Federalism

Introduction

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. This comprehensive article explores the concept of Federalism, its practice in India, the creation of linguistic states, language policies, center-state relations, and decentralization in India, as outlined in Chapter 2 of the NCERT Class 10 Social Science curriculum.

What is Federalism?

Federalism is a political system where the powers of government are divided between two levels – a central authority and various constituent units (like states or provinces).

Key Features

• Dual Government System: The existence of two levels of government, each with its own jurisdiction.
• Written Constitution: A constitution which clearly outlines the distribution of powers.
• Supremacy of the Constitution: The constitution is the supreme law of the land.
• Rigid Constitution: Amendments require special procedures.
• Independent Judiciary: To interpret the constitution and resolve disputes between different levels of government.

Federal System in India

India is a federal country where the Constitution provides a dual polity with the Union at the center and states at the periphery.

Union and State Governments

• Distribution of Powers: Powers and functions are divided between the Union and State governments.
• Union List, State List, and Concurrent List: Different subjects of legislation are listed in these three lists.

How is Federalism Practiced in India?

Indian federalism is unique in its approach and adapts to the country’s vast diversity.

Cooperative Federalism

• Collaboration: Union and states work together, particularly in areas of common interest.

Fiscal Federalism

• Financial Relations: Sharing of revenue between the Union and the states.

Linguistic States

The reorganization of states on linguistic lines was a major step in strengthening federalism in India.

Formation of Linguistic States

• Historical Background: Post-independence, states were reorganized based on language to ensure administrative convenience and cultural integrity.
• Impact: Promoted regional languages and cultures.

Language Policy

India’s language policy is designed to accommodate its linguistic diversity.

Official Languages

• Hindi and English: Hindi in Devanagari script is the official language of the Union. English is also used for official purposes.

Three-Language Formula

• Promotes Multilingualism: Encourages the study of a regional language, Hindi, and English.

Centre-State Relations

The relationship between the Union and states is crucial for the functioning of federalism in India.

Changing Dynamics

• Political Parties: Different political parties ruling at the center and in states affect center-state relations.
• Power Balancing: Balancing power between the center and states is a continual process.

Decentralization in India

Decentralization extends federal principles to lower levels of government.

Panchayati Raj and Municipalities

• Grassroots Democracy: Empowers local governments and communities.
• 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments: Strengthened local self-governance.

Conclusion

Federalism in India is a dynamic concept that adapts to the country’s social, cultural, and linguistic diversity. It ensures governance that respects regional identities while maintaining national unity. The practice of federalism, linguistic reorganization of states, language policy, and decentralization are essential to India’s political fabric, contributing to its stability and diversity.

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Here are 25 questions and answers covering the topic of “Federalism” for Class 10 Social Science:

1. Q: What is federalism?
   A: Federalism is a system of governance where power is divided between a central authority and various regional units.
2. Q: How is federalism practiced in India?
   A: In India, federalism is practiced by dividing powers between the Union government and state governments, each having certain jurisdictions.
3. Q: What are the key features of federalism?
   A: Key features include a dual government system, a written constitution, supremacy of the constitution, a rigid constitution, and an independent judiciary.
4. Q: What are the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists?
   A: These lists in the Indian Constitution divide subjects of legislation among the Union, states, and both levels of government, respectively.
5. Q: What is cooperative federalism?
   A: Cooperative federalism involves collaboration between the Union and state governments for common interests.
6. Q: How does fiscal federalism work in India?
   A: Fiscal federalism deals with financial relations between the Union and states, including revenue sharing.
7. Q: Why were linguistic states formed in India?
   A: Linguistic states were formed to ensure administrative convenience and to respect cultural and linguistic identities.
8. Q: What is India’s language policy?
   A: India’s language policy promotes multilingualism, with Hindi as the official language and English for official use, along with the three-language formula.
9. Q: What is the three-language formula?
   A: It encourages the study of a regional language, Hindi, and English in schools across India.
10. Q: How do center-state relations function in India?
    A: Center-state relations involve power-sharing, financial arrangements, and political dynamics between the Union and states.
11. Q: What is decentralization in India?
    A: Decentralization is extending federal principles to lower levels of government, empowering local bodies like Panchayats and Municipalities.
12. Q: What are the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments?
    A: These amendments strengthened local self-governance by empowering Panchayats and Municipalities.
13. Q: Why is federalism important for India?
    A: Federalism accommodates India’s vast diversity and helps maintain unity while providing autonomy to regional governments.
14. Q: What is the significance of an independent judiciary in federalism?
    A: An independent judiciary arbitrates disputes between the Union and states and ensures the constitution is upheld.
15. Q: How does the Constitution of India ensure federalism?
    A: The Constitution provides a clear distribution of powers and functions between the Union and the states.
16. Q: What are some challenges to federalism in India?
    A: Challenges include center-state conflicts, regional disparities, and managing diversity.
17. Q: How does federalism promote democracy?
    A: By distributing power, federalism prevents its concentration and allows for more regional representation in governance.
18. Q: What role do local governments play in federalism?
    A: Local governments bring governance closer to the people, ensuring more participative and effective administration.
19. Q: What is the purpose of a rigid constitution in a federal system?
    A: A rigid constitution ensures stability and prevents arbitrary changes to the fundamental structure of power distribution.
20. Q: How do political parties impact federalism in India?
    A: Different political parties governing at the Union and state levels can impact how power and resources are shared.
21. Q: What are linguistic states, and why were they formed?
    A: Linguistic states are based on languages spoken by the majority in the area, formed for easier administration and cultural preservation.
22. Q: What is the role of the Finance Commission in federalism?
    A: The Finance Commission advises on financial relations between the Union and state governments, including distribution of taxes.
23. Q: How does federalism affect policy-making in India?
    A: It allows for more region-specific policies while maintaining a unified national policy framework.
24. Q: Why is the distribution of powers important in federalism?
    A: It helps prevent the concentration of power and promotes balanced development across regions.
25. Q: How does federalism contribute to national unity?
    A: By respecting regional differences, federalism strengthens the sense of unity in diversity, crucial for India’s national identity.