Examples of Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union List (List I) |
97 Subjects (Originally 97) |
Only Union/Central Government | Defence, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Currency, Atomic Energy, Railways, Post & Telegraph, Census |
| State List (List II) |
66 Subjects (Originally 66) |
Only State Government | Police, Public Order, Agriculture, Irrigation, Land, Prisons, Local Government, Public Health, Liquor |
| Concurrent List (List III) |
47 Subjects (Originally 47) |
Both Centre and State (Centre prevails in conflict) |
Education, Forests, Trade Unions, Marriage, Adoption, Succession, Criminal Law, Electricity |
🔍 Residuary Powers
Residuary subjects are those which are not mentioned in any of the three lists. In India, the power to make laws on residuary subjects lies with the Union Government.
Examples: Computer software, Cyber crimes, E-commerce (these did not exist in 1950!)
📝 Exam Tip: Remember the Lists
Union List (National Importance): D-FAB-CR → Defence, Foreign Affairs, Atomic energy, Banking, Currency, Railways
State List (Local Importance): PPAL → Police, Public order, Agriculture, Land
Concurrent List (Both): EFMT → Education, Forests, Marriage, Trade unions
6. Linguistic States & Language Policy
6.1 Creation of Linguistic States
When India became independent, the boundaries of states were drawn based on British administrative convenience, not on language or culture. This created problems as people speaking the same language were divided into different states.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | Andhra Pradesh created | First linguistic state - for Telugu speaking people (carved out of Madras) |
| 1956 | States Reorganisation Act | Major reorganization of states on linguistic basis |
| 1960 | Gujarat & Maharashtra | Bombay state divided into Gujarati and Marathi speaking states |
| 1966 | Punjab & Haryana | Punjab divided into Punjabi (Punjab) and Hindi (Haryana) speaking states |
| 2000 | Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand | Three new states carved out (not linguistic, but for development) |
| 2014 | Telangana | Separated from Andhra Pradesh (29th state) |
✅ Benefits of Linguistic States
- Made administration easier (officials speak local language)
- Made democracy stronger (people can participate in their own language)
- Did NOT weaken national unity (as feared initially)
- Actually strengthened unity by accommodating diversity
6.2 Language Policy of India
India has no single national language. The Constitution recognizes 22 Scheduled Languages in the Eighth Schedule.
| Aspect | Policy |
|---|---|
| Official Language of Union | Hindi in Devanagari script (Article 343) |
| Associate Official Language | English (continues for official purposes) |
| Scheduled Languages | 22 languages in Eighth Schedule |
| State Official Languages | States can adopt their own official language |
| Central Government Services | Can be conducted in Hindi or English |
💡 Did You Know?
According to the 2011 Census, Hindi is spoken by about 44% of Indians as their first language. But India has over 19,500 languages and dialects! The Constitution's flexible language policy prevents any one language from dominating others.
7. Decentralization in India
📖 What is Decentralization?
Decentralization means taking power away from Central and State governments and giving it to local governments at the district, block, and village levels. It is the third tier of Indian federalism.
7.1 Why Decentralization?
- ✅ Large country: India is too large and diverse to be governed only from Delhi or state capitals
- ✅ Local problems: Local issues are best understood and solved by local people
- ✅ People's participation: Brings government closer to the people
- ✅ Democratic training: Local government is a "school of democracy"
- ✅ Efficiency: Decentralized decisions are faster and more relevant
7.2 History of Local Government in India
Local government existed in India even before independence, but it was not constitutionally recognized and depended on state governments. The major reform came in 1992:
| Amendment | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 73rd Constitutional Amendment | 1992 | Gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj (Rural Local Government) |
| 74th Constitutional Amendment | 1992 | Gave constitutional status to Municipalities (Urban Local Government) |
8. Panchayati Raj System
8.1 Three-Tier Structure
| Level | Body | Area Covered | Head |
|---|---|---|---|
| Village Level | Gram Panchayat | Village or group of villages | Sarpanch |
| Block Level | Panchayat Samiti / Block Samiti | Block (group of villages) | Chairman |
| District Level | Zila Parishad | Entire District | Chairperson |
8.2 Key Provisions of 73rd Amendment
📜 Major Provisions
| # | Provision | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Three-Tier System | Mandatory in all states with population over 20 lakh |
| 2 | Regular Elections | Elections every 5 years; if dissolved, elections within 6 months |
| 3 | Reservation for SC/ST | Seats reserved in proportion to their population |
| 4 | Reservation for Women | At least 1/3 (33%) seats reserved for women (including SC/ST women) |
| 5 | State Election Commission | Independent body to conduct local elections |
| 6 | State Finance Commission | To recommend financial distribution to local bodies |
| 7 | 29 Subjects | Listed in Eleventh Schedule for Panchayats |
8.3 Urban Local Bodies (74th Amendment)
| Type | Population | Head |
|---|---|---|
| Nagar Panchayat | Transitional area (rural to urban) | Chairman |
| Municipal Council / Nagar Palika | Smaller urban area | Chairman |
| Municipal Corporation / Nagar Nigam | Large city / Metropolitan area | Mayor |
📝 Exam Tip: 73rd vs 74th Amendment
73rd Amendment = Rural (Panchayati Raj) → Eleventh Schedule (29 subjects)
74th Amendment = Urban (Municipalities) → Twelfth Schedule (18 subjects)
Both passed in 1992, came into force in 1993
9. 📚 Important Terms (Glossary)
Federalism
A system where power is divided between central authority and constituent units (states), each having its own jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction
The area over which someone has legal authority. In federalism, Centre and States have different jurisdictions.
Union List
List of 97 subjects on which only the Central Government can make laws (Defence, Foreign Affairs, etc.)
State List
List of 66 subjects on which only State Governments can make laws (Police, Agriculture, etc.)
Concurrent List
List of 47 subjects on which both Centre and States can make laws (Education, Forests, etc.). In case of conflict, Central law prevails.
Residuary Powers
Power to make laws on subjects not mentioned in any list. In India, this power lies with the Centre.
Decentralization
Transferring power from Central and State governments to local governments at grassroots level.
Panchayati Raj
System of local self-government in rural areas with three tiers: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad.
Coalition Government
Government formed by alliance of two or more political parties when no single party gets majority.
Linguistic States
States formed on the basis of language spoken by majority of people in that region.
10. 📝 Practice MCQs (Board Exam Pattern)
Q1. How many subjects are in the Concurrent List?
✅ Answer: (C) 47
The Concurrent List has 47 subjects on which both Centre and States can make laws.
The Concurrent List has 47 subjects on which both Centre and States can make laws.
Q2. Which was the first linguistic state of India?
✅ Answer: (C) Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was created in 1953 for Telugu-speaking people, making it the first linguistic state.
Andhra Pradesh was created in 1953 for Telugu-speaking people, making it the first linguistic state.
Q3. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment is related to:
✅ Answer: (B) Panchayati Raj
The 73rd Amendment (1992) gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions in rural areas.
The 73rd Amendment (1992) gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions in rural areas.
Q4. What percentage of seats are reserved for women in Panchayats?
✅ Answer: (B) 33% (One-third)
At least 1/3 seats are reserved for women in all Panchayats as per 73rd Amendment.
At least 1/3 seats are reserved for women in all Panchayats as per 73rd Amendment.
Q5. "Defence" comes under which list?
✅ Answer: (B) Union List
Defence is a subject of national importance, so it is in the Union List (only Centre can make laws).
Defence is a subject of national importance, so it is in the Union List (only Centre can make laws).
Q6. How many languages are in the Eighth Schedule of Constitution?
✅ Answer: (C) 22
The Eighth Schedule contains 22 Scheduled Languages recognized by the Constitution.
The Eighth Schedule contains 22 Scheduled Languages recognized by the Constitution.
Q7. Which of the following is NOT a feature of federalism?
✅ Answer: (C) Single level of government
Federalism requires at least two levels of government (Centre and State), not single level.
Federalism requires at least two levels of government (Centre and State), not single level.
Q8. India is an example of which type of federation?
✅ Answer: (B) Holding Together
India is a "Holding Together" federation where a large country divided powers to accommodate diversity.
India is a "Holding Together" federation where a large country divided powers to accommodate diversity.
Q9. "Education" was moved to Concurrent List from State List by which Amendment?
✅ Answer: (A) 42nd Amendment (1976)
The 42nd Amendment transferred Education from State List to Concurrent List.
The 42nd Amendment transferred Education from State List to Concurrent List.
Q10. The head of Zila Parishad is called:
✅ Answer: (C) Chairperson
Zila Parishad (District level Panchayat) is headed by a Chairperson.
Zila Parishad (District level Panchayat) is headed by a Chairperson.
11. ✍️ Important Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)
Q1. What is federalism? Give two features.
Answer: Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units (states) of the country. Both levels of government are independent in their own spheres.
Two features:
Two features:
- Two or more levels of government: There is a central (Union) government and state/provincial governments, each with its own jurisdiction.
- Constitutional division of powers: The Constitution clearly specifies which level of government has what powers through Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
Q2. What are the three lists mentioned in the Constitution? Give one subject from each.
Answer: The Indian Constitution divides legislative powers through three lists in the Seventh Schedule:
- Union List (97 subjects): Only Central Government can make laws. Example: Defence, Foreign Affairs
- State List (66 subjects): Only State Government can make laws. Example: Police, Agriculture
- Concurrent List (47 subjects): Both Centre and State can make laws (Centre prevails in conflict). Example: Education, Forests
Q3. What is decentralization? Why is it important?
Answer: Decentralization means taking power away from Central and State governments and giving it to local governments at the district, block, and village levels.
Importance:
Importance:
- Local problems are best solved by local people who understand them better
- It brings government closer to the people, increasing participation
- India is too large and diverse to be governed only from Delhi or state capitals
- It provides democratic training to citizens at the grassroots level
Q4. What are the key provisions of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment?
Answer: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj. Key provisions:
- Three-tier Panchayati Raj system made mandatory (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad)
- Regular elections every 5 years
- At least 1/3 seats (33%) reserved for women
- Seats reserved for SC/ST in proportion to their population
- State Election Commission to conduct elections
- State Finance Commission for financial matters
- 29 subjects transferred to Panchayats (Eleventh Schedule)
Q5. Differentiate between "Coming Together" and "Holding Together" federations.
Answer:
Coming Together Federation:
Coming Together Federation:
- Independent states come together to form a bigger unit
- States pool their sovereignty but retain their identity
- States have more autonomy; Centre is relatively weaker
- Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia
- A large country divides its power with constituent states
- Done to accommodate diversity and maintain unity
- Central government is relatively stronger
- Examples: India, Spain, Belgium
12. 📖 Important Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
Q1. Explain the federal system of India with its key features.
Answer: India has a federal system of government where power is divided between the Union (Central) Government and State Governments. The Constitution describes India as a "Union of States" (Article 1).
KEY FEATURES OF INDIAN FEDERALISM:
1. Two Levels of Government:
India has a Union Government at the centre and State Governments at the regional level. A third tier of local government (Panchayats and Municipalities) was added through 73rd and 74th Amendments.
2. Division of Powers:
The Constitution divides powers through three lists:
3. Written and Rigid Constitution:
India has the longest written Constitution in the world. Fundamental provisions cannot be changed by one level of government alone.
4. Independent Judiciary:
The Supreme Court is the final interpreter of the Constitution. It resolves disputes between Centre and States.
5. Bicameral Legislature:
Rajya Sabha represents the States in Parliament, giving them a voice at the national level.
UNITARY FEATURES:
India also has some unitary features making Centre stronger: single citizenship, All-India Services, emergency powers, Governor appointed by Centre, and residuary powers with Centre. This is why India is called "Quasi-Federal" or "Federation with a strong Centre."
KEY FEATURES OF INDIAN FEDERALISM:
1. Two Levels of Government:
India has a Union Government at the centre and State Governments at the regional level. A third tier of local government (Panchayats and Municipalities) was added through 73rd and 74th Amendments.
2. Division of Powers:
The Constitution divides powers through three lists:
- Union List (97 subjects) - Only Centre can make laws
- State List (66 subjects) - Only States can make laws
- Concurrent List (47 subjects) - Both can make laws
3. Written and Rigid Constitution:
India has the longest written Constitution in the world. Fundamental provisions cannot be changed by one level of government alone.
4. Independent Judiciary:
The Supreme Court is the final interpreter of the Constitution. It resolves disputes between Centre and States.
5. Bicameral Legislature:
Rajya Sabha represents the States in Parliament, giving them a voice at the national level.
UNITARY FEATURES:
India also has some unitary features making Centre stronger: single citizenship, All-India Services, emergency powers, Governor appointed by Centre, and residuary powers with Centre. This is why India is called "Quasi-Federal" or "Federation with a strong Centre."
Q2. Describe the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in India and its significance.
Answer: Panchayati Raj is the system of local self-government in rural India. It was given constitutional status by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992.
THREE TIERS OF PANCHAYATI RAJ:
1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level):
2. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level):
3. Zila Parishad (District Level):
KEY PROVISIONS:
SIGNIFICANCE:
THREE TIERS OF PANCHAYATI RAJ:
1. Gram Panchayat (Village Level):
- Covers a village or group of villages
- Headed by Sarpanch (elected by Gram Sabha)
- Members called Panch
- Handles local issues like sanitation, water, roads, dispute resolution
- Gram Sabha (all adult voters) is the foundation
2. Panchayat Samiti (Block Level):
- Covers a block (group of Gram Panchayats)
- Headed by Chairman
- Links Gram Panchayat with Zila Parishad
- Coordinates development programs at block level
3. Zila Parishad (District Level):
- Covers the entire district
- Headed by Chairperson
- Highest tier of Panchayati Raj
- Coordinates all Panchayat Samitis in the district
KEY PROVISIONS:
- Elections every 5 years
- 1/3 seats reserved for women
- Reservation for SC/ST in proportion to population
- 29 subjects transferred (Eleventh Schedule)
- State Election Commission for elections
- State Finance Commission for funds
SIGNIFICANCE:
- Brings democracy to the grassroots
- Gives voice to rural people in governance
- Empowers women and marginalized communities
- Local problems solved locally
- Training ground for democracy
Q3. How has federalism in India evolved since independence? Explain with examples.
Answer: Indian federalism has evolved significantly since 1947, becoming more accommodative and decentralized over time.
PHASE 1: INTEGRATION (1947-1950)
PHASE 2: LINGUISTIC REORGANIZATION (1950s-1960s)
PHASE 3: NEW STATES (2000-2014)
PHASE 4: DECENTRALIZATION (1992 onwards)
CONCLUSION:
Indian federalism has evolved from a highly centralized system to a more cooperative, decentralized model. It has accommodated linguistic diversity, regional aspirations, and local governance while maintaining national unity. This flexibility is the strength of Indian federalism.
PHASE 1: INTEGRATION (1947-1950)
- At independence, India had British provinces + 562 princely states
- Sardar Patel integrated princely states into Indian Union
- Constitution created a strong Centre to maintain unity
PHASE 2: LINGUISTIC REORGANIZATION (1950s-1960s)
- Initial boundaries were based on British administrative convenience
- Demand for linguistic states arose (Potti Sriramulu's fast for Telugu state)
- 1953: Andhra Pradesh - first linguistic state
- 1956: States Reorganisation Act - major reorganization on linguistic basis
- 1960: Gujarat and Maharashtra created from Bombay
- 1966: Punjab and Haryana separated
- This strengthened federalism by respecting linguistic diversity
PHASE 3: NEW STATES (2000-2014)
- 2000: Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand created (for development, not language)
- 2014: Telangana separated from Andhra Pradesh
- India now has 28 states and 8 Union Territories
PHASE 4: DECENTRALIZATION (1992 onwards)
- 73rd Amendment: Constitutional status to Panchayati Raj
- 74th Amendment: Constitutional status to Municipalities
- Added third tier of government
- Empowered local bodies with funds, functions, and functionaries
CONCLUSION:
Indian federalism has evolved from a highly centralized system to a more cooperative, decentralized model. It has accommodated linguistic diversity, regional aspirations, and local governance while maintaining national unity. This flexibility is the strength of Indian federalism.
No comments:
Post a Comment