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STUDY NOTES : SOCIAL SCIENCE CLASS-X

Ch-2 Federalism

What is federalism?
Q1What is federalism?
Ans-Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central
authority and various constituent units of the country. A federation has two levels of government.
One is the government for the entire country that is usually responsible for a few subjects of
common national interest. The others are governments at the level of provinces or states that look
after much of the day to-day administering of their state. Both these levels of governments enjoy
their power independent of the other.

Q2 Give some examples of Unitary and Federal Countries in the world

Ans Examples of Unitary Countries - UK(United Kingdom), Japan,France ,China, Saudi
Arabia
Examples of and Federal Countries – USA, Canada, India, Brazil, Australia ,Argentina,
Germany, Nigeria

Q3: Though only 25 of the world’s 192 countries have federal political system, their citizens
make up 40 per cent of the world’s population. Most of the large countries of the world are
federations. Can you notice an exception to this rule in this map?

Ans- Yes, China, which is the most populous country of the world does not practice the federal
system of sharing of power. Instead, it enjoys unitary political system.

Q4.What are the differences between Unitary and Federal form of government?

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Ans- The Unitary Government The Federal Government

i. In Unitary System there is only one level of i. In Federal System there is two or more
level of Government i.e central government government i.e central government, state
and local Self-government
ii. In a unitary system, the central government ii. In a Federal system, the central
Government has complete control, and State government and state government work
government act as subordinate of central independently
government.
iii. The central government can pass on orders iii The central government cannot pass on
the provincial or the local government orders to the provincial or the local
government
iii. UK is a unitary country with a powerful iii.USA and Belgium are Federal country
Central government

Features of the federal form of government

Q5. Explain important features of the federal form of government.

Ans : The main features of Federal form of government are-

(i) There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
(ii) Different level /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. So 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) 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.
(vi) Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified so that both the
government enjoy financial autonomy.
(vii) The federal system thus has dual objectives - to safeguard and promote unity of the
country, and to accommodate regional diversity

Q6.‘The federal system has dual objective’. Mention the dual objectives.
Ans: The dual objectives of Federalism are-
i.To safeguard and promote the unity of the country and
ii.to accommodate regional diversity.

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Q7. What do you mean by Jurisdiction?

Ans- The Jurisdiction is geographical boundaries or area over which someone has legal
authority.

Q8.Which are the two aspect crucial for the institutions and practice of federalism
Ans-The two aspects are crucial for the institutions and practice of federalism.
(i) Governments at different levels should agree to some rules of power-sharing.
(ii) 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.

Q9. What are the historical routes through which federations have been formed? Give an
example of each.
Ans : The historical routes through which federations have been formed are-
(i) ‘Coming together’ federations— The first route involves independent States coming
together on their own to form a bigger unit, so that by pooling sovereignty and retaining identity,
they can increase their security.
ii. All the constituent states have equal power and are strong in the federal government.
iii. For example-: USA, Switzerland and Australia.

(ii) ‘Holding together’ federations —

i. In this agreement, a large country decides to divide its power between the constituent States
and the national government.
ii.The Central Governments tend to be more powerful than the states. The different constituent
units of the federation have unequal powers. Some units are granted special powers, for example,
India granted special powers to Jammu & Kashmir.
iii. For example are India ,Spain and Belgium.

Q10.What is the difference between Coming together and Holding together Federalism.
Coming Together Federation Holding Together Federation

i. 'Coming Together Federations' are formed i. 'Holding Together Federations' are formed
when independent states come together to when a large country decides to divide itself
form a bigger state. into sub-units.

ii. The state governments are strong in ii. The central government is strong in
comparison to the central government. comparison to the state government.

iii. Very often the state governments have

iii. All state governments have equal power.
unequal powers.

iv. Example: the USA, Switzerland, and

iv. Example: India, Spain, and Belgium.
Australia.

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Q11.“Most federations that are formed by ‘holding together’ do not give equal power to its
constituent units or state”. Explain with the example of India.
Ans- Most federations that are formed by ‘holding together’ do not give equal power to its
constituent units or state. Thus, all States in the Indian Union do not have identical powers.
i. Some States enjoy a special status. States such as Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and
Mizoram enjoy special powers under certain provisions of the Constitution of India (Article 371)
due to their peculiar social and historical circumstances.
ii. These special powers are enjoyed in relation to the protection of land rights of indigenous
peoples, their culture and also preferential employment in government services.
iii. Indians who are not permanent residents of this State cannot buy land or house here. Similar
special provisions exist for some other States of India as well.
iv. There are some states of the Indian Union which enjoy very little power. These are areas
which are too small to become an independent State but which could not be merged with any of
the existing States.
v. These areas, like Chandigarh, or Lakshadweep or the capital city of Delhi, are called Union
Territories. These territories do not have the powers of a State. The Central Government has
special powers in running these areas.

What makes India a federal country?

Q. Describe the three forms of power sharing among different organs of government in
India.
Ans: The Constitution declared India as a Union of States. Although it did not use the word
federation, the Indian Union is based on the principles of federalism. As most of the features of
federalism found here. The Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government,
the Central Government, and the State governments. Later, a third tier of federalism was added
in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities. The Constitution divided power between central
and state under three list-
i. Union List –There are 97 subject of National importance in which only central government
makes law for example- defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and
currency.
ii. State List- There are 66 subject of state and local importance, in which only state government
makes law i.e., police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation.
iii. Concurrent List-There are 47 subject of common importance in which both central and state
government makes law .But in case of disputes ,law made by the Union Government will prevail.
For example education, forests, trade unions, marriages, adoption and succession.
iii. Residuary – There are some subject which are added to our constitution later on .Subjects
which do not fall in any of the three lists, these subjects included in separate list like computer
software, etc. Union Government has the power to make law or legislate such subjects.

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As India is an example of ‘holding together’ federation, all states in the Indian Union do not have
identical powers. Some states enjoy special status such as Jammu & Kashmir. There are some
states too small to become independent like the Union Territories of Chandigarh and
Lakshadweep.
The judiciary plays an important role in the implementation of constitutional procedures. In case
of any dispute about division of powers, the High Courts and the Supreme Court make a
decision.

Q12.With the help of map of 1947 answer the following question-

Qi. Mention the changes that came about in 1947.

Ans- Boundries of the several old states were changed and new state created.
Qii.What was the purpose behind the changes with regards to the boundaries?
Ans-It was done to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in the same State.
Qiii. Name the state which was created on the basis of culture, ethnicity or geography?
Ans- The state which were created on the basis of culture, ethnicity or geography are- Nagaland,
Uttarakhand and Jharkhand.
Qiv Name the state which are created on the basis of Language.
Ans- Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu

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Q13. What is the importance of Judiciary in Federalism?

Ans-The judiciary plays an important role in overseeing the implementation of constitutional
provisions and procedures. The Judiciary plays an important role in a federal country.
i. The Judiciary has the power to interpret the constitution regarding the division of power, and
ii. The Supreme Court and high courts have the power to solve the dispute between the central
and the state government.
iii. Supreme Court also see that the Union government does not misuse its power.
iv. The Union and the state government have the power to raise their financial resources.

How is federalism practiced?

Q14. Why has federalism succeeded in India? Which were the policies adopted by India
that ensured this success? Explain.
Ans- Federalism is practiced in India by: The creation of Linguistic States was the first and a
major test for democratic politics in our country.
1. Linguistic States - In 1947, the boundaries of several old States of India 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. But the experience has shown that the formation of linguistic States
has actually made the country more united. It has also made administration easier.
2. 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. But Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore
there were many safeguards to protect other languages. Besides Hindi there are 21 other
languages recognized as Scheduled Languages Constitution. Or 22 languages languages have
been recognized as scheduled languages. English and Hindi are two languages have been
identified as the official languages
3. Centre-State relations: Restructuring the Centre-State relations is one more way in which
federalism has been strengthened in practice. Since 1990 Coalition Governments were at the
Centre. Since no single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha the major national parties had
to enter into an alliance with many parties including several regional parties to form a
government at the Centre.

Q15.Why were the linguistic states created? What are their advantages?
Ans : In 1947, the boundaries of several old States of India were changed in order to create new
States. 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.
Advantages:When the demand for the formation of States on the basis of language was raised,
some national leaders feared that it would lead to the disintegration of the country. The Central

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Government resisted linguistic States for some time. But the experience has shown that the
formation of linguistic States has actually made the country more united. It has also made
administration easier.

Q16. Write a brief note on the language policy adopted in India.

Ans-The ‘Language policy’ was the second test for Indian federation. No language was given the
status of national language by our Constitution. Hindi was identified as the official language. But
only about 40 per cent of Indians have Hindi as their mother tongue. Therefore, 21 other
languages besides Hindi, are recognized as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution. A
candidate in an examination conducted for the Central Government positions may opt to take the
examination in any of these languages.
States too have their own official languages. Much of the government work takes place in the
official language of the concerned State.

Q17.What status has been given to the ‘Hindi’ language by the Constitution of India?
Ans :Hindi has been given the status of ‘Official language’ by the Constitution of India.

Q18.Restructuring the Centre-State relations is an important way in which the Indian

Federalism has been strengthened in practice.’ Explain.
Ans: (i) After 90s, many regional political parties have emerged in many states of the country.
(ii) The regional parties are playing a very vital role in forming the Union government.
(iii) The judiciary has played a major role in improving the autonomy of the state governments
because many a time, it has rescued the state governments which were dismissed in an arbitrary
manner.

Q19.What is a coalition government?

Ans- In general election when no party get the majority then two or more political parties (or
independent representatives) combine their votes in a legislature or a council, to elect a
government, and to support the decisions it takes is called coalition government . After 1990, is
a coalition government is the period which saw the rise of regional political parties in many
States of the country. This was also the beginning of the era of coalition governments at the
Centre.

Q20. In which Schedule of the Indian Constitution, 22 languages are recognized as

‘Scheduled Languages’?
Ans-The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution recognized 22 languages as ‘Scheduled
Languages’

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Q21. Answer the following question based on cartoon.

i.Which of the following option best signifies this cartoon

(1)Demand for separate state from democratic government
(2)Democratic government accept demand based on separate state
(3) Running a coalition government
(4)State placed for more power
Ans-(2)Democratic government accept demand based on separate state

ii) What does the cartoon reflect?

Ans. This cartoon shows the relations between centre and states when it comes to division of
powers. Central government has a say in the allocation of funds, resources and powers to the
states in India. States feel that this has made the central government more dominant. The centre
is seen here as very selective in distributing powers to the states.

iii) Identify the leader shown in the above cartoon.

Ans. The leader shown above is the first woman Prime Minister of India- Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
She was the Prime Minister of India

Q22.(a)Which one of the following leaders is shown in this cartoon?

(1)Rajiv Gandhi (2)I.K Gujral (3)H,D. Deve Gowda (4)Atul Bihari

Vajpayee
Ans- (4)Atul Bihari Vajpayee

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(b) What does this cartoon represents?

Ans- This cartoon represents the Coalition government. Atul Bihari Vajpayee government could
not get support in the 1996 election, BJP formed a Coalition government which come to known
as Non –Democratic Alliance

Q23. Mention any five main features which make India a federal country.
Ans. The following are the five provisions that make India a federal country:
(i)Two or more levels of government: India has three levels of government (Centre, State, and
Local levels).
(ii)Three lists: The powers are divided between the Centre and the States by three lists – Union
list, State list, and Concurrent list.
(iii)Rigid Constitution: 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.
(iv)Financial Autonomy: The revenue sources of both the Centre and States have been clearly
defined, which ensures financial autonomy to both the Centre and the State.
(v)Independent Judiciary: The Supreme Court has been given the power to settle disputes
between different levels of government

Decentralization in India
Q24. What is decentralization? What is the basic needs behind decentralization?
Ans-When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local
government, it is called decentralization.
Initially in India there were the two- tiers of government in our country. But a vast country like
India cannot be run only through these two-tiers. States in India are as large as independent
countries of Europe. In terms of population, Uttar Pradesh is bigger than Russia, Maharashtra is
about as big as Germany. Many of these States are internally very diverse. Thus there is a need
for local self government.

The need for decentralization The basic idea behind decentralization is that there are a large
number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local level.
People have better knowledge of problems in their localities.
They also have better ideas on where to spend money and how to manage things more
efficiently. Besides, at the local level it is possible for the people to directly participate in
decision making. This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation.
Local government is the best way to realize one important principle of democracy, namely local
self-government

Q25. What are the major step towards decentralization in 1992 under 73rd and 74th
constitutional amendment
Or.
Explain five changes towards decentralization brought in the Constitution after the
Amendments made in 1992.
Ans-A major step towards decentralization was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to
make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective.

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i. It is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.

ii. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for the
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
iii. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
iv. An independent institution called the 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.

Q36: What do these newspaper clipping have to say about efforts of decentralization in
India?

Ans-The clippings show a huge number of women elected to Panchayats i.e., increased
participation of women in politics. In these newspaper clippings, the news are related to
Panchayats. Panchayats in India are meant for the decentralization of power. These are meant for
the self-governance at the grassroots level. These also reflect that Panchayats get direct funding
from the central Government.

Q37. What is Panchayati raj ?

Ans- Rural local government is popularly known by the name panchayati raj. Each village, or a
group of villages in some States, has a gram panchayat. This is a council consisting of several
ward members, often called panch. The head of panchayati raj is a president or sarpanch.
They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or village.

Q38. Write a brief note on village councils.

Ans-Village Councils looked after the affairs of the village, had police and judicial powers and
were the lines of contact with higher authorities on matters affecting the villages. Custom and
religion elevated them to a sacred position of authority.
These Councils were the pivot of administration, the centre of social life, and, above all, a focus
of social solidarity.

Q29.What is Gram Sabha?

Ans- All adult villagers who elect the members of village panchayat.The panchayat works under
the overall supervision of the gram sabha. All the voters in the village are its members. It has to
meet at least twice or thrice in a year to approve the annual budget of the gram panchayat and to
review the performance of the gram panchayat.

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Q30.What is Gram Panchayat?

Answer: It is a council consisting of several ward members, often called panch and a president or
sarpanch.

Q31.What is Panchayat Samiti?

Ans: A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form a Panchayat Samiti or block or
mandal.

Q32.What is Zila Parishad?

Ans: All the Panchayat Samiti’s or Mandals in a district together constitute the Zila Parishad.

Q33.Explain the structure of the new Panchayati Raj institutions, both in rural and urban
areas.
Ans:Rural Local Government is known by the name of Panachayati Raj.
Each village or group of villages has a Gram Panchayat.
Panch, President or Sarpanch are directly elected by all the adult population of the village and is
the decision-making body.
The Panchayat works under the supervision of Gram Sabha, with all the voters as its members.
The local structure goes up to the district level—a group of Gram Panchayats form a Panchayat
Samiti or Block or Mandal.
All the Panchayat Samitis or Mandals together constitute the Zilla Parishad which consists of
elected members.
Lok Sabha members, Local MLAs and officers are also members of the Zilla Parishad.
Its Chairperson is the political head of the Parishad.
Urban areas local bodies.
Municipalities are set up in towns.Big cities are constituted into Municipal Corporations.
Both are controlled by elected bodies consisting of people’s representatives.
Municipal chairperson is the political head of the Municipality.
The head of Municipal Corporation is an officer called the Mayor.

Q34.Match the Following-

Column 1 Column II
A.Union Territory (i) Decision-making body for the entire village
B.Local self-government (ii) An alliance of more than two parties
C.Coalition (iii) Representatives government body at the district level
D.Zila Parishad (iv) Area which is run by the Union / Central government
Ans- (A-iv).(B-i),(C-ii),(D-iii)

Q35. What are the advantages and difficulties of local self-government?

Ans- The advantages of local self-government are-
i. Constitutional status for local government has helped to deepen democracy in our country.
ii. It has also increased women’s representation and voice in our democracy.
iii. The local institutions provide a training ground for local leadership.
There are many difficulties of local self-government.
i.While elections are held regularly and enthusiastically, gram sabhas are not held regularly.
ii.Most state governments have not transferred significant powers to the local governments.

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iii. local self-government have not given adequate resources.

We are thus still a long way from realizing the ideal of self-government.

Q36. What is the main difference between Belgium and Sri Lanka?
Ans- Belgium's federal system divides power between different levels of government, like
Central , State and Community Government . While in Sri Lanka there is unitary system ,have
only one level of government i.e Central Government and all powers are concentrate in the hands
of this government.
ii.In Belgium's Community Government ensures that linguistic and cultural communities also
have a voice in government decisions. Whereas in Sri Lanka's unitary system linguistic and
cultural communities
does not given voice in government decisions.
iii.In Belgium's federal structure decision-making facilitates reflects the interests of various
regions and communities. Where as in Sri Lanka's unitary system may lead to decisions that
favour the majority group, overlooking the interests of minority groups.

Q37.How had federalism helped Belgium to solve the ethnic problem?

Ans: (i) Before 1993 most of the powers in Belgium were in the hands of the central government,
i.e., Belgium had a unitary government.
(ii) After 1993 the regional governments were given constitutional powers. Thus Belgium shifted
from a unitary to a federal form of government.

Q38. If federalism works only in big countries, why did Belgium adopt it?
Ans: Belgium adopted federalism because of its diversity. Even though it is a small country, it
has diverse population made up of multilingual groups. These linguistic groups have their own
interests which might lead to social conflict. Belgium adopted federal system of power sharing to
avoid and possible social conflict and political instability.

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