Class 10 Social Science Notes Chapter 2 (Federalism) – Democritic Politics Book

Alright students, let's focus on Chapter 2: Federalism from your Democratic Politics textbook. This is a crucial chapter, not just for your Class 10 understanding but also forms the bedrock for many questions in government exams. Pay close attention to the concepts and the Indian context.

Chapter 2: Federalism - Detailed Notes for Government Exam Preparation

1. What is Federalism?

• Definition: Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country (like states or provinces).
• Contrast with Unitary System:
  • In a Unitary System, either there is only one level of government, or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government. The central government can pass orders to the provincial or local governments. (Examples: UK, France, Sri Lanka).
  • In a Federal System, both the central government and the state/provincial governments have their own powers and spheres of jurisdiction, independent of each other in those spheres. State governments are not subordinate to the central government for powers assigned to them. (Examples: India, USA, Canada, Australia).

2. Key Features of Federalism:

Memorise these features; they are often asked directly or indirectly.

• (i) Two or More Levels (Tiers) of Government: There's a central government for the entire country and governments at the level of provinces or states.
• (ii) Different Tiers Govern Same Citizens, but Different Jurisdictions: Each tier has its own specific jurisdiction (area of authority) in matters of legislation, taxation, and administration. Citizens are subject to the laws and administration of both levels.
• (iii) Jurisdictions are Constitutionally Guaranteed: The existence and authority of each tier of government are specified in the constitution. They derive their power directly from the constitution.
• (iv) Fundamental Provisions Require Consent of Both Levels: Changes to the fundamental provisions of the constitution (especially those affecting the division of powers) require the consent of both the central and state governments. One level cannot unilaterally change the power-sharing arrangement.
• (v) Role of Judiciary: Courts (especially the highest court, like the Supreme Court in India) act as an umpire. They have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of government. They resolve disputes between different levels of government or between governments at the same level (e.g., between two states).
• (vi) Financial Autonomy: Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial independence. Each level has control over its finances to carry out its responsibilities.
• (vii) Dual Objectives:
  • To safeguard and promote the unity of the country.
  • To accommodate regional diversity.
  • Mutual Trust and Agreement to Live Together: These two aspects are crucial for the success of federalism.

3. Types of Federations:

The balance of power between the central and state governments varies. Federations are primarily formed in two ways:

• (a) 'Coming Together' Federations:
  • Independent states voluntarily come together on their own to form a bigger unit.
  • Purpose: To increase security, pool sovereignty, and retain identity.
  • Power Distribution: All constituent states usually have equal power and are strong vis-à-vis the federal government.
  • Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia.
• (b) 'Holding Together' Federations:
  • A large country decides to divide its power between the national government and the constituent states.
  • Purpose: To accommodate diversity and manage a large territory effectively.
  • Power Distribution: The central government tends to be more powerful than the states. Constituent units often have unequal powers (some units might be granted special powers).
  • Examples: India, Spain, Belgium.

4. What Makes India a Federal Country?

India exhibits all the features of federalism, although the Indian Constitution describes India as a 'Union of States' (Article 1). The term 'federation' is not used, but the structure is federal.

• (i) Constitutional Division of Powers (Three-Fold Distribution - Seventh Schedule): The Constitution clearly demarcates legislative powers between the Union and State governments:
  • Union List: Subjects of national importance requiring uniform policy. Only the Union Government can make laws. (Examples: Defence, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Communications, Currency).
  • State List: Subjects of state and local importance. Only State Governments can make laws. (Examples: Police, Trade, Commerce, Agriculture, Irrigation).
  • Concurrent List: Subjects of common interest to both Union and State governments. Both can make laws. If their laws conflict, the law made by the Union Government prevails. (Examples: Education, Forest, Trade Unions, Marriage, Adoption, Succession).
• (ii) Residuary Powers: Subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists (e.g., matters related to computer software, cyber laws which emerged after the constitution was made). The Union Government has the power to legislate on these 'residuary' subjects. This feature makes the Indian Centre strong.
• (iii) Holding Together Nature: India fits the 'Holding Together' model. Some states historically enjoyed special status (like Jammu & Kashmir under Article 370, though this has been significantly altered). Some units (Union Territories) have very little power and are directly administered by the Central Government. This shows unequal power distribution among units.
• (iv) Role of Judiciary: The Supreme Court and High Courts interpret the Constitution and settle disputes regarding the division of powers.
• (v) Requirement for Constitutional Amendment: Basic structure related to power-sharing cannot be easily changed. Amendments require a special majority in Parliament plus ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.

5. How is Federalism Practised in India?

Constitutional provisions are necessary but not sufficient. The success of federalism depends on the nature of democratic politics and the spirit of power-sharing.

• (i) Linguistic States:
  • Creation of states based on language was the first major test for democratic politics in India (starting with Andhra Pradesh in 1953, followed by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956).
  • Rationale: To ensure people speaking the same language lived in the same state, promoting administrative ease and preserving linguistic/cultural identities.
  • Outcome: Contrary to fears, it has made the country more united and administration easier. Some states were also created based on culture, ethnicity, or geography (e.g., Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand).
• (ii) Language Policy:
  • India has no designated 'National Language'. Hindi is the 'Official Language' (used for central government work).
  • Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as 'Scheduled Languages' by the Constitution (Total 22 including Hindi). Candidates for central government exams can opt to take the exam in any of these languages. States have their own official languages.
  • Use of English: Continued along with Hindi for official purposes, initially for a limited period, but continues due to demands from non-Hindi speaking states.
  • Flexibility: Indian leaders adopted a cautious approach, avoiding the imposition of Hindi, which helped prevent conflicts seen in countries like Sri Lanka.
• (iii) Centre-State Relations:
  • Pre-1990s: Often strained when different parties ruled at the Centre and State levels. The Central government sometimes misused constitutional provisions (like Article 356 - President's Rule) to dismiss state governments. This undermined federalism.
  • Post-1990s (Era of Coalition Governments): Rise of regional political parties led to coalition governments at the Centre. This increased the bargaining power of states and regional parties. A new culture of power-sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments developed.
  • Role of Judiciary: The Supreme Court has passed judgments strengthening federalism by making it difficult for the Centre to arbitrarily dismiss state governments.

6. Decentralisation in India:

• Meaning: Taking power away from Central and State governments and giving it to local governments (municipalities and panchayats). This is the third tier of government.
• Rationale:
  • Many problems and issues are best settled at the local level.
  • People have better knowledge of local problems and resource allocation.
  • Enhances direct participation of people in decision-making (strengthens democracy).
  • Instils a habit of democratic participation.
• Major Step towards Decentralisation (1992): The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts mandated reforms for effective local self-government.
  • Key Provisions of the Amendments:
    • Mandatory to hold regular elections (every 5 years) to local government bodies.
    • Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
    • Reservation of at least one-third of all positions for women.
    • Creation of an independent State Election Commission (SEC) in each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
    • State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies (nature of sharing varies from state to state). Creation of State Finance Commission to review the financial position of local bodies.
• Structure of Local Government:
  • Rural Local Government (Panchayati Raj):
    • Gram Panchayat: Council for a village or group of villages. Members (Panch) and President (Sarpanch) are directly elected by adult population (Gram Sabha members).
    • Gram Sabha: All the adult voters in the village(s) covered by the Gram Panchayat. It meets at least twice or thrice a year to approve the budget and review the performance of the Gram Panchayat.
    • Panchayat Samiti / Block / Mandal: A few Gram Panchayats grouped together. Members are elected by Panchayat members in that area.
    • Zila Parishad: All Panchayat Samitis/Mandals in a district constitute the Zila Parishad. Most members are elected. MPs and MLAs of that district are also members. Its Chairperson is the political head.
  • Urban Local Government:
    • Municipalities: Set up in towns.
    • Municipal Corporations: Set up in big cities.
    • Both are controlled by elected bodies consisting of people's representatives. Municipal Chairperson is the political head of the Municipality. Mayor is the head of the Municipal Corporation.

Conclusion:

Federalism in India is a dynamic concept. While the Constitution provides a strong framework, its actual working depends on political practice, power dynamics, and the spirit of cooperation between different levels of government. Decentralisation further deepens democracy by empowering local communities. Understanding these nuances is vital for government exams.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Which of the following systems of government has power divided between a central authority and various constituent units?
   (a) Unitary System
   (b) Federal System
   (c) Dictatorship
   (d) Monarchy

2. Which of the following is NOT a key feature of federalism?
   (a) Two or more levels of government
   (b) Each tier has its own jurisdiction
   (c) Sub-units are subordinate to the central government
   (d) Courts interpret the constitution and powers of different levels

3. The USA and Switzerland are examples of which type of federation?
   (a) Holding Together Federation
   (b) Coming Together Federation
   (c) Unitary Federation
   (d) Quasi-Federation

4. In India, subjects like Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Currency fall under which list?
   (a) State List
   (b) Concurrent List
   (c) Union List
   (d) Residuary List

5. Who has the power to legislate on 'Residuary' subjects in India?
   (a) State Legislatures
   (b) Union Parliament
   (c) Both Union and State Legislatures
   (d) Local Governments

6. The creation of Linguistic States in India primarily aimed to:
   (a) Weaken the central government
   (b) Ensure people speaking the same language lived in the same state
   (c) Promote Hindi as the national language
   (d) Divide the country into smaller administrative units

7. Which Constitutional Amendments mandated regular elections and reservation of seats for local government bodies in India?
   (a) 42nd and 44th Amendments
   (b) 61st and 62nd Amendments
   (c) 73rd and 74th Amendments
   (d) 86th and 91st Amendments

8. What is the body consisting of all adult voters in a village or group of villages under a Gram Panchayat called?
   (a) Panchayat Samiti
   (b) Zila Parishad
   (c) Gram Sabha
   (d) Nyaya Panchayat

9. In case of a conflict between the laws made by the Centre and a State on a subject in the Concurrent List:
   (a) The State law prevails
   (b) The Central law prevails
   (c) The Supreme Court decides which law prevails
   (d) Both laws are nullified

10. What is the main objective behind decentralisation of power in India?
    (a) To reduce the burden on the Central government
    (b) To increase the power of State governments
    (c) To involve people directly in decision-making at the local level
    (d) To create more administrative jobs

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. (b)
2. (c)
3. (b)
4. (c)
5. (b)
6. (b)
7. (c)
8. (c)
9. (b)
10. (c)

Study these notes thoroughly. Remember to link the concepts to current events related to Centre-State relations or local governance issues where applicable for a deeper understanding relevant to government exams. Good luck!