NCERT Class 10 Political Science | Chapter 2: Federalism – Solutions

Chapter 2: Federalism

Complete NCERT Solutions | Class 10 Social Science Political Science – Democratic Politics II
Quick Revision
OverviewChapter Summary
What is this chapter mainly about?
Answer:
This chapter explains federalism as a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units such as states or provinces. It discusses the key features of federalism, the difference between coming together and holding together federations, the federal structure of India, Union List, State List, Concurrent List, residuary powers, linguistic states, language policy, centre-state relations, decentralisation and the working of local self-government.
Key IdeaDefinition
What is federalism?
Answer:
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. Usually, there are two or more levels of government. Each level has its own jurisdiction in matters of legislation, taxation and administration, and each level is answerable to the people.
Key Features of Federalism
FeaturesFederal System
What are the key features of federalism?
Answer:
The key features of federalism are:

1. There are two or more levels of government.
2. Different levels of government govern the same citizens, but each level has its own jurisdiction.
3. The jurisdiction of each level is specified in the Constitution.
4. The fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be changed by one level of government alone.
5. Courts interpret the Constitution and settle disputes between different levels of government.
6. Sources of revenue for each level are clearly specified.
7. Federalism has dual objectives: to safeguard national unity and to accommodate regional diversity.
Types of Federation
ComparisonComing Together / Holding Together
Difference between coming together and holding together federations.
Basis Coming Together Federation Holding Together Federation
Meaning Independent states come together to form a larger unit. A large country divides power between the central government and constituent units.
Purpose To increase security and retain identity by pooling sovereignty. To maintain unity while accommodating regional diversity.
Power of units Constituent states usually have equal power and are strong. Central government is often more powerful; some units may have special powers.
Examples USA, Switzerland, Australia. India, Spain, Belgium.
What Makes India a Federal Country?
IndiaFederal Features
What makes India a federal country?
Answer:
India is a federal country because the Constitution divides powers between different levels of government. India originally had two levels: the Union Government and State Governments. Later, a third tier was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities. The Constitution provides separate jurisdictions for different levels of government through the Union List, State List and Concurrent List. It also provides a procedure for constitutional amendment, independent judiciary and separate sources of revenue.
ListsUnion / State / Concurrent
Distribution of legislative powers in India.
List Meaning Examples Who Makes Laws?
Union List Subjects of national importance requiring uniform policy. Defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications, currency. Union Government only.
State List Subjects of state and local importance. Police, trade, commerce, agriculture, irrigation. State Governments only.
Concurrent List Subjects of common interest to both Union and State Governments. Education, forests, trade unions, marriage, adoption, succession. Both Union and State Governments. In case of conflict, Union law prevails.
Residuary Subjects Subjects not included in any of the three lists. Computer software and newer subjects that emerged later. Union Government.
In-text Questions and Activities
ITQ 1Nepal Discussion
Some Nepalese citizens gave different opinions about federalism. What would be your response to each? Which reflects a wrong understanding of federalism?
Answer:
Khag Raj: His view is wrong because federalism does not necessarily mean reservation of seats for caste groups. Federalism means division of power between different levels of government.

Sarita: Her view is partly wrong because federalism is not needed only in big countries. Small countries with social or regional diversity may also adopt federalism, as Belgium did.

Babu Lal: His view is correct because federalism can provide autonomy to a region through its own state government.

Ram Ganesh: His view is correct because federalism can decentralise power and give elected representatives more authority instead of concentrating power in one ruler.
ITQ 2Union and State
If agriculture and commerce are State subjects, why do we have ministers of agriculture and commerce in the Union Cabinet?
Answer:
Agriculture and commerce are mainly State subjects, but the Union Government also deals with national-level policies related to agriculture, trade, food security, exports, imports, research, national schemes, inter-state trade and international trade agreements. Therefore, Union ministers coordinate policies and programmes that affect the whole country.
ITQ 3Nuclear Test
Pokharan is in Rajasthan. If the Rajasthan Government opposed the Central Government’s nuclear policy, could it prevent the Government of India from conducting nuclear tests?
Answer:
No. Nuclear policy, defence and national security are subjects of the Union List. The Union Government alone has the power to make decisions on these matters. Therefore, the Government of Rajasthan could not prevent the Central Government from conducting nuclear tests at Pokharan.
ITQ 4Textbooks
If the Government of Sikkim wants to introduce new textbooks but the Union Government does not like them, does the State Government need permission?
Answer:
Education is in the Concurrent List. Both Union and State Governments can make laws and policies on education. The State Government does not normally need prior permission to introduce textbooks, but if there is a conflict with a Union law or national policy having legal authority, the Union law will prevail.
ITQ 5Police Policy
If Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha have different policies on how state police should respond to naxalites, can the Prime Minister order all Chief Ministers to obey one policy?
Answer:
No. Police is a State List subject. The Prime Minister cannot directly order Chief Ministers to follow one police policy. However, the Union Government can coordinate, advise and provide support in matters of internal security, especially where national security is involved.
Linguistic States and Language Policy
Linguistic StatesFederalism in Practice
Why were linguistic states created in India?
Answer:
Linguistic states were created so that people who spoke the same language could live in the same state. This helped accommodate linguistic diversity and strengthened national unity. Some states were also created on the basis of culture, ethnicity or geography, such as Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand. The creation of linguistic states showed that respecting diversity can strengthen democracy instead of weakening it.
Language PolicyScheduled Languages
What is India’s language policy?
Answer:
India’s language policy is based on accommodation. The Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the official language, but many safeguards were provided for other languages. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised as Scheduled Languages. States can have their own official languages. This policy has helped India respect linguistic diversity.
Centre-State Relations
RelationsFederalism Strengthened
How have centre-state relations strengthened federalism in India?
Answer:
Federalism in India became stronger after 1990 due to the rise of regional political parties and coalition governments at the Centre. Since no single party always got a clear majority, national parties had to form alliances with regional parties. This created a new culture of power-sharing and respect for state autonomy. A Supreme Court judgement also made it difficult for the Central Government to dismiss State Governments arbitrarily. Thus, federal power-sharing became more effective.
Decentralisation in India
ConceptLocal Government
What is decentralisation? Why is it needed?
Answer:
Decentralisation means taking power away from central and state governments and giving it to local governments. It is needed because many problems are best solved at the local level. Local people know their needs better and can participate directly in decision-making. Decentralisation makes democracy more participatory and brings government closer to the people.
1992 AmendmentLocal Self-Government
What changes were introduced by the Constitutional amendment of 1992?
Answer:
The 1992 Constitutional amendment made local self-government more powerful and effective. It introduced the following changes:

1. Regular elections to local government bodies became compulsory.
2. Seats were reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
3. At least one-third of all positions were reserved for women.
4. State Election Commissions were created to conduct local elections.
5. State governments were required to share powers and revenue with local bodies.
6. Local governments were given constitutional status.
Local Government Structure
RuralPanchayati Raj
Structure of rural local government in India.
Level Institution Main Feature
Village Level Gram Panchayat Local government body for a village or group of villages.
Village Assembly Gram Sabha All adult voters of the village; supervises the Gram Panchayat.
Block Level Panchayat Samiti / Mandal / Block Coordinates several Gram Panchayats.
District Level Zilla Parishad Coordinates Panchayat Samitis and district-level rural development.
UrbanMunicipal Bodies
Structure of urban local government in India.
Urban Area Local Body Head
Large cities Municipal Corporation Mayor
Smaller towns Municipality / Municipal Council Municipal Chairperson / President
Ward level Ward Committee / Councillor’s area Municipal Councillor
Exercises – NCERT Questions
1Map Work
Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India: Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa.
Suggested Answer:
On the political map of India, mark:

1. Manipur – North-East India, bordering Myanmar.
2. Sikkim – Himalayan state between Nepal, Bhutan and West Bengal.
3. Chhattisgarh – Central India, carved out of Madhya Pradesh.
4. Goa – Western coast of India, south of Maharashtra and north of Karnataka.
2Map Work
Identify and shade three federal countries other than India on a blank outline political map of the world.
Suggested Answer:
Shade any three federal countries such as:

1. United States of America
2. Canada
3. Australia

Other correct examples include Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Belgium.
3Comparison
Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
Answer:
Similarity: Both India and Belgium have a federal system in which power is shared between central and regional governments.

Difference: In Belgium, there is a special community government based on language communities. India does not have such community governments. Instead, India has states, Union Territories and local governments, and it accommodates diversity through linguistic states and constitutional provisions.
4Short Answer
What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
Answer:
In a federal government, power is divided between the central government and regional governments. Each level has its own powers and is not subordinate to the other in its jurisdiction. Example: India has Union and State Governments with separate powers.

In a unitary government, either there is only one level of government or the regional units are subordinate to the central government. Example: Sri Lanka has a unitary system where the national government holds most powers.
5Short Answer
State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
Answer:
Before 1992 Amendment After 1992 Amendment
Local governments did not have constitutional status. Local governments received constitutional status.
Elections were not held regularly in many places. Regular elections became compulsory.
There was no compulsory reservation for women. At least one-third of seats and positions were reserved for women.
Local bodies depended heavily on state governments. State governments were required to share powers and revenue with local bodies.
6Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks.
Answer:
Since the United States is a coming together type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are strong vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a holding together type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the Central government has more powers.
7Language Policy
Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and example to support any one position.
Answer:
I support Sangeeta’s view: “The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.”

India did not impose one language on all states. Instead, states were reorganised largely on linguistic lines, and different languages were recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Hindi was made the official language, but English continues to be used for official purposes. States can also have their own official languages. This accommodation has helped preserve unity while respecting diversity.
8MCQ
The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
(a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments.
(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.
Answer: (d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

Explanation: The main feature of federalism is vertical division of power between central and regional governments.
9Classification
Group the given subjects under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists: Defence, Police, Agriculture, Education, Banking, Forests, Communications, Trade, Marriages.
Answer:
Union List State List Concurrent List
Defence Police Education
Banking Agriculture Forests
Communications Trade Marriages
10MCQ
Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws. Which pair is not correctly matched?
(a) State government – State List
(b) Central government – Union List
(c) Central and State governments – Concurrent List
(d) Local governments – Residuary powers
Answer: (d) Local governments – Residuary powers

Explanation: Residuary powers belong to the Union Government, not local governments.
11Matching
Match List I with List II.
Answer: (c) A, C, D, B
List I Correct Match
Union of India Prime Minister
State Governor
Municipal Corporation Mayor
Gram Panchayat Sarpanch
12MCQ
Consider the following statements:
A. In a federation, the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.
B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the States have been devolved to the local government bodies.

Which statements are correct?
Answer: (c) A and B only

Explanation: A and B are correct. Sri Lanka is not a federation merely because it has provinces. India remains a federation even after powers were devolved to local governments; in fact, decentralisation strengthened Indian federalism.
Important Topics
Topic 1Federal vs Unitary
Difference between federal and unitary systems.
Federal System Unitary System
Power is divided between central and regional governments. Power is concentrated in the central government.
State or provincial governments have constitutional powers. Sub-units are subordinate to the central government.
Central government cannot easily withdraw state powers. Central government can give or withdraw powers of sub-units.
Example: India, USA, Belgium. Example: Sri Lanka.
Topic 2Union Territories
What are Union Territories?
Answer:
Union Territories are areas that are too small to become independent states or have special administrative importance. They do not have the same powers as states. The Central Government has special powers in running these areas. Examples include Chandigarh, Lakshadweep and Delhi.
Topic 3Special Powers
Why do some Indian states enjoy special powers?
Answer:
Some Indian states enjoy special powers because of their unique social, historical, cultural or geographical circumstances. States such as Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram have special provisions under Article 371. These provisions protect land rights of indigenous people, their culture and local interests.
Topic 4Decentralisation Problems
What difficulties still exist in local self-government?
Answer:
Local self-government still faces many difficulties. Gram Sabha meetings are not held regularly in many areas. Many state governments have not transferred enough powers and resources to local bodies. Local governments often depend on higher levels of government for funds. There is also a lack of awareness and participation among citizens. Therefore, India is still working towards real self-government at the local level.
Activity Answers
Activity 1AIR News Classification
Listen to national and regional news bulletins and classify government policy news items.
Suggested Answer:
Category Example News Item
Only Central Government Defence policy, foreign affairs, national budget, currency, national highways.
Only State Government State police decisions, irrigation projects, local agriculture schemes, state road projects.
Centre-State Relationship GST Council decisions, disaster relief funds, centrally sponsored schemes, inter-state water disputes.
Activity 2State Formation
Identify states whose names or boundaries changed and states carved out of bigger states.
Suggested Answer:
Examples of states carved out of larger states:

1. Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh.
2. Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar.
3. Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh.
4. Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh.

Examples of name changes include Orissa to Odisha, Madras State to Tamil Nadu and Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand.
Activity 3Local Government Survey
Find out about the local government in your village or town.
Sample Survey Format:
Question Answer to be Filled by Student
Name of ward member / councillor
Name of sarpanch / mayor / chairperson
Name of panchayat samiti / municipality
Date of last Gram Sabha / municipal meeting
Number of people who participated
Major issues discussed
Major items on which money was spent
Activity 4Porto Alegre
What lesson can India learn from Porto Alegre in Brazil?
Suggested Answer:
Porto Alegre shows that decentralisation becomes meaningful when ordinary citizens participate directly in decisions. People there take part in budget discussions and help decide how public money should be spent. India can learn that Gram Sabhas, ward committees and local meetings should be strengthened so that public funds are used for the needs of all people, especially poorer areas.
Key Terms
GlossaryImportant Terms
Important terms from the chapter.
Term Meaning
FederalismA system of government in which power is divided between central and constituent units.
Unitary SystemA system where power is concentrated in the central government.
JurisdictionThe area or subject over which someone has legal authority.
Coming Together FederationA federation formed when independent states join to form a larger unit.
Holding Together FederationA federation formed when a large country divides power between central and regional governments.
Union ListList of subjects on which only the Union Government can make laws.
State ListList of subjects on which only State Governments can normally make laws.
Concurrent ListList of subjects on which both Union and State Governments can make laws.
Residuary PowersPowers related to subjects not included in any of the three lists; in India these belong to the Union Government.
Union TerritoriesTerritories administered mainly by the Central Government.
Linguistic StatesStates created mainly on the basis of language.
Scheduled LanguagesLanguages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Coalition GovernmentA government formed by two or more political parties sharing power.
DecentralisationTransfer of power from central and state governments to local governments.
Panchayati RajRural local self-government system in India.
Gram SabhaAssembly of all adult voters in a village.
Gram PanchayatVillage-level elected local government body.
Zilla ParishadDistrict-level rural local government body.
Municipal CorporationUrban local government body for large cities.
MayorHead of a Municipal Corporation.

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