CBSE Class 11 Political Science Federalism Worksheet

More Questions and Answers for NCERT Class 10 Social Science Federalism ...

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

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 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. 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. Refer to answer 22.

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

Question. Explain any five advantages of decentalization of power. 
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.

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. 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. "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.