CLASS X CIVICS "FEDERALISM" NOTES.

FEDERALISM

CIVICS

CLASS X

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**Federalism:**

Federalism is a governance system where power is shared between a central authority and regional units, like states or provinces. 

1. **National Government:**

   - Manages issues of national interest.

   - Represents the entire country.

2. **State/Provincial Governments:**

   - Handle local affairs.

   - Govern specific regions or states.

👊TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE(TYK)📚

**1. What is the primary responsibility of the national government in a federal system?**

   - A. Manage local affairs

   - B. Represent specific regions

   - C. Handle issues of national interest

   - D. Govern provinces

**2. What is the role of state/provincial governments in a federal system?**

   - A. Represent the entire country

   - B. Manage issues of national interest

   - C. Govern specific regions or states

   - D. Handle international affairs

*Answers:*  

1. C. Handle issues of national interest  

2. C. Govern specific regions or states

**Summary:**

Federalism divides power between a central and regional government, ensuring both handle specific responsibilities, fostering a balance of authority.

**Unitary vs federal system**

**Unitary System:** 

- One level of government; sub-units are subordinate.

- Central Government can give orders to local governments.

- Central government is supreme; sub-units have delegated powers.

*Example:* United Kingdom operates under a unitary system.

**Federal System:**

- Two or more levels of government.

- Central Government can't order state government.

- State Government has independent powers.

*Example:* United States operates under a federal system.

👊TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE(TYK)📚

**1. In a unitary system, what is the relationship between the central government and local governments?**

   - A. Local governments have independent powers.

   - B. Local governments can give orders to the central government.

   - C. Central government is supreme, and local governments are subordinate.

   - D. Central and local governments have equal powers.

**2. How does the federal system differ from the unitary system?**

   - A. Federal system has one level of government.

   - B. Unitary system allows central government to order state government.

   - C. Federal system involves multiple levels of government with state independence.

   - D. Unitary system gives independent powers to local governments.

*Answers:*  

1. C. Central government is supreme, and local governments are subordinate.  

2. C. Federal system involves multiple levels of government with state independence.

**Summary:**

- *Unitary:* One level, central control.

- *Federal:* Multiple levels, shared powers, state independence.

**Key Features of Federalism:**

1. **Multiple Tiers:**

   - Two or more levels of government exist.

2. **Jurisdictional Independence:**

   - Each tier governs the same citizens but has specific authority in legislation, taxation, and administration.

3. **Constitutional Guarantee:**

   - Existence and authority of each government level are constitutionally assured.

4. **Consent for Constitutional Changes:**

   - Fundamental Constitution changes require consent from both levels of government.

5. **Judicial Interpretation:**

   - Courts interpret the Constitution and define powers of different government levels.

6. **Specified Revenue Sources:**

   - Clear specification of revenue sources ensures financial autonomy for each level.

7. **Dual Objectives:**

   - Federalism aims to maintain national unity while accommodating regional diversity.

👊TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE(TYK)📚

**1. What is a key characteristic of federalism regarding jurisdictional independence?**

   - A. Each tier has identical legislative authority.

   - B. Different tiers govern distinct sets of citizens.

   - C. Jurisdictional independence is not constitutionally guaranteed.

   - D. All government levels have shared taxation authority.

**2. How are fundamental changes to the Constitution handled in a federal system?**

   - A. Consent is not required; the central government has sole authority.

   - B. Consent from state governments alone is sufficient.

   - C. Consent from both levels of government is necessary.

   - D. Changes can only be initiated by the central government.

**3. What is a dual objective of federalism?**

   - A. Exclusively focusing on regional diversity.

   - B. Ignoring national unity for regional autonomy.

   - C. Balancing national unity with regional diversity.

   - D. Prioritizing national unity over regional considerations.

*Answers:*  

1. B. Different tiers govern distinct sets of citizens.  

2. C. Consent from both levels of government is necessary.  

3. C. Balancing national unity with regional diversity.

**Summary:**

Federalism involves multiple government levels with specific jurisdictions, constitutionally guaranteed authority, shared consent for major changes, judicial interpretation, specified revenue sources, and dual goals of national unity and regional diversity accommodation.

**Routes to Form Federations:**

1. **Coming Together Route:**

   - *Formation:* Independent states voluntarily unite to create a larger entity.

   - *Examples:* USA, Switzerland, Australia.

   - *Characteristic:* States join hands by choice.

2. **Holding Together Route:**

   - *Formation:* A large country divides power between constituent states and national government.

   - *Examples:* India, Spain, Belgium.

   - *Characteristic:* Existing country chooses to decentralize authority.

👊TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE(TYK)📚

**1. In the Coming Together route of federalism, how do independent states form a larger entity?**

   - A. Through forced integration.

   - B. By surrendering sovereignty involuntarily.

   - C. Voluntarily uniting to create a larger entity.

   - D. By relying on external pressure for consolidation.

**2. What is a key characteristic of the Holding Together route in federalism?**

   - A. Constituent states have no role in governance.

   - B. The country decentralizes authority without choice.

   - C. Existing country voluntarily divides power.

   - D. National government exercises exclusive control.

*Answers:*  

1. C. Voluntarily uniting to create a larger entity.  

2. B. The country decentralizes authority without choice.

**Summary:**

Federations can form through a "Coming Together" route where independent states voluntarily unite (e.g., USA), or a "Holding Together" route where a larger country divides power among constituent states (e.g., India). Each route involves mutual trust and a collective decision to coexist.

**Why India is Federal:**

1. **Three-Fold Legislative Power:**

   - *Union List:* National subjects controlled by Union Govt.

   - *State List:* State-specific matters governed by State Govts.

   - *Concurrent List:* Shared interests with both levels having legislative power.

2. **National Importance vs. Local Significance:**

   - *Union List:* Defense, foreign affairs, banking—handled centrally.

   - *State List:* Police, trade, agriculture—managed locally.

3. **Common Interests:**

   - *Concurrent List:* Subjects like education, marriage—both levels can legislate.

4. **Resolution of Conflicts:**

   - *Conflict Resolution:* If Union and State laws clash, Union law prevails.

👊TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE(TYK)📚

**1. Which legislative list in federalism is specifically designated for national subjects controlled by the Union Government?**

   - A. Regional List

   - B. State List

   - C. Concurrent List

   - D. Union List

**2. In case of a conflict between Union and State laws in the Concurrent List, what is the resolution principle?**

   - A. State law prevails.

   - B. Decision through a popular vote.

   - C. Union law prevails.

   - D. Both laws are nullified.

*Answers:*  

1. D. Union List  

2. C. Union law prevails

**In Summary:**

India's federal structure is evident in the three-fold division of legislative powers, distinct lists for national and state matters, shared interests in the Concurrent List, and a resolution mechanism for conflicting laws.

**Practicing Federalism in India:**

1. **Linguistic States:**

   - *Creation:* States formed based on language to respect cultural diversity.

   - *Changes:* Evolving since 1947 with new formations and alterations.

2. **Language Policy:**

   - *Official Language:* Hindi designated as official language.

   - *Diversity:* 21 other languages recognized as Scheduled Languages.

   - *State Languages:* States have their official languages for government work.

3. **Centre-State Relations:**

   - *Power Dynamics:* Center-State relations restructured for a balance of power.

   - *Coalition Governance:* Alliance formation, involving national and regional parties, respects State autonomy in case of no clear majority.

👊TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE(TYK)📚

**1. What is the primary basis for the creation of states in the concept of Linguistic States?**

   - A. Cultural heritage

   - B. Geographical location

   - C. Population density

   - D. Language

**2. How is the language policy structured in India concerning official languages?**

   - A. Hindi is the only official language.

   - B. States don't have their official languages.

   - C. Hindi and 21 other languages are recognized as Scheduled Languages.

   - D. Each state has a separate official language.

*Answers:*  

1. D. Language  

2. C. Hindi and 21 other languages are recognized as Scheduled Languages

**Summary:**

India practices federalism through the creation of Linguistic States, a diverse language policy, and a dynamic Center-State relationship. The emphasis on cultural and linguistic diversity, alongside a flexible power-sharing culture, contributes to the success of federalism in the country.

**Decentralisation in India:**

1. **Definition:**

   - *Decentralisation:* Shifting power from Central and State to local government.

2. **Rationale:**

   - *Local Problem-Solving:* Local level best for addressing numerous issues.

   - *Direct Participation:* Empowers local people in decision-making.

3. **1992 Constitutional Amendment:**

   - *Objective:* Strengthen the third tier of democracy.

   - *Features:* Regular local elections, reserved seats for marginalized groups, one-third reserved for women.

   - *Institutionalization:* State Election Commissions for local elections.

4. **Power and Revenue Sharing:**

   - *Mandatory Sharing:* State governments share powers and revenue with local bodies.

   - *Variation:* Sharing nature varies among states.

👊TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE(TYK)📚

**1. What is the primary objective of the 1992 Constitutional Amendment regarding local governance in India?**

   - A. Centralization of power

   - B. Strengthening the third tier of democracy

   - C. Abolishing local elections

   - D. Eliminating reserved seats

**2. How is power and revenue sharing structured between state governments and local bodies?**

   - A. State governments have exclusive control over power and revenue.

   - B. There is no mandatory sharing of power and revenue.

   - C. State governments share powers and revenue with local bodies.

   - D. Local bodies have complete autonomy over power and revenue.

*Answers:*  

1. B. Strengthening the third tier of democracy  

2. C. State governments share powers and revenue with local bodies

**Summary:**

Decentralisation in India involves shifting power to local governments, marked by the 1992 Constitutional Amendment. Key features include mandatory local elections, reservations for marginalized groups and women, and the creation of State Election Commissions. State governments are obligated to share powers and revenue with local bodies, with variations across states.

**Panchayati Raj System:**

1. **Gram Panchayat:**

   - *Definition:* Rural local government, known as Panchayati Raj.

   - *Composition:* Gram Panchayat at village level with ward members (panch) and a president (sarpanch).

   - *Election:* Directly elected by adult population in the village.

2. **Gram Sabha:**

   - *Supervision:* Gram Panchayat operates under Gram Sabha's overall supervision.

   - *Membership:* All village voters are Gram Sabha members.

   - *Functions:* Approves gram panchayat's annual budget and reviews performance.

3. **Panchayat Samiti or Block:**

   - *Formation:* Grouping of Gram Panchayats.

   - *Election:* Representatives elected by all Panchayat members in the area.

4. **Zilla Parishad:**

   - *District Level:* All Panchayat Samitis or Mandals in a district form Zilla Parishad.

   - *Membership:* Includes Lok Sabha members, MLAs, and other officials from district-level bodies.

👊TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE(TYK)📚

**1. What is the primary function of the Gram Sabha in the Panchayati Raj system?**

   - A. Conducting elections for Gram Panchayat

   - B. Overall supervision of Gram Panchayat

   - C. Implementing district-level policies

   - D. Managing Panchayat Samiti elections

**2. How is a Panchayat Samiti or Block formed?**

   - A. By appointing officials from the central government

   - B. Automatically created by Gram Panchayats

   - C. Through the grouping of Gram Panchayats

   - D. Directly elected by district residents

*Answers:*  

1. B. Overall supervision of Gram Panchayat  

2. C. Through the grouping of Gram Panchayats

**Summary:**

Panchayati Raj is the rural local government system, comprising Gram Panchayat at the village level, overseen by Gram Sabha. Panchayat Samiti groups Gram Panchayats, and collectively they form the Zilla Parishad at the district level. The system ensures direct elections and overall supervision, enhancing local governance.

**Municipalities:**

1. **Urban Equivalent of Gram Panchayat:**

   - *Purpose:* Governs urban areas, counterpart to Gram Panchayat for rural areas.

   - *Types:* Municipalities for smaller towns, Municipal Corporations for big cities.

2. **Elected Bodies:**

   - *Representation:* Controlled by elected bodies with people’s representatives.

   - *Leadership:* Municipal Chairperson (in municipalities) or Mayor (in Municipal Corporations) is the political head.

3. **Municipal Chairperson and Mayor:**

   - *Titles:* Municipal Chairperson leads Municipalities; Mayor leads Municipal Corporations.

4. **Democracy Experiment:**

   - *Largest in the World:* Local government system is the world's largest democracy experiment.

   - *Constitutional Status:* Local government has constitutional status.

5. **Impact on Democracy:**

   - *Deepening Democracy:* Constitutional recognition enhances democratic practices.

   - *Women’s Representation:* Increases representation and voice of women in democracy.

👊TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE(TYK)📚

**1. What is the primary purpose of the urban counterpart to Gram Panchayat in governing urban areas?**

   - A. Conducting rural elections

   - B. Governing urban areas

   - C. Managing agricultural policies

   - D. Overseeing forest conservation

**2. Who is the political head of Municipal Corporations in urban areas?**

   - A. Municipal Chairperson

   - B. Mayor

   - C. Gram Sabha President

   - D. Panchayat Samiti Representative

**3. Why is the local government system in India considered the world's largest democracy experiment?**

   - A. Due to its focus on international relations

   - B. Because it is the oldest democratic system

   - C. Based on its extensive representation at the local level

   - D. For its role in managing global economic policies

*Answers:*  

1. B. Governing urban areas  

2. B. Mayor  

3. C. Based on its extensive representation at the local level

**Summary:**

Municipalities and Municipal Corporations govern urban areas, mirroring the role of Gram Panchayats in rural regions. Elected bodies led by a Municipal Chairperson or Mayor ensure local governance. The constitutional status of local government in India is a significant democratic experiment, deepening democracy and increasing women's representation.

                 

                    FEDERALISM

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