Short Notes -Class-10-Civics- Chapter 2: Federalism

Short Notes -Class-10-Civics- Chapter 2: Federalism

What is Federalism?

·       Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units.

·       It consists of two levels of government: national and provincial/state.

·       Both levels of government have their own independent powers.

Difference Between Unitary System and Federal System

·       In a unitary system, there’s only one level of government, while federal systems have two or more levels.

·       The central government in a unitary system can order the sub-units, whereas in a federal system, the central government cannot order state/provincial governments.

·       In a unitary system, the central government is supreme, while in a federal system, state governments have their own powers not answerable to the central government.

Key Features of Federalism

·       Federalism involves two or more levels of government with their own jurisdictions.

·       Each level of government’s existence and authority are constitutionally guaranteed.

·       Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution and the powers of different levels of government.

·       Revenue sources for each level of government are specified, ensuring financial autonomy.

·       The federal system aims to promote national unity while accommodating regional diversity.

Different Routes Through Which Federations Can Be Formed

·       Federations can be formed through independent states coming together or a large country dividing power between constituent states and the national government.

·       “Coming together” federations include the USA, Switzerland, and Australia.

·       “Holding together” federations include India, Spain, and Belgium.

What Makes India a Federal Country?

·       India has a three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and State Governments.

·       The Indian Constitution includes Union, State, and Concurrent Lists delineating the subjects each level can legislate on.

·       India’s federal structure incorporates features like linguistic states and a language policy.

How is Federalism Practised?

·       In India, federalism is practised through linguistic states, language policy, Centre-State relations, and decentralisation.

·       Panchayati Raj and Municipalities serve as examples of decentralisation and local self-government.

·       India’s federal system aims to deepen democracy and increase representation, particularly for women.

Linguistic States

·       The creation of linguistic states tested democratic politics in India.

·       Many new states were formed based on language spoken by the people.

·       These states are known as Linguistic States and have their own official languages.

Language Policy

·       Hindi was identified as the official language of India.

·       The Constitution recognizes 21 other languages as Scheduled Languages.

·       States have their own official languages for government work.

Centre-State Relations

·       Centre-State relations were restructured to strengthen federalism.

·       Power-sharing alliances between national and regional parties became common.

·       This led to increased respect for state autonomy.

Decentralisation in India

·       Decentralisation involves transferring power from central and state governments to local governments.

·       The Constitution amendment in 1992 enhanced the power of local governments.

·       Local bodies conduct regular elections with reserved seats for marginalized groups.

Panchayati Raj System

·       Panchayati Raj is rural local government, consisting of gram panchayats.

·       Gram Sabha oversees the functioning of gram panchayats.

·       Panchayats are grouped into Panchayat Samitis, and together they form Zilla Parishads.

Municipalities

·       Municipalities govern urban areas, with big cities having Municipal Corporations.

·       Elected bodies, headed by a Chairperson or Mayor, control municipalities.

·       Constitutional status for local governments has deepened democracy and increased women’s representation.