CBSE Class 10 Social Science Federalism Notes Set 05

What is federalism?

In a unitary system there is one level of government, or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government, as in the United Kingdom. In a federal system power is divided between a central authority and units such as states, and each is separately answerable to the people. India, Belgium and the USA are examples.

Key features

1. There are two or more levels of government ruling the same citizens.

2. Each level has its own jurisdiction, specified in the Constitution.

3. Fundamental provisions can be changed only with consent of both levels.

4. Courts act as umpires in disputes between levels.

5. Sources of revenue for each level are specified, giving financial autonomy.

6. The dual objective is to protect the unity of the country while accommodating regional diversity.

Two routes to federation

Coming together federations are formed when independent states join to form a bigger unit, as in the USA, Switzerland and Australia. All states have equal powers and are strong. Holding together federations are formed when a large country divides power between its states and the centre, as in India, Spain and Belgium. The centre tends to be more powerful.

Division of powers in India

The Constitution gives the Union List (defence, foreign affairs, banking, railways, currency), the State List (police, trade, commerce, agriculture, irrigation) and the Concurrent List (education, forests, marriage, adoption, succession). On Union and State List subjects the respective government alone makes laws. On the Concurrent List both can, and in a conflict the Union law prevails. Subjects not in any list, such as computer software which came later, are residuary and the Union government decides on them. Most states have more powers than Union Territories such as Chandigarh and Lakshadweep, which are run by the Centre.

How federalism has worked in India

1. Linguistic states: states were created on the basis of language from the 1950s, and later some on culture, ethnicity or geography. This made the country more united and administration easier.

2. Language policy: no language was given the status of national language. Hindi is the official language but English is also used, states have their own official languages, and Central examinations may be taken in many languages.

3. Centre-state relations: earlier, when one party ruled both the Centre and states, state powers were not much asserted. When different parties ruled, the Centre often misused the Constitution to dismiss state governments. After 1990 regional parties and coalition governments forced the Centre to respect states.

Decentralisation and local government

Decentralisation means passing power from the Centre and states to local governments. Local people know local problems best and can participate directly. In 1992 the Constitution was amended to make the third tier stronger: elections are regular, seats are reserved for SC, ST, OBC and one-third for women, a State Election Commission conducts the polls and states share power and revenue with local bodies. In rural areas the Gram Panchayat is headed by the sarpanch and answers to the Gram Sabha of all adult voters in the village. Gram panchayats form the panchayat samiti at block level and the zila parishad at district level. In urban areas there are municipalities in towns, headed by a chairperson, and municipal corporations in big cities, headed by a mayor.

Worked examples

Example 1. Two routes of federation. Coming together means independent states unite and retain equal powers, for example the USA. Holding together means a large country shares power with its units, for example India.

Example 2. Importance of local government. Local issues such as water, drainage and street lighting are best solved locally. People can take part directly in decisions.

Example 3. Residuary subjects. These are matters not included in any list, and the Union government makes laws on them.

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