CBSE Class 10 Social Science Federalism Assignment Set C

Very Short answer Type Question

Question. List under which both the Union and State Government can make laws under the federal system in India.
Answer: Concurrent List

Question. Why was States Reorganization Commission formed ?
Answer: State Reorganization Commission was formed in 1954, to recommend creation of states in India on linguistic basis.

Question. Which type of powers does the community government of Belgium enjoy?
Answer: In Belgium, there is the form of community government which is elected by the people belonging to any one language community, i.e. German, French or Dutch. This gives every group proper representation and they can voice their issues associated with the language, culture and its prospective education system.

Question. What status has been given to Hindi by the Constitution of India?
Answer: Official language of India.

Question. Mention the dual objective of federal system of government.
Answer: Federal System has dual objectives.

Question. What is the official post for the chairperson of a Municipal Corporation?
Answer: Mayor

Question. What is the system of Panchayati Raj?
Answer: In India, the Panchayati Raj functions as a system of governance in which gram panchayats are the basic units of local administration. The system has three levels: Gram Panchayat (village level), Block Samiti or Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zilla Parishad (district level).

Question. What do you understand by ‘coming together’ federations?
Answer: The independent states which come together on their own to form a bigger unit so that they could increase their security, while maintaining their sovereignty are called the ‘coming together federations.’ Examples-USA, Switzerland and Australia.

Question. Which subjects are included in the Union List?
Answer: Subjects included in the union list include defense of the country, foreign affairs, banking, etc.

Question. Differentiate between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat.
Answer: Gram Panchayat is a council consisting of several ward members often called ‘Panch’ and a president called ‘Sarpanch’. It is the decision making body for the village.
The Panchayat works under the overall supervision of the ‘Gram Sabha’. All the voters in the village are its members.

Question. Highlight any three steps taken by India towards making it a federation.
Answer: (i) Reorganisation of states on linguistic basis. (ii) Centre state relations are well defined.
(iii) Decentralisation at Panchayat level.

Question. What was the relationship between the centre and state when different parties ruled at the centre and state levels till 1990?
Answer: • When different parties ruled at the centre and state levels the parties at the centre tried to undermine the power of states.
• The central government misused the constitution often to dismiss the state governments that were controlled by other parties. This is against the spirit of federalism.

Short answer Type Question

Question. Write a note on the Local bodies that exist in Urban areas?
Answer: • Municipalities are setup in towns. Big cities have Municipal Corporations .
• Both Municipalities and Municipal Corporations are controlled by elected bodies consisting of the people’s representatives.
• C]Municipal Chairman is the head of the Municipality and Mayor for Municipal Corporation.

Question. Highlight three major distinctions between the federations of ‘coming together’ type and ‘holding together’ type.
Answer:  Holding together federation :
(i) Large countries decide to divide its power between states and the centre.
(ii) Central government tends to be more powerful.
(iii) Federating units have unequal power. (iv) India, Spain, Belgium are examples. Coming together federation :
(i) Independent states coming together on their own to form a bigger unit.
(ii) All the states have equal power and are strong. (iii) By pooling sovereignty and retaining identity, they increase their security. (iv) U.S.A, Switzerland, Australia are examples

Question. Differentiate between ‘Coming Together Federation’ and ‘Holding Together Federation’, with examples.
Answer: Holding together federation :
(i) Large countries decide to divide its power between states and the centre.
(ii) Central government tends to be more powerful.
(iii) Federating units have unequal power. (iv) India, Spain, Belgium are examples. Coming together federation :
(i) Independent states coming together on their own to form a bigger unit.
(ii) All the states have equal power and are strong. (iii) By pooling sovereignty and retaining identity, they increase their security.
(iv) U.S.A, Switzerland, Australia are examples

Question. How is a federal government different from the unitary form of government? Why are federations preferred these days? What Make India a Federal Country?
Answer: Difference between federal and unitary forms of government:
(i) Unitary government has only one level of government whereas a federal government has two or more levels of government.
(ii) In unitary government, the sub-units are subordinate to the centre, whereas in a federation, central government cannot encroach on the rights of state governments.
(iii) In Unitary system, centre can order the sub- units with cannot happen in federation.
A federation is preferred because :
(i) It helps in making administration effective and efficient.
(ii) It helps to accommodate all diverse groups.

Question. What are the main features of Federalism ?
Answer: • In federalism there are two or more tires of government but both of the tiers rule over the same citizens.
• Powers of every level are clearly written in the constitution and no one is authorized to cross its limits.
• The fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government.
• In federalism, courts are known as the guardians of constitution.
• Source of revenue of each level of government are clearly specified.
• The dual objectives of federal system -[a]To safeguard and promote unity of the country [b] accommodate regional diversity.

Question. What are the three-fold distribution of Legislative powers between the Union and the State governments. What are ‘Residuary Subjects’?
Answer: Constitution has clearly demarcated the powers between different levels. Every level is given certain subjects to make laws related to its jurisdiction.
• Union List: Union List is a list of certain subjects on which Central government can make laws.
• State List : State list is a list of certain subjects on which state government can make laws.
• Concurrent List : Concurrent list is a list of subjects which are of common interest for both central and state government.
• Residuary Subjects : There are certain subjects which are not included in any of the three lists only central government can make laws on these subjects.

Question. What major steps were taken in 1992 towards decentralization?
Answer: • A three tier democracies were introduced in 1992.
• A step was taken towards creating rural local self govt.
• Regular elections to be held for panchayats.
• Seats reserved for SC’s and STs OBCs
• One third seats reserved for women
• State govt. to share power and revenue with local bodies.

Question. Explain the flexibility shown in the language policy in Indian federation?
Answer: • Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language.
• A candidate in an examination conducted for Central government positions may opt to take the examination in any of the the languages. States too have their own official language.
• English along with Hindi is used for official purposes.
• Promotion of Hindi continues to be the official policy of Government of India.Here, promotion does not mean that Central government can impose Hindi on states where people speak a different language.

Question. What are the two routes through which federation have been formed?
Answer: • There are two kinds of routes through which federations can be formed.
• First one is ‘Coming together Federation’ in which independent units comes closely to each other to form a union in which both centre and states vis-à-vis powerful.
• Second one is ‘Holding together Federation’- here a large country decides to divide its powers between the constituent states and the national government.

Question. What is the importance of Local Self government?
Answer: • The matter of local interest like water supply, the cleaning and lighting of streets, maintenance of drainage system, etc are best settled at the local level.
• It is possible for the people to directly participate in decision making at the local levels like people can take part in panchayat meetings held in their area.
• The money spend and the to manage things more efficiently are seen here.

Question. What is the real reason for the success of federalism in India?
Answer: • The constitutional provisions are laid out very clearly
• The nature of democratic politics has ensured its success
• There is respect for diversity
• The creation of Linguistic States , the flexibility shown by the Indian political leaders in Language policy and the significant changes made in the Centre –State relationships

Question. What are the three lists given in the Constitution?
Answer: The three-fold distribution of legislative powers are :
(i) Union list : Union lists consist of 97 subjects. It includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communication and currency.
(ii) State list : State list consists of 66 subjects. It contains subjects of state and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation.
(iii) Concurrent list : Concurrent list consists of
47 subjects It includes subjects of common interest to both such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession.

Question. What challenges did centre-state relations in India face before the 1990’s? Why is power sharing between centre and state more effective today?
Answer: Challenges before 1990 :
(i) Political scene was dominated by one party both at the Centre and in the States before 1990.
(ii) As and when the ruling party at the state level asserted itself the centre enforced governors rule.
(iii) The Central Government would often misuse the constitution of dismiss the State Government that were controlled by rival parties.
After 1990 :
(i) The central government was formed by a coalition of different parties.
(ii) A number of regional parties have become powerful and play a crucial role at the Centre and States.
(iii) The era of “coalition” government at the Centre has inculcated respect for federal autonomy and respect for state governments.

Question. What is a Gram Sabha? Describe any four functions of a Gram Sabha.
Answer: Gram Sabha : A body comprising of all adult members of a village or a group of villages.
Functions of Gram Sabha :
(i) It elects the members of the Gram Panchayat. (ii) The Gram Sabha supervises the work of the village panchayat.
(iii) It approves the annual budget of the panchayat. (iv) It reviews the performance of the Gram Panchayat.

Question. “Local governments have made a significant impact on Indian democracy. At the same time there are many difficulties”. Explain.
Answer: Impact of local self government on Indian democracy :
(i) Constitutional status for local government has helped to deepen democracy.
(ii) It has increased women’s representation and voice in our democracy.
Difficulties :
(i) Gram sabhas are not held regularly.
(ii) Most state governments have not transferred significant powers to local government.
(iii) State government do not provide adequate resources to the gram sabhas.

Question. Do you take decentralisation as means to minimise the conflicts? Give your view point.
Answer: Yes, decentralisation reduces conflicts. It helps in the settlement of a large number of problems and issues at the local level.
(i) It provides a platform for the direct participation of people in decision making.
(ii) Decentralisation in the form of different tiers of government is the best way to realise the principles of Democracy.

Question. Explain any five features of Panchayati Raj system in India
Answer: Rural local government is known as
Panchayati Raj.
(i) Panchayati Raj is rural-based.
(ii) Each village has a Gram Panchayat. (iii) It has Panchs and a Sarpanch.
(iv) He/she is directly elected by the adult population in the village.
(v) Panchayat works under the Gram Sabha.
(vi) All the voters meet at least twice or thrice in a year.
(viii) Few Gram Panchayat from The Panchayat Samiti or Block or Mandal.

Question. Explain any five provisions of the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 that strengthened the third tier government in India.
Answer: The Constitution was amended in 1992 to make the third tier government which made democracy more powerful and effective.
(i) Now it is mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
(ii) At least 1/3rd of all positions and seats are reserved for women.
(iii) An independent institution called State Election Commission has been created in each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
(iv) The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from state to state.

Question. How are the powers divided between the states and centre? Explain with examples.
Answer: (i) There is three-fold distribution of legislative powers :
(a) Union list : Union lists consist of 97 subjects. It includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communication and currency.
(b) State list : State list consists of 66 subjects. It contains subjects of state and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation.
(c) Concurrent list : Concurrent list consists of 47 subjects. It includes subjects of common interest to both such as education, forest trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession.
(ii) Union Government can make laws on the subjects which are not covered under these lists. These subjects are put in residuary list.

Question. Describe any three provisions of amendment made in Indian Constitution in 1992 for making three tier government more effective and powerful.
Answer: The various provisions of the constitutional amendment of 1992, made the third tier of our democracy more powerful. Its provisions include – (a) Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
(b) Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executives of these institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other Backward Classes.
(c) At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
(d) An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
(e) The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from state to state.

Question. Explain the factors that make federal government in India so attractive.
Answer: (i) The Jurisdictions of different arms of the government are defined.
(ii) Administrative interference is absent because there is financial autonomy.
(iii) Problems are solved as per jurisdiction. The federal structure ensures ‘unity amongst the people’.

Question. What is the meaning of decentralisation? Explain any four provisions that have been made towards decentralisation in India after the Constitutional Amendment in 1992.
Answer: Decentralization : When power is taken from central and state governments and is given to local government, it is called decentralization.
The Constitution was amended in 1992 to make the third tier government which made democracy more powerful and effective.
(i) Now it is mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
(ii) At least 1/3rd of all positions and seats are reserved for women.
(iii) An independent institution called State Election Commission has been created in each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
(iv) The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from state to state.

Question. Why did the makers of our Constitution declare India to be a ‘Union of States’? Why were some sub-political units of India given a special status?
Answer: India became a Union of States because it consisted of both British-ruled territories as well as many princely states. Some sub-political units of India have a special status.
(i) Jammu & Kashmir joined India on a special condition.
(ii) Some units were too small to become independent states. They were made Union Territories.
(iii) States in the North-East have been given a special status as they have a large tribal population with a distinct history and culture.

Question. Assess the need for local government. How is Federalism Practiced? Decentralization in India
Answer: Impact of local self government on Indian democracy :
(i) Constitutional status for local government has helped to deepen democracy.
(ii) It has increased women’s representation and voice in our democracy.
Difficulties :
(i) Gram sabhas are not held regularly.
(ii) Most state governments have not transferred significant powers to local government.
(iii) State government do not provide adequate resources to the gram sabhas.

Question. How has the Panchayati Raj strengthened the democracy in India? Express your views.
Answer: Panchayati Raj is the best example of decentralisation of power.
(i) People can get most of their problems solved at the local level by participating in decision making. This is because people understand the problems better and can find better solutions locally.
(iii) People can think and plan for themselves.

Question. “India has a large cultural, regional and religious diversity but there is unity among people”. What factors are responsible for this? Elaborate.
Answer: Despite the diversity the people of India are united because they have :
(i) Right to equality.
(ii) No discrimination on the basis of caste, creed region or religion.
(iii) SCs and STs have some seats reserved and do get representation.
(iv) They have right to freedom of religion and cultural and educational rights.

Question. Explain any five advantages of decentalization of power. 40. What is the rationale for decentralization of power? Explain the structure of Rural local government in India.
Answer: Advantages of Decentralization are as follows :
(i) Sharing of power between centre, states and local government reduces conflict.
(ii) Large number of problems and issues can be best settled at local level. People have better knowledge of problems in their localities.
(iii) People have better knowledge of local issues so solutions can be found.
(iv) They know better as where to spend money and how to manage things efficiently.
(v) People at the local level participate directly in decision making.

Long answer Type Question

Question. Describe any three steps taken to strengthen the local self-governments, by the Constitutional Amendment, 1992.
Answer: A major step towards decentralization and strengthening of the local self-government was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective. The local governing bodies were given constitutional status.
(a) Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
(b) Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
(c) At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
(d) An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
(e) The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State. Rural local government is popularly known by the name panchayati raj. Members of a panchayat are directly elected by the all the adults who are living in the panchayat.
(f  The local government structure goes right up to the district level. A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form what is usually called a panchayat samiti or block or mandal. The members of this representative body are elected by all the panchyat members in that area.

Question. Enumerate the features of federalism.
Answer: Features of federalism:
(i) There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government. We have three levels in India.
(ii) Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
(iii) The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution. Thus the existence and authority of each tier of government is constitutionally guaranteed.
(iv) The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both the levels of government.
(v) The high court and the Supreme court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers.
(vi) Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
(vii) The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity.

Question. What is the rationale for decentralization of power? Explain the structure of Rural local government in India.
Answer: The rationale behind decentralisation is as follows :
(i) Large number of problems and issues are best settled at the local level because people have better knowledge of their local problems.
(ii) It helps in promoting direct participation of the people in governance.
Structure of Rural Local Government :
A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form a panchayat samiti or block or mandal. The members of this representative body are elected by all the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district which makes the Zilla Parishad.
Most members of the Zilla Parishad are elected members of Lok Sabha and MLA’s of that district and some other officials of other district level bodies.
The chairperson of Zilla Parishad is the political head.

Question. Why has federalism succeeded in India? Which were the policies adopted by India that ensured this success? Explain.
Answer: The creation of Linguistic States was the first and a major test for democratic politics in our country:
(a) Many old states as they were before independent, have been replaced with new states with changed geographies and names. In 1947, the boundaries of several old states 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. 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.
(b) Language policy : A second test for Indian federation is the language policy. Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the official language. However, Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore, many safeguards were put to protect other languages. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as Scheduled Languages in the Constitution.
(c) Centre-State relations: Restructuring the Centre – State relations is one more way in which federalism has been strengthened in practice. This happened particularly after 1990 when there was a coalition government at the centre.
(d) Decentralisation of power : The governmental power has been decentralised to form the third tier of government in the form of Panchayati Raj and municipal government.

Question. Describe any three features of ‘federalism’.
Answer: Important aspects of federalism are
Governments at different levels should agree to some rules of power sharing. They should also trust that each would abide by its part of the agreement. An ideal federal system has both aspects: mutual trust and agreement to live together. The key features are as follows
There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
• Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution. So, the existence and authority of each tier of government 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 the levels of government.
Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of government. The highest court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers.
Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity.