Complete Solutions and Summary of Federalism – NCERT Class 10, Civics, Chapter 2 – Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions
Comprehensive summary and explanation of Chapter 2 'Federalism', focusing on vertical division of power, theories and practice of federalism in India, federal constitutional provisions, policies and politics that have strengthened federalism in practice, and the role of local government as a new tier—with all question answers and extra questions from NCERT Class X Civics.
Updated: 9 months ago
Federalism
Chapter 2: Democratic Politics-II - Complete Study Guide | NCERT Class 10 Notes & Questions 2025
Comprehensive Chapter Summary - Federalism Class 10 NCERT
Overview
- Chapter Purpose: Explains vertical division of power as federalism, a key power-sharing in democracies. Focuses on theory, Indian Constitution, practices strengthening federalism, and local government as third tier. Key Insight: Federalism balances unity and diversity; India as 'holding together' federation with unequal powers.
- Global Context: 25/193 countries federal; large nations like USA, India federal. Map shows federal systems; exception: China (unitary). Belgium shifted from unitary to federal in 1993; Sri Lanka remains unitary.
- Expanded Relevance 2025: Coalition politics, regional parties strengthen federalism; decentralization empowers locals amid diversity challenges.
- Exam Tip: Compare 'coming together' (USA) vs 'holding together' (India); know 7 features; use cartoons for Centre-State relations.
- Broader Implications: Accommodates diversity (languages, regions); prevents central overreach; local self-govt deepens democracy.
What is Federalism?
- Definition: Power divided between central authority and constituent units (states/provinces); two levels independent. Dual objectives: Unity + regional diversity accommodation.
- Key Aspects: Rules for power-sharing; mutual trust/agreement. Balance varies by history.
- Routes to Formation:
- Coming Together: Independent states unite for security (USA, Switzerland, Australia); equal powers, strong states.
- Holding Together: Large country divides power (India, Spain, Belgium); central stronger, unequal units (special powers for some).
- Contrast with Unitary: Unitary has one level or subordinates (Sri Lanka); central orders provinces. Federal: No orders; both answerable to people.
- 7 Key Features:
- Two+ tiers of government.
- Each tier governs same citizens; own jurisdiction (legislation, taxation, administration).
- Jurisdictions constitutionally specified/guaranteed.
- Fundamental changes need both levels' consent.
- Courts interpret; highest as umpire in disputes.
- Separate revenue sources for financial autonomy.
- Nepal Discussion Activity: Responses to federalism views (e.g., Khag Raj wrong on caste; Sarita on size; Babu Lal on autonomy; Ram Ganesh on power shift).
What Makes India a Federal Country?
- Historical Context: Post-partition independence; princely states integrated; Constitution declares 'Union of States' (not federation word, but principles apply).
- Three-Tier System: Union (Central), States; added Panchayats/Municipalities (third tier).
- Three-Fold Distribution (Legislative Powers):
- Union List: National importance (defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications, currency); uniform policy; only Union legislates (97 subjects originally).
- State List: State/local (police, trade, agriculture, irrigation); only States (66 subjects).
- Concurrent List: Common (education, forests, trade unions, marriage); both; Union prevails in conflict (47 subjects).
- Residuary Subjects: Not in lists (e.g., computer software); Union power.
- Unequal Powers: Holding together; special status (Art. 371: Assam, Nagaland, etc. for land rights, culture, jobs; non-residents can't buy land).
- Union Territories: Small areas (Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Delhi); little power; Central control.
- Changing Arrangement: Parliament can't unilaterally change; 2/3 majority both Houses + half States' ratification.
- Judiciary Role: Oversees implementation; High/Supreme Courts decide disputes.
- Revenue Sources: Both levy taxes for responsibilities.
- Activities: News classification (Central/State/Relations); Pokharan/Sikkim/Andhra scenarios (no state override on Union subjects).
How is Federalism Practised?
- Overview: Success beyond Constitution due to democratic politics; shared ideals of diversity respect.
- Linguistic States: First test post-1947; boundaries redrawn for language (e.g., Andhra for Telugu); resisted initially (disintegration fear) but united country, eased admin. Non-language: Nagaland (ethnic), Uttarakhand (geography), Jharkhand (culture). Map 1947 vs 2019 shows changes.
- Language Policy: No national language; Hindi official (40% mother tongue); 22 Scheduled Languages protected. Exams in any; States' official languages. English continued post-1965 (Tamil Nadu agitation); cautious Hindi promotion avoids imposition. Unlike Sri Lanka's Sinhala policy.
- Centre-State Relations: Pre-1990: Single party rule; Centre undermined opposition States (dismissals). Post-1990: Regional parties rise, coalitions at Centre; new power-sharing culture. Supreme Court judgement limits arbitrary dismissals. Cartoons: States begging powers; coalition perils.
- Linguistic Diversity Table: 1300+ languages; 121 major; Hindi 44%; 22 Scheduled. Activity: Chart/map/three non-table languages.
- Ramachandra Guha Excerpt: Linguistic reorganization strengthened unity; prevented worse divisions. Activity: For/against based on state example.
Cases for Exams
Belgium-India comparison; linguistic states pros/cons; 1992 amendment impacts.
Decentralisation in India
- Rationale: Two tiers insufficient for vast/diverse India (UP > Russia pop.); need power-sharing within States for local issues; people better know/manage localities; direct participation habit.
- Historical Attempts: Panchayats/Municipalities set up but State-controlled; irregular elections, no powers/resources.
- 1992 Amendment: Made third tier powerful:
- Regular elections mandatory.
- Reservations: SC/ST/OBC in bodies/heads; 1/3 women.
- State Election Commission.
- Share powers/revenue (varies by State).
- Rural Local Government (Panchayati Raj):
- Gram Panchayat: Village/group; wards elect panch/sarpanch; decision body; under gram sabha (voters meet 2-3x/year for budget/review).
- Panchayat Samiti/Block/Mandal: Groups of panchayats; elected by members.
- Zilla Parishad: District; elected + MPs/MLAs/officials; chairperson head.
- Urban Local Bodies:
- Municipalities: Towns; elected, chairperson head.
- Municipal Corporations: Big cities; elected, mayor head.
- Scale & Challenges: 36 lakh elected reps (women increased); largest democracy experiment. Issues: Irregular gram sabhas; limited powers/resources transfer.
- Activities: Local gov details (village/town); Brazil/Kerala experiments in participatory budgeting.
- Newspaper Clippings: Women in panchayats; funding/elections.
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Key Themes
- Power Sharing: Vertical (federal) + horizontal (decentralisation).
- Diversity Management: Linguistic states/policy.
- Evolution: From central dominance to coalitions/decentralisation.
- Critical Thinking: Why unequal? Federalism vs unitary pros/cons.
Exercises Summary
- Focus: Maps, comparisons, lists; expanded to 60 Q&A.
- Project Idea: Timeline of federal changes; debate on language policy.
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