Worksheet No: 01 Subject: Pol.

Sc Month: June 2025

Topic: Federalism Class X
Federalism Unfolded: One Nation, Many Voices

1. What is Federalism?
* Federalism is a system where power is shared between
a central authority and smaller political units like
states or provinces.
* Unlike unitary systems, where the central government
holds all the power, federal systems divide power
constitutionally among different levels of government.
Example:
* In India, both the Central and State Governments make
laws in their respective areas.
* In contrast, Sri Lanka has a unitary structure where the
central government dominates.

2. Historical Insight: Belgium vs Sri Lanka

* Belgium transitioned from a unitary to a federal system
in 1993, giving constitutional powers to its
regional governments.
* Before 1993, Belgium’s central government could
withdraw powers from regions. Post-reform, this is no
longer allowed.
* Sri Lanka remains a unitary state. Tamil leaders have
been demanding federalism to allow autonomy to
their regions.

3. Core Definition of Federalism

* It’s a system with two or more levels of government sharing control over the same geographical area and
people.
* Each level has its own powers, responsibilities, and revenue sources, protected by the Constitution.
Example:
* In the USA, states like California and Texas make their own laws alongside federal laws.
* In India, education is a subject where both Centre and States can make laws.

4. Key Features of Federalism

* Multiple Tiers of Government : There are at least two levels—e.g., Centre and State in India.
* Division of Jurisdiction: Each level governs the same citizens but in different matters like taxation,
policing, and education.
* Constitutional Safeguards: Powers of each level are written into the Constitution, making them legally
guaranteed.
* No Unilateral Amendments: Constitutional changes need the consent of both levels, preventing central
dominance.
* Judicial Interpretation: The Supreme Court acts as an umpire in case of disputes between Centre and States.
* Independent Revenue Sources: Each tier has defined sources of income to ensure financial autonomy.
* Unity with Diversity: Federalism aims to maintain national unity while respecting regional identities
Example:
* In India, GST was implemented with the consensus of Centre and States through the GST Council.

+91-9818573446 [email protected] © Aditi Ghosh

Page 1 of 5
5. Routes to Federalism
A. Coming Together Federations
* Independent states unite to form a single federation.
* All units have equal status and retain a good degree of autonomy.
Example:
* USA, Australia, and Switzerland

B. Holding Together Federations

* A large country divides power among different regions to accommodate diversity.
* The Centre remains stronger, and some regions may have special powers.
Example
* India, Spain, and Belgium (post-1993).

6. The Indian Case: A 'Holding Together' Federation

* India chose federalism to accommodate linguistic and cultural diversity.
* States like Jammu & Kashmir (pre-2019) had special status under Article 370.
* The Indian Constitution has three lists:
 Union List (e.g., defence, currency),
 State List (e.g., police, agriculture),
 Concurrent List (e.g., education, forest).
Example
Both Centre and State can make laws on education, but in case of conflict, the Centre’s law prevails.

7. Key Principles of an Ideal Federal System

* Mutual Trust: Different governments must trust each other and not interfere in others' powers.
* Agreement to Share Power: All levels of government should agree on the terms of power division.
Example:
Coalition Governments in India often involve coordination between Centre and regional parties.

Keywords:
a. Federalism : A system where power is constitutionally divided between central and regional governments.
b. Unitary System: A governance structure where all powers are concentrated in the central government.
c. Constitution: The supreme law that defines and protects the structure and powers of government.
d. Jurisdiction: The legal authority granted to a government level over specific issues or areas.
e. Tier of Government: A level in the hierarchy of governance, such as central, state, or local.
f. Revenue Source: Legally defined means through which a government earns money, like taxes and duties.
g. Union List: Subjects on which only the central government can make laws, like defence and foreign affairs.
h. State List: Subjects exclusive to state governments, like police, health, and local trade.
i. Concurrent List: Subjects where both Centre and States can legislate, like education and forests.
j. Holding Together Federation: A type where one large country distributes power to accommodate regional
differences.
k. Coming Together Federation: A type where independent states voluntarily unite to form a stronger nation.
l. Mutual Trust: Belief among different government levels that each will respect and follow the constitutional
rules.
m. Regional Diversity: The existence of varied cultures, languages, or identities within a country’s population.

Lets’s understand the concept with a help of story

The House of Bharat: A Story of Shared Power
Characters:
• Dadu Bharat – Wise and kind, represents the Central Government
• State Bhaiyas & Behenjis – 28 sons and daughters, each representing a State
• Chotu Panchu & Mini Nagari – The curious grandchildren, represent the Local Government
• Judge Nyaya Devi – The family court, represents the Supreme Court
• Journalist Gupshup Singh – Narrator and media voice

Page 2 of 5
Once upon a time in the vast and vibrant land of Bharat House, lived a big, loving family. At the center of the
household was Dadu Bharat, an elderly but sharp head of the family. He had many children—State Bhaiyas
and Behenjis—each talented, each unique. They lived together under one roof but handled their own rooms
and duties.
Years ago, Dadu made all the decisions. He decided what everyone would eat, wear, and even where they’d
study. Slowly, the family grew, and the house expanded. With different interests and problems, the children
began to feel left out of big decisions.

Dadu thought deeply, called for a meeting, and said:

"From today, we will live not just under one roof, but with shared responsibilities. This is the start of our
Federal Family Rule!"

Division of Responsibilities
* Dadu would take care of national matters – the house's safety, the bank account (currency), and foreign
guests.
* Each State Bhaiya and Behenji would take care of room-specific needs – water pipes, local festivals, school
rules, and farming tools.
* Dadu and the kids signed the Family Constitution, where it was written who would do what.

Nyaya Devi – The Wise Judge

To avoid family fights, Nyaya Devi, the house’s respected elder, was appointed to interpret the Constitution.
Whenever a dispute arose — like whether Bhaiya Punjab could ban crackers or if Behenji Tamil Nadu could
teach French in school — Nyaya Devi settled it fairly.

Who Gets the Money?

One major issue was money! Who gets how much from the family’s earnings?
* Dadu kept some money for household-wide items (defence, railways).
* The children got their share for daily needs (police, education).
* A few things were shared (like environment), and they worked together — this was the Concurrent List.

Enter: Chotu Panchu & Mini Nagari!

The young kids of the family, Chotu Panchu from village wing and Mini Nagari from city wing, asked:
“Dadu! We know best about our parks and water tanks. Can we decide some things on our own?”
Dadu smiled and replied,
“Of course! That’s called Decentralisation. You’ll be our new level of government — the Local
Government!”
They formed Gram Sabhas and Municipal Committees, so now, even the smallest member had a voice!

Together Despite Differences

Even though the family members had different food, clothes, and languages, they had one common thread —
mutual respect and trust.
Whenever cousin Belgium visited, he said:
“Wow! What a system! You all live so differently, yet so united!”
But when Sri Lankan cousin came, he sighed,
“Our Dadu never shares power. We’re still waiting for real federalism.”

The Moral of the Story

The House of Bharat works smoothly because:
 Everyone knows their duties.
 They trust each other.
 They follow the Constitution.
 And they celebrate unity in diversity.

Page 3 of 5
 SECTION-A
Multiple Choice Questions
Instructions: Do not write the options only. Write statement of the option too.
1. Which of the following is a feature of a federal government?
(a) Single tier of government (b) Only the central government has power
Page 4 of 5
 (c) Power is divided between different levels (d) Local governments are supreme
2. In a unitary system of government:
(a) State governments are independent (b) Both central and state governments are equal
(c) Central government can direct state governments (d) The central government is subordinate
3. Which of the following is an example of a ‘coming together’ federation?
(a) India (b) Belgium (c) USA (d) Sri Lanka
4. What is the role of courts in a federal system?
(a) Enact laws (b) Fund local governments
(c) Interpret the Constitution and resolve disputes (d) Appoint central ministers
5. In a federal system, which level of government is answerable to the people?
(a) Only the central government (b) Both central and state governments
(c) Only the state government (d) None of the above
6. Which of these is a key objective of federalism?
(a) To reduce state power (b) To safeguard unity and accommodate diversity
(c) To establish dictatorship (d) To promote monarchy
7. A student studies two countries. Country X has a powerful central government that gives selective powers
to its regional units. Country Y allows all its regions to share equal powers with the central authority.
Which statement best applies?
(a) Country X is a “coming together” federation (b) Country Y is a “holding together” federation
(c) Country X follows a unitary system (d) Country Y follows a monarchy
8. In Country Z, the Constitution clearly defines powers for both central and state governments. Courts
settle disputes between the two. Each level is financially independent.
Which system of governance does Country Z follow?
(a) Unitary (b) Federal (c) Monarchical (d) Oligarchical
9. In 1993, Country A modified its constitution to ensure its regional governments cannot be overruled by
the central government. These governments now have powers guaranteed by the constitution.
Which transformation has occurred?
(a) Shift to monarchy (b) Shift to dictatorship
(c) Shift from unitary to federal system (d) Shift to unitary from federal
10. The term 'Coming Together' federation refers to:
(a)Smaller units uniting to form a strong central government
(b) Countries with a dictatorship
(c) Large countries dividing power
(d) Subordinate states ruled by the Centre
SECTION-B
Instruction: Very Short Answer Type- I, answer the question in 50 to 60 words. Write the answer in
points. These are 2 marker question
11. What does the constitution ensure in a federal system?
12. What are the two types of federations based on formation?
13. Why is mutual trust important in a federal system?
14. How does federalism accommodate regional diversity?
15. What role do courts play in a federal system?
16. How is federalism different from a unitary system?
17. What is federalism?
18. What are the key features of federalism?
19. What is the dual objective of federalism?
20. How is power shared in a unitary system?

Page 5 of 5