Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2: Federalism (संघवाद)
Welcome to Chapter 2 of Democratic Politics-II. Curated under the academic mentorship of Mr. Surendra Singh Chouhan (Retd. ADEO Secondary Education, Jodhpur) and Mrs. Neel Kamal Chouhan (Principal, BDRKA).
1. What is Federalism? (संघवाद क्या है?)
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.
Difference Between Unitary and Federal Systems:
| Parameter | Federal System (संघीय व्यवस्था) | Unitary System (एकात्मक व्यवस्था) |
|---|---|---|
| Levels of Government | Two or more tiers of government (National, State, Local). | Either only one level of government or sub-units are subordinate to the Centre. |
| Jurisdiction | Each tier has its own jurisdiction in legislation, taxation, and administration specified in the constitution. | Central government can pass on orders to provincial or local governments. |
| Constitutional Protection | Fundamental constitutional provisions cannot be unilaterally changed by one level. | Central government can alter powers of sub-units at will. |
| Conflict Resolution | Courts act as an umpire if disputes arise between different tiers. | Highest executive or central body has final authority. |
| Examples | India, USA, Canada, Belgium, Australia. | United Kingdom, France, Sri Lanka, Japan. |
2. Seven Key Features of Federalism (संघवाद की प्रमुख विशेषताएँ)
- Two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
- Different tiers govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation, and administration.
- The jurisdictions of the respective tiers are specified in the constitution. So the existence and authority of each tier is constitutionally guaranteed.
- The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both levels of government.
- Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of government. The Supreme Court acts as an umpire in disputes.
- Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
- Dual objectives: To safeguard and promote unity of the country, while simultaneously accommodating regional diversity.
3. Two Routes to Federation: ‘Coming Together’ vs. ‘Holding Together’
A. ‘Coming Together’ Federations (साथ आकर संघ बनाना)
- Independent States come together on their own to form a bigger unit, so that by pooling sovereignty and retaining identity they can increase their security.
- All constituent States usually have equal power and are strong vis-à-vis the federal government.
- Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia.
B. ‘Holding Together’ Federations (साथ रहकर संघ बनाना)
- A large country decides to divide its power between the constituent States and the national government.
- The Central government tends to be more powerful vis-à-vis the States. Very often different constituent units have unequal powers.
- Examples: India, Spain, Belgium.
4. What Makes India a Federal Country? (भारत में संघीय व्यवस्था)
The Constitution of India originally provided for a two-tier system of government (Union Government and State Governments). Later, a third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities.
The Three-Fold Distribution of Legislative Powers:
| List | Jurisdiction / Subjects | Level of Government |
|---|---|---|
| Union List (संघ सूची) | Subjects of national importance requiring a uniform policy: Defence, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Communications, Currency. | Union Government alone can make laws. |
| State List (राज्य सूची) | Subjects of State and local importance: Police, Trade, Commerce, Agriculture, Irrigation. | State Governments alone can make laws. |
| Concurrent List (समवर्ती सूची) | Subjects of common interest: Education, Forests, Trade Unions, Marriage, Adoption, Succession. | Both Union and State can legislate. In case of conflict, Union law prevails. |
| Residuary Subjects (अवशिष्ट शक्तियाँ) | Matters not present in any list (e.g., Computer software, Cyber law). | Union Government has the power to legislate. |
5. How is Federalism Practised in India?
Constitutional provisions are necessary for federalism, but not sufficient. Federalism succeeded in India because of:
- Linguistic States (भाषाई राज्य): In 1956, States Reorganisation Commission created states based on spoken languages (e.g., Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala). This consolidated national integration rather than disintegrating the country.
- Language Policy (भाषा नीति):
- India has no National Language.
- Hindi is identified as the official language (spoken by ~44% of Indians).
- Beside Hindi, there are 21 other scheduled languages recognized by the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
- English and Hindi continue as languages of official communication.
- Centre-State Relations & Coalition Governments:
- Post-1990 marked the rise of regional political parties and the era of Coalition Governments at the Centre.
- No single party got a clear majority in Lok Sabha, forcing major national parties into alliances with regional parties.
- This fostered respect for state autonomy and ended the arbitrary dismissal of state governments by the Centre under Article 356.
6. Decentralisation in India: The 1992 Landmark Amendment (विकेंद्रीकरण)
When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local government, it is called Decentralisation.
Major Steps Taken in 1992 (73rd & 74th Amendments):
- Mandatory Elections: It is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
- Reservation for Marginalized Communities: Seats are reserved in elected bodies and executive heads for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
- Women Empowerment: At least one-third (33%) of all positions are reserved for women.
- State Election Commission (SEC): An independent body created in each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
- Revenue Sharing: State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies.
Structure of Rural Local Government (Panchayati Raj):
- Gram Panchayat: Decision-making body for the village, headed by a Sarpanch, meeting under the supervision of the Gram Sabha (all adult village voters).
- Panchayat Samiti (Block / Mandal): A group of Gram Panchayats grouped together, elected by all panchayat members in that area.
- Zila Parishad (District Council): Apex district body comprising all Panchayat Samitis, local MPs, MLAs, and district officials, headed by the Zila Parishad Chairperson.
7. Board Exam Model Questions & Answers (CBSE / RBSE 2026)
Q1 (3 Marks): Distinguish between ‘Coming Together’ and ‘Holding Together’ federations with examples.
Answer:
- ‘Coming Together’ federations are formed when independent sovereign states pool their sovereignty to form a larger union for shared security (e.g., USA, Switzerland).
- ‘Holding Together’ federations are formed when a large nation divides power between central authority and constituent provinces to accommodate diversity (e.g., India, Spain, Belgium). In holding together federations, the Centre is typically more powerful.
Q2 (5 Marks): What were the major changes brought by the 1992 Constitutional Amendment toward decentralisation in India?
Answer:
- Regular, constitutionally mandated local elections.
- Mandatory reservation for SC, ST, and OBCs.
- 33% mandatory reservation for women.
- Establishment of independent State Election Commissions.
- Mandatory devolution of state revenue and developmental powers to local self-governing bodies.
Curated by NCERT Classes Academic Directorate, Jodhpur. 100% Free Public Educational Commons.
