Long Answer- Class-10-Civics- Chapter 2: Federalism

LongAnswer- Class-10-Civics- Chapter 2: Federalism

Q1. Explain any five advantages of decentralization of power.

Ans : Advantages of Decentralisation:

a.Sharing of power between centre and states and local government reduces conflict.

b. Large number of problems and issues can be best settled at local level. People have better knowledge of problems in their localities.

c. People have better knowledge of their own problems.

d. They know better on where to spend money and how to manage things efficiently.

e. People at the local level can participate directly in decision making.

Q2. What is the rationale for decentralization of power? Explain the structure of Rural local government in India.

Ans : The basic idea behind decentralisation:

a. Large number of problems and issues are best settled at the local level because people have better knowledge of their local problems.

b. It helps in promoting direct participation.  Structure of Rural Local Government:

 1. Zilla Parishad: All the mandals in a district together constitute the Zilla Parishad. Most of the members are elected and headed by a chairperson.

 2. Panchayat Samiti or Mandal or Block: The members of this body are elected by the entire Panchayat members in that area. A few Gram Panchayats are grouped together to form this government body.

3.Gram Panchayat: A council consisting of several ward members often called Panch. The president is called sarpanch. It is the decision-making body for the entire village.

Q3. Describe any four Constitutional steps taken in 1992 towards decentralisation in India.

Ans : Decentralisation: When power is taken from ‘Central and State Governments and is given to the local government, it is called decentralisation.

The Constitution was amended in 1992 to make the third tier of democracy more powerful and effective.

Provisions of the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 are:

a. Now it is mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.

b. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for SCs, STs and OBCs.

c. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.

d. An independent institution called State Election Commission has been created in each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.

e. The state governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies.

Q4. How have the centre-state relations been restructured to strengthen federalism?

Ans : Challenges before 1990:

a. Political scene was dominated by one party both at the Centre and in the States.

b. As and when the ruling party at the state level was different, the parties that ruled at the Centre tried to undermine the power of the States.

c. The Central Government would often misuse the constitution to dismiss the State Government that were controlled by rival parties.

After 1990:

 a. Now the Centre and majority of State Governments belong to different political parties in coalition.

b. A number of regional parties have become powerful and play a crucial role at the Centre and States.

c. The era of “coalition” government at the Centre has inculcated respect for federal autonomy,

Q5. Why did the makers of our Constitution declare India to be a ‘Union of States’? Why were some sub-political units of India given a special status?

 Ans : a. India became a Union of States because it consisted of both British-ruled territories as well as many princely states. Some sub-political units of India have a special status.

b. French and Portuguese-ruled territories were given the status of Union territory.

c. Jammu & Kashmir joined India on a special condition.

d. Some units were too small to become independent states. They were made Union Territories.

e. States in the north-east have been given a special status as they have a large tribal population with a distinct history and culture.