Key Concepts
- 1What makes India a federal country? What are the key features?
Important Formulas & Facts
India's federal features: (1) Three-tier government — Centre, State, Local. (2) Written Constitution with division of powers (Union List, State List, Concurrent List). (3) Independent judiciary to resolve disputes. (4) Financial autonomy — states have own revenue sources. But also unitary features: (1) States cannot secede. (2) Emergency provisions give Centre extra powers. (3) Governor appointed by Centre. (4) All-India services (IAS/IPS) serve both levels. India is described as 'holding together' federation — powers flow from Centre to states.
Must-Know Questions
Q1What is federalism? List its key features.
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional/state governments. Key features: (1) Two or more levels of government. (2) Each level has its own jurisdiction — specified in the constitution. (3) Written constitution — clearly divides powers (Union List, State List, Concurrent List). (4) Independent judiciary to settle disputes. (5) Both levels have their own revenue sources. (6) Changes to fundamental provisions need consent of both levels. India is a 'holding together' federation (power shared by central with states) unlike USA which is 'coming together' (states came together to form union).
Q2What are the three lists in the Indian Constitution for division of powers?
Union List: Defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications — 97 subjects, only central government can make laws. State List: Police, trade, agriculture, health — 66 subjects, only state government. Concurrent List: Education, forests, marriages — 47 subjects, both can make laws (central law prevails if conflict). Residuary subjects go to Union.
Q3Explain the three-tier system of federalism in India.
India has three tiers: (1) Central/Union Government — handles national matters (defence, foreign policy, currency). (2) State Governments — handle state matters (police, health, agriculture). (3) Panchayati Raj/Municipal bodies (local self-government) — handle local matters (water, sanitation, streetlights). The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) gave constitutional status to local governments, made elections mandatory every 5 years, and reserved 1/3 seats for women.
Q4What is the difference between 'coming together' and 'holding together' federations?
Coming together: Independent states voluntarily unite to form a larger unit, pooling sovereignty but retaining identity. States are stronger. Example: USA, Switzerland, Australia. Holding together: A large country decides to divide power between central and regional governments. Central government tends to be stronger. Example: India, Spain, Belgium.
Q5How has decentralisation strengthened democracy in India?
Decentralisation through Panchayati Raj: (1) Brought governance closer to people — local issues handled locally. (2) Elected representatives at village, block, and district level ensure accountability. (3) 1/3 seats reserved for women — empowered women in governance. (4) Reserved seats for SC/ST ensured inclusive representation. (5) Local bodies handle planning, implementation of welfare schemes. (6) People participate more actively in local governance than distant central government.
Practice Federalism
Reinforce what you just revised with practice questions