Scribd
Upload
7 views

Chapter 2 fed

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, characterized by multiple levels of government with distinct jurisdictions. It contrasts with a unitary system where power is centralized, and sub-units are subordinate. In India, federalism is exemplified through a three-tier structure of government, constitutional division of powers, and decentralization efforts to enhance local governance.

Uploaded by

vaanydev
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
7 views

Chapter 2 fed

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, characterized by multiple levels of government with distinct jurisdictions. It contrasts with a unitary system where power is centralized, and sub-units are subordinate. In India, federalism is exemplified through a three-tier structure of government, constitutional division of powers, and decentralization efforts to enhance local governance.

Uploaded by

vaanydev
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Chapter 2: Federalism - Board Exam Quick Notes

1. What is Federalism?

Definition: A system where government power is divided between a central authority and
constituent units (states/provinces).

Levels: At least two levels (tiers) of government exist (e.g., Central and State).

Jurisdiction: Each level has its own specific powers (jurisdiction) defined by the constitution
regarding laws, taxes, and administration.

Dual Objectives: 1) Safeguard national unity.

2) Accommodate regional diversity.

2. Difference between Federal System & Unitary System

Feature Federal System Unitary System

Levels of Two or more levels (Central, Usually one level, or sub-units


Government State/Provincial). are subordinate to the center.

Central government holds


Power Power is constitutionally divided
most/all power; may delegate
Distribution between levels.
to sub-units.

State governments have Sub-units (if any) derive power


Sub-unit
constitutionally guaranteed powers from the center; powers can be
Authority
independent of the center. withdrawn.

Constitution May be written or unwritten;


Often written and rigid.
Type often flexible.

Amendment Changes affecting federal structure Central government can usually


Power often require consent of both levels. amend unilaterally.

Citizen Citizens subject to laws & authority of Citizens generally subject only
Subjection both levels. to the central government.

UK, France, Japan, China, Sri


Examples India, USA, Canada, Germany, Australia
Lanka

3. Key Features of Federalism

Two or More Tiers: Government at different levels (Central, State, etc.).


Separate Jurisdiction: Each tier governs the same citizens but has distinct areas of control.

Constitutional Guarantee: Existence and authority of each tier guaranteed by the Constitution.

Dual Consent for Fundamental Changes: Core constitutional changes require agreement from both
levels.

Independent Judiciary: Courts interpret the constitution and settle disputes between levels.

Financial Autonomy: Revenue sources for each level are specified for financial independence.

Dual Objectives: Promote unity while accommodating diversity.

4. Types of Federalism

'Coming Together' Federations: Independent states join to form a bigger unit (e.g., USA,
Switzerland). States often retain significant, equal power. Goal: Increase security.

'Holding Together' Federations: A large country divides power between national and regional
governments (e.g., India, Spain, Belgium). Centre often stronger; units may have unequal powers.
Goal: Accommodate diversity.

5. What Makes India a Federal Country?

Three Tiers: Central (Union), State, and Local governments.

Constitutional Division of Powers (Three Lists):

Union List: National importance (Defence, Foreign Affairs, Currency). Union Govt legislates.

State List: State/local importance (Police, Agriculture, Trade). State Govts legislate.

Concurrent List: Common interest (Education, Forests, Marriage). Both legislate; Union law prevails
in conflict.

Residuary Powers: Subjects not in lists (e.g., IT) go to the Union Government.

Holding Together Model: Fits this type with a strong central government.

Independent Judiciary: Supreme Court resolves Centre-State and inter-State disputes.

Rigid Amendment Procedure: Changes to power-sharing require consent from Parliament and half
the state legislatures.

6. Power Sharing Arrangements in India (Legislative Focus)

Refers primarily to the Three-fold Distribution of Powers via the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists,
ensuring specific domains for legislation for each level.

Union law prevails over State law on Concurrent List subjects in case of conflict.

Residuary powers lie with the Union Parliament.

7. How is Federalism Practised in India?

Linguistic States: Creation of states based on language (e.g., Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra) helped
accommodate linguistic diversity and eased administration.

Language Policy:
No National Language; Hindi is the official language.

21 other Scheduled Languages recognized.

Flexible use of English continues for official purposes. Accommodated linguistic differences.

Centre-State Relations:

Strengthened over time, especially after 1990 with coalition governments.

Increased role and autonomy for state governments and regional parties.

Judiciary has limited the Centre's power to dismiss state governments arbitrarily.

8. Decentralisation in India

Definition: Transferring power from Central/State governments to Local governments.

Rationale: Better management of local issues, promotes direct democratic participation.

1992 Constitutional Amendments (73rd & 74th): Made the third tier (local govt) powerful and
effective.

Mandatory Elections: Regular elections for local bodies.

Reserved Seats: For SCs, STs, OBCs, and at least 1/3rd for Women.

State Election Commission (SEC): Created to conduct local elections.

State Finance Commission (SFC): Created to review finances and recommend funding for local
bodies.

Structure:

Rural: Panchayati Raj (Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zilla Parishad).

Urban: Municipalities (towns) and Municipal Corporations (big cities).

You might also like