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Federalism

NCERT Class 10 · Social Science Based on NCERT Class 10 Social Science textbook · Free CBSE study kit

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Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter explains the concept of federalism as a system of power-sharing between different levels of government, focusing on its theory and practice in India. It begins with the general features of federalism and contrasts it with unitary systems, then delves into the constitutional provisions that make India a federal country, including the three-fold distribution of legislative powers. The chapter also examines how federalism is practised in India through linguistic states, language policy, and centre-state relations, and concludes with the third tier of federalism—decentralisation through local government. The one big idea a student must walk away with is that federalism in India is not just a constitutional arrangement but a dynamic process strengthened by democratic politics, mutual trust, and respect for diversity.
Key Concepts (15)
Federalism
A system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country, with both levels enjoying their power independent of the other.
e.g. In India, the Union Government handles defence and foreign affairs, while State Governments manage police and agriculture.
Unitary government
A system where either there is only one level of government or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government, which can pass orders to the provincial or local government.
e.g. Sri Lanka has a unitary system where the national government has all the powers and can override regional authorities.
Jurisdiction
The area over which someone has legal authority, defined in terms of geographical boundaries or certain kinds of subjects.
e.g. The Union Government has jurisdiction over banking, while State Governments have jurisdiction over agriculture.
Union List
A list of subjects of national importance, such as defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications, and currency, on which only the Union Government can make laws.
e.g. The Union Government alone can declare war or print currency.
State List
A list of subjects of State and local importance, such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture, and irrigation, on which only the State Governments can make laws.
e.g. A State Government can make laws regarding its own police force.
Concurrent List
A list of subjects of common interest to both the Union and State Governments, such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption, and succession, on which both can make laws, but Union law prevails in case of conflict.
e.g. Both the Union and State Governments can make laws on education, but if they conflict, the Union law will apply.
Residuary subjects
Subjects that do not fall in any of the three lists (Union, State, or Concurrent), on which the Union Government has the power to legislate.
e.g. Computer software, which emerged after the Constitution was made, is a residuary subject and the Union Government can make laws on it.
Coalition government
A government formed by the coming together of at least two political parties, usually forming a political alliance and adopting a common programme.
e.g. After 1990, no single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, so national parties formed alliances with regional parties to create coalition governments.
Decentralisation
When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local government bodies, allowing problems to be settled at the local level with direct participation of people.
e.g. The 1992 Constitutional amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayats and Municipalities, making them more powerful and effective.
Panchayati Raj
The rural local government system, consisting of Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti or block at the intermediate level, and Zilla Parishad at the district level.
e.g. In a village, the Gram Panchayat is the decision-making body, with members called panch and a president called sarpanch.
Gram Sabha
A body consisting of all the voters in a village, which meets at least twice or thrice a year to approve the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat and review its performance.
e.g. All adult residents of a village are members of the Gram Sabha and can question the Gram Panchayat's decisions.
Union Territories
Areas that are too small to become independent States but cannot be merged with existing States, such as Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, or Delhi, where the Central Government has special powers.
e.g. Delhi is a Union Territory and does not have the full powers of a State; the Central Government runs it with special provisions.
Scheduled Languages
Languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, currently 22 in number, which are recognised for official purposes and for which candidates can opt in Central Government examinations.
e.g. Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Urdu are some of the Scheduled Languages.
Linguistic States
States created on the basis of language to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in the same State, which has made the country more united and administration easier.
e.g. Andhra Pradesh was created for Telugu-speaking people, and Maharashtra for Marathi-speaking people.
Special status (Article 371)
Special powers granted to some States like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram under Article 371 of the Constitution, due to their peculiar social and historical circumstances, especially regarding land rights, culture, and employment.
e.g. In Nagaland, non-permanent residents cannot buy land or house, protecting indigenous land rights.
How It Works
Formation of federations
  1. Step 1: Independent States come together on their own to form a bigger unit, pooling sovereignty and retaining identity, to increase security (e.g., USA, Switzerland, Australia).
  2. Step 2: Alternatively, a large country decides to divide its power between the constituent States and the national government (e.g., India, Spain, Belgium).
  3. Step 3: In 'coming together' federations, constituent States usually have equal power and are strong vis-à-vis the federal government.
  4. Step 4: In 'holding together' federations, the Central Government tends to be more powerful, and constituent units may have unequal powers.
💡 Students often confuse the two routes: 'coming together' federations are formed by independent states joining, while 'holding together' federations are formed by a large country dividing power.
Three-fold distribution of legislative powers in India
  1. Step 1: The Constitution divides subjects into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
  2. Step 2: The Union Government alone makes laws on Union List subjects (e.g., defence, foreign affairs, banking).
  3. Step 3: State Governments alone make laws on State List subjects (e.g., police, agriculture, irrigation).
  4. Step 4: Both Union and State Governments can make laws on Concurrent List subjects (e.g., education, forest, marriage), but Union law prevails in case of conflict.
  5. Step 5: For residuary subjects not in any list, the Union Government has the power to legislate.
💡 Students often forget that the Union law prevails over State law on Concurrent List subjects, and that residuary subjects are also under Union jurisdiction.
Decentralisation through local government (1992 amendment)
  1. Step 1: The Constitution was amended in 1992 to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective.
  2. Step 2: Regular elections to local government bodies are now constitutionally mandatory.
  3. Step 3: Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in elected bodies and executive heads.
  4. Step 4: At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
  5. Step 5: An independent State Election Commission is created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
  6. Step 6: State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies, though the nature of sharing varies from State to State.
💡 Students often miss that the 1992 amendment made elections mandatory and created the State Election Commission, but many states still have not transferred significant powers or resources to local bodies.
Structure of rural local government (Panchayati Raj)
  1. Step 1: At the village level, a Gram Panchayat is formed, consisting of ward members (panch) and a president (sarpanch), directly elected by all adult population in the ward or village.
  2. Step 2: The Gram Sabha, consisting of all voters in the village, meets at least twice or thrice a year to approve the annual budget and review performance.
  3. Step 3: A few Gram Panchayats are grouped to form a Panchayat Samiti or block or mandal, whose members are elected by all panchayat members in that area.
  4. Step 4: All Panchayat Samitis in a district together constitute the Zilla Parishad, with most members elected, and the chairperson as its political head.
💡 Students often confuse the roles: Gram Panchayat is the executive body, Gram Sabha is the general body of all voters, and Zilla Parishad is at the district level.
Structure of urban local government
  1. Step 1: Municipalities are set up in towns, and Municipal Corporations in big cities.
  2. Step 2: Both are controlled by elected bodies consisting of people's representatives.
  3. Step 3: The Municipal Chairperson is the political head of a municipality, while in a Municipal Corporation, the head is called the Mayor.
💡 Students often forget that the head of a Municipal Corporation is called the Mayor, not the Chairperson.
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ Confusing 'Union of States' with a unitary system
✗ India is not a federation because the Constitution calls it a 'Union of States' and does not use the word 'federation'.
→ The Constitution declares India as a 'Union of States' but it is based on the principles of federalism. The absence of the word 'federation' does not negate the federal structure; all seven features of federalism apply to India.
✓ Although the Indian Constitution does not use the word 'federation', the Indian Union is based on the principles of federalism, with a clear division of powers between the Union and State Governments as specified in the three lists.
⚠ Misunderstanding the Concurrent List conflict resolution
✗ Both Union and State Governments have equal power on Concurrent List subjects, and if laws conflict, the State law prevails.
→ The Constitution clearly states that if laws on Concurrent List subjects conflict, the law made by the Union Government will prevail, not the State law.
✓ On Concurrent List subjects, both Union and State Governments can make laws, but if their laws conflict, the law made by the Union Government will prevail.
⚠ Thinking all States have equal powers in India
✗ All States in the Indian Union have identical powers, just like in the USA.
→ India is a 'holding together' federation, and not all States have equal powers. Some States like Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram enjoy special powers under Article 371, and Union Territories have very little power compared to States.
✓ In India, all States do not have identical powers. Some States enjoy special status under Article 371 due to social and historical circumstances, and Union Territories have limited powers with the Central Government having special authority.
⚠ Confusing 'official language' with 'national language'
✗ Hindi is the national language of India.
→ The Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the official language, but there are 22 Scheduled Languages, and English continues to be used for official purposes along with Hindi.
✓ Hindi is the official language of India, not the national language. The Constitution recognises 22 Scheduled Languages, and English is also used for official purposes.
⚠ Assuming linguistic states caused disintegration
✗ The formation of linguistic States led to the disintegration of the country, as some national leaders feared.
→ The experience has shown that the formation of linguistic States has actually made the country more united and made administration easier, contrary to the initial fears.
✓ The formation of linguistic States has strengthened national unity and made administration easier, as it allowed people speaking the same language to live in the same State.
⚠ Thinking local governments have full autonomy after 1992
✗ After the 1992 Constitutional amendment, local governments have full powers and resources to function independently.
→ While the 1992 amendment made elections mandatory and created the State Election Commission, most state governments have not transferred significant powers or adequate resources to local governments, so the ideal of self-government is still far from being realised.
✓ The 1992 amendment made local government more powerful and effective by mandating regular elections and reservations, but in practice, many state governments have not devolved significant powers or resources to local bodies.
Compare & Contrast
Distribution of power between levels of government
Federal system
Unitary system
In a federal system, power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, both enjoying independent power constitutionally guaranteed; in a unitary system, either there is only one level of government or sub-units are subordinate to the central government, which can pass orders to them.
Route of formation and power balance
Coming together federation
Holding together federation
In a 'coming together' federation, independent states come together to form a bigger unit, with constituent states usually having equal power and being strong vis-à-vis the federal government (e.g., USA); in a 'holding together' federation, a large country divides its power, with the central government tending to be more powerful and constituent units often having unequal powers (e.g., India).
Role and membership in rural local government
Gram Panchayat
Gram Sabha
Gram Panchayat is a council consisting of elected ward members (panch) and a sarpanch, which is the decision-making body for the village; Gram Sabha is the body of all voters in the village, which meets to approve the annual budget and review the performance of the Gram Panchayat.
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: This chapter typically appears in board exams with 2-3 MCQs (1 mark each), 1-2 short answer questions of 3 marks, and 1 long answer question of 5 marks, totalling approximately 10-12 marks.
Most asked: Key features of federalism · Three-fold distribution of legislative powers (Union, State, Concurrent Lists) · Difference between federal and unitary government · Linguistic States and their impact on national unity · Language policy of India · Decentralisation and the 1992 Constitutional amendment · Structure of Panchayati Raj institutions
Don't skip: Explain the key features of federalism with examples from India.; Describe the three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union and State Governments.; How has federalism been strengthened in India through linguistic states, language policy, and centre-state relations?; Explain the importance of the 1992 Constitutional amendment in strengthening local self-government.
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, both enjoying independent power.
  2. In a unitary system, sub-units are subordinate to the central government, which can pass orders to them.
  3. India is a 'holding together' federation where the Central Government tends to be more powerful than the States.
  4. The Constitution provides a three-fold distribution of legislative powers: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
  5. The Union Government alone can make laws on Union List subjects like defence, foreign affairs, and banking.
  6. State Governments alone can make laws on State List subjects like police, agriculture, and irrigation.
  7. On Concurrent List subjects like education and forest, both can make laws, but Union law prevails in case of conflict.
  8. Residuary subjects not in any list are under the jurisdiction of the Union Government.
  9. The formation of linguistic States has made India more united and administration easier.
  10. Hindi is the official language, not the national language; there are 22 Scheduled Languages.
  11. The 1992 Constitutional amendment made regular elections to local government bodies mandatory and reserved one-third of seats for women.
  12. Panchayati Raj has three tiers: Gram Panchayat at village level, Panchayat Samiti at block level, and Zilla Parishad at district level.
  13. Gram Sabha consists of all voters in a village and approves the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat.
  14. Municipalities are set up in towns, and Municipal Corporations in big cities, with a Mayor as the head of a corporation.
  15. Coalition governments at the Centre after 1990 strengthened federalism by respecting State autonomy.
  16. Article 371 grants special powers to some States like Nagaland and Assam for protection of land rights and culture.

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. A state government in India wants to increase sales tax on goods within its borders without central government approval. Based on federalism principles, what is the constitutional position? Assertion (A): The state government can increase sales tax independently within its jurisdiction. Reason (R): In a federal system, the fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Choose the correct option:

  • A. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A ✓
  • B. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • C. A is true but R is false
  • D. A is false but R is true

Answer: A — State governments have independent taxation powers within their jurisdiction (A is true), but R is about constitutional amendment—not about regular tax powers—so R doesn't explain A; students confuse constitutional protection with day-to-day fiscal autonomy.

Q2. Read this extract: 'Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form in 1993 by giving regional governments constitutional powers that were no longer dependent on the central government.' Why was this change significant for Belgium's diverse regions? A) It allowed the central government to withdraw powers whenever needed B) It prevented regional governments from having any financial autonomy C) It guaranteed constitutional protection to regional governments' powers, reducing central government dominance D) It created a unitary system with stronger central authority

  • A. It allowed the central government to withdraw powers whenever needed
  • B. It prevented regional governments from having any financial autonomy
  • C. It guaranteed constitutional protection to regional governments' powers, reducing central government dominance ✓
  • D. It created a unitary system with stronger central authority

Answer: C — The text explicitly states powers became constitutional and no longer dependent on central government; students often miss that constitutionalization means protection and autonomy, not revocable privilege.

Q3. India, Spain, and Belgium are examples of 'holding together' federations. Which historical circumstance best explains why the central government tends to be more powerful in such federations compared to 'coming together' federations like the USA? A) Large countries deciding to divide power retain stronger central authority to maintain national unity B) Holding together federations have fewer states than coming together federations C) Coming together federations adopted federalism to increase their military power D) Holding together federations do not allow states to have independent courts

  • A. Large countries deciding to divide power retain stronger central authority to maintain national unity ✓
  • B. Holding together federations have fewer states than coming together federations
  • C. Coming together federations adopted federalism to increase their military power
  • D. Holding together federations do not allow states to have independent courts

Answer: A — Holding together federations formed when a large country divided power (top-down), so central government kept more authority; coming together federations formed when independent states pooled sovereignty (bottom-up), giving states more equality; students confuse the origin with the number of states.

Q4. A dispute arises between the Maharashtra state government and the Indian central government over which level has authority to regulate water resources from the Godavari River. According to federalism principles in the Indian Constitution, who would settle this dispute? A) The state Chief Minister in consultation with Prime Minister B) The Supreme Court, which interprets the constitution and acts as an umpire between levels of government C) The central government, since water is a national resource D) A referendum conducted among citizens of Maharashtra

  • A. The state Chief Minister in consultation with Prime Minister
  • B. The Supreme Court, which interprets the constitution and acts as an umpire between levels of government ✓
  • C. The central government, since water is a national resource
  • D. A referendum conducted among citizens of Maharashtra

Answer: B — Federal systems require courts as umpires to interpret constitutional jurisdiction; students mistakenly believe central government automatically wins all disputes or that political negotiation alone settles constitutional questions.

Q5. Read this extract from a policy document: 'In 1993, Belgium granted constitutional status to its regional governments, making their powers independent of central government withdrawal.' Why did this constitutional change address the concerns of Belgium's different communities? A) It ensured regional governments could protect local language, culture, and interests without fear of central government reversal B) It gave all regional governments equal power to the central government C) It abolished the central government entirely D) It forced all communities to accept the same language policy

  • A. It ensured regional governments could protect local language, culture, and interests without fear of central government reversal ✓
  • B. It gave all regional governments equal power to the central government
  • C. It abolished the central government entirely
  • D. It forced all communities to adopt the same language policy

Answer: A — Constitutional protection creates security and autonomy for diverse regions to preserve distinct identities; students often think equal power (B) or abolition (C) is necessary for federalism to work.

Q6. A political scientist observes: 'Federalism in India serves a dual purpose—it unites the nation while accommodating regional diversity.' Assertion (A): The Indian federal system requires mutual trust and agreement between central and state governments. Reason (R): Without mutual trust, disputes over jurisdiction will constantly weaken the nation. Choose the correct option:

  • A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A ✓
  • C. A is true but R is false
  • D. A is false but R is true

Answer: B — Mutual trust is indeed crucial to federalism (A true), and disputes weaken nations (R true), but R describes consequences rather than explaining why trust is an essential feature of federalism itself; students confuse necessity with definition.

Q7. The map shows that most large countries of the world are federations, and their citizens comprise 40% of global population. Based on this pattern and the chapter's definition, why do large countries tend to adopt federal systems rather than unitary systems? A) Federal systems require more government officials than unitary systems B) Large countries need to divide power between central and regional governments to manage diversity and maintain local accountability while preserving national unity C) Unitary systems prevent large countries from having a strong central government D) Federal systems automatically eliminate all conflicts between center and states

  • A. Federal systems require more government officials than unitary systems
  • B. Large countries need to divide power between central and regional governments to manage diversity and maintain local accountability while preserving national unity ✓
  • C. Unitary systems prevent large countries from having a strong central government
  • D. Federal systems automatically eliminate all conflicts between center and states

Answer: B — Large diverse countries use federalism to balance national integration with regional autonomy; students often think it's about official numbers or assume federalism eliminates all conflict rather than managing it constitutionally.

Q8. Which of the following statements best contrasts unitary and federal systems based on the chapter's definition? Assertion (A): In a unitary system, the central government can direct provincial governments through orders. Reason (R): In a federal system, state governments have independent powers and are not subordinate to the central government. Choose the correct option:

  • A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A ✓
  • C. A is true but R is false
  • D. A is false but R is true

Answer: B — Both statements accurately describe the systems (A and R true), but R is a separate characteristic of federalism, not an explanation of why unitary systems allow central orders; students mistake parallel descriptions for causal relationships.

Q9. A news headline reads: 'Punjab Demands Control Over Water Management Within Its Borders; Centre Insists on National Policy.' Applying federalism principles, how should the Indian constitutional framework ideally address this conflict? A) The central government must always control water, as it is a national resource B) Punjab can do whatever it wants without consulting the center C) The constitution specifies the jurisdiction over water resources, and courts interpret jurisdiction disputes D) This conflict proves federalism does not work in India

  • A. The central government must always control water, as it is a national resource
  • B. Punjab can do whatever it wants without consulting the center
  • C. The constitution specifies the jurisdiction over water resources, and courts interpret jurisdiction disputes ✓
  • D. This conflict proves federalism does not work in India

Answer: C — Federal systems distribute jurisdictions constitutionally and use courts to resolve disputes; students wrongly assume central government has automatic supremacy (A) or that federalism requires no mechanism to settle conflicts (D).

Q10. Read this feature: 'In federations like the USA, Switzerland, and Australia, constituent states have equal power and are strong relative to the federal government. In federations like India, Spain, and Belgium, different constituent units have unequal powers, and some are granted special powers.' What explains this structural difference? A) Federations formed by independent states pooling sovereignty maintain state equality; federations formed by large countries dividing power allow unequal power distribution B) USA, Switzerland, and Australia are more democratic than India, Spain, and Belgium C) Equal power in federations is always better for protecting diversity D) Unequal power in holding-together federations prevents those states from having any autonomy

  • A. Federations formed by independent states pooling sovereignty maintain state equality; federations formed by large countries dividing power allow unequal power distribution ✓
  • B. USA, Switzerland, and Australia are more democratic than India, Spain, and Belgium
  • C. Equal power in federations is always better for protecting diversity
  • D. Unequal power in holding-together federations prevents those states from having any autonomy

Answer: A — The chapter explicitly connects the historical origin (coming together vs. holding together) to power distribution patterns; students confuse democracy with federation type or misunderstand that unequal power still permits substantial autonomy.

Flashcards

What is federalism?

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units (states/provinces), with each level having independent jurisdiction in specified matters.

What is the difference between 'Coming Together' and 'Holding Together' federations?

Coming Together: independent states voluntarily unite (USA, Australia); Holding Together: a large country divides power among regions (India, Belgium).

Name two 'Coming Together' federations and two 'Holding Together' federations.

Coming Together: USA, Australia, Switzerland; Holding Together: India, Spain, Belgium.

How does federalism differ from a unitary system?

In federalism, state governments have independent power and are not answerable to the central government; in unitary systems, all power ultimately rests with the central government.

Why did Belgium shift from unitary to federal system in 1993?

To reduce central government power and give regional governments constitutional (not revocable) powers over their own affairs, addressing regional diversity concerns.

What is jurisdiction in the context of federalism?

The specific area or subject matters over which a level of government has legal authority, as defined by the constitution.

Name three key features of a federal system.

Two or more levels of government; constitutionally guaranteed jurisdiction for each tier; fundamental constitutional changes require consent of both levels.

What role do courts play in a federal system?

Courts interpret the constitution and act as umpires to resolve disputes between different levels of government over their respective powers.

Why are sources of revenue separately specified in a federal constitution?

To ensure financial autonomy of each level of government so neither level becomes economically dependent on the other.

What two conditions are essential for an ideal federal system to work?

Mutual trust between different levels of government and agreement on clear rules of power-sharing that both levels abide by.

Important Board Questions

Define federalism and state any two key features that distinguish it from a unitary system. [2 marks]

Define as division of power between centre and states with independent jurisdiction; mention that states are not answerable to centre for their matters and jurisdiction is constitutionally guaranteed (unlike unitary where centre issues orders to sub-units).

Explain the difference between 'Coming Together' and 'Holding Together' federations. Give one example of each and explain which category India belongs to and why. [3 marks]

Coming Together: independent states voluntarily unite (USA example); Holding Together: large country divides power (India example). India is Holding Together because after Independence it united diverse regions and princely states under one constitution; the centre tends to be more powerful.

Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal system in 1993. Analyze why this change was necessary for managing diversity. Also discuss how federalism's dual objective of maintaining unity while accommodating diversity operates in practice through mutual trust and constitutional provisions. [5 marks]

Explain that regional governments needed constitutional (not revocable) powers to address language and cultural diversity concerns. Discuss the dual objective: federalism must balance national integration with regional autonomy. Explain three mechanisms: (1) constitutionally guaranteed jurisdiction prevents centre from withdrawing powers; (2) mutual trust between levels required for cooperation; (3) courts as umpires resolve disputes; (4) revenue separation ensures neither becomes dependent. Use Belgium's linguistic regions as evidence.

Assertion-Reason Questions for Federalism

Q1. Assertion (A):

Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal system in 1993.

Reason (R):

Belgium became a federal system because regional governments were given constitutional powers that were no longer dependent on or withdrawable by the central government.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why Belgium made this shift. The material explicitly states that Belgium changed in 1993 to give regional governments constitutional powers independent of the central government, transforming it from unitary to federal.

Q2. Assertion (A):

In federalism, both the central and state governments are separately answerable to the people.

Reason (R):

This is because federalism works only in large countries with diverse populations.

Answer: C — A is true but R is false — The assertion is true—the material confirms both governments are separately answerable to the people. However, the reason is false because federalism works in countries of various sizes (Belgium is relatively small), and separate accountability exists to ensure power-sharing and democratic accountability, not just because of size or diversity alone.

Q3. Assertion (A):

In 'coming together' federations, constituent states usually have equal power and are strong compared to the federal government.

Reason (R):

Because independent states voluntarily unite to form a federation while pooling sovereignty and retaining their identity.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The material clearly states that in coming together federations (USA, Switzerland, Australia), independent states unite to increase security while retaining identity, resulting in relatively equal power among states and stronger state governments vis-à-vis the federal government.

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Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for Federalism

Case Study:

India is a large country with over 1.4 billion people speaking hundreds of languages, practicing different religions, and having distinct regional cultures. When India adopted its Constitution in 1950, the framers faced the challenge of maintaining national unity while respecting this vast diversity. They chose federalism as the system of government, dividing power between the central government and state governments. The Constitution specifies which subjects fall under central authority (like defense, foreign policy, currency), which are state responsibilities (like education, agriculture, local police), and which are shared (like taxation). This arrangement allows the central government to maintain national unity while states govern many local affairs according to their regional needs.

Q1. Why did India's Constitution framers choose federalism for governing the country?

  • A. To concentrate all power in the central government
  • B. To divide power between central and state governments to maintain unity while respecting regional diversity ✓
  • C. To eliminate state governments entirely
  • D. To follow the same system as Sri Lanka

Answer: B

Q2. Which of the following would be a central government subject according to the passage?

  • A. Local police
  • B. Agriculture
  • C. Defense and foreign policy ✓
  • D. Education

Answer: C

Q3. What is the primary advantage of India's federal structure in managing its linguistic and religious diversity?

  • A. It forces all regions to follow identical rules
  • B. It allows states to address regional needs while the central government maintains national unity ✓
  • C. It eliminates the need for a central government
  • D. It makes India a unitary system

Answer: B

Q4. According to the passage, which of the following is an example of a shared subject between central and state governments?

  • A. Defense
  • B. Foreign policy
  • C. Taxation ✓
  • D. Currency

Answer: C

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Previous Year Questions (PYQ) for Federalism

Real CBSE board exam questions from past papers — free to attempt.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/4/1 · 1 mark

Read the given statements regarding decentralisation in India and choose the correct option: i. Rural local government is known as Panchayati Raj. ii. Each village or group of villages have Gram Panchayat. iii. Panch and Sarpanch of villages are selected by Election Commission. iv. Panchayat works under the supervision of Gram Sabha.

  • only i, iii and iv are correct.
  • only i, ii and iv are correct.
  • only ii, iii and iv are correct.
  • only i, ii and iii are correct.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/4/1 · 3 marks

How does the Indian Constitution define the distribution of powers between the centre and the states? Explain with examples.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/5/1 · 1 mark

Read the given statements regarding urban local government and choose the correct option: I. Municipalities are setup in towns. II. Big cities have Municipal Corporation. III. Municipal chairperson is the head of Block Samiti. IV. The officer in Municipal Corporation is called as Mayor.

  • Only I, II and III are correct.
  • Only I, II and IV are correct.
  • Only I, III and IV are correct.
  • Only II, III and IV are correct.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/5/1 · 3 marks

How does the 'system of three lists' function in Indian federalism? Explain with examples.

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/1 · 1 mark

Belgium solved its problem of majoritarianism by strengthening which of the following types of government?

  • Unitary
  • Presidential
  • Federal
  • Parliamentary

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/1 · 1 mark

Choose the correctly matched pair from the following:

  • Canada - Unitary
  • Bolivia - Federal
  • Australia - Unitary
  • Spain - Federal

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/2 · 1 mark

Choose the correctly matched pair from the following: (Country) (System)

  • Canada - Unitary
  • Bolivia - Federal
  • Australia - Unitary
  • Spain - Federal

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/2 · 1 mark

A city called Porto Alegre in Brazil has carried out an extraordinary experiment in combining decentralisation with participative democracy. The city has set up a parallel organisation operating alongside the municipal council, enabling local inhabitants to take real decisions for their city. The nearly 13 lakh people in this city get to participate in making the budget for their own city. The city is divided into many sectors or what we call wards. Each sector has a meeting, like that of the gram sabha, in which anyone living in that area can participate. There are some meetings to discuss issues that affect the entire city. Any citizen of the city can participate in those meetings. The budget of the city is discussed in these meetings. The proposals are put to the municipality that takes a final decision about it.

In the context of separation of powers, the given example defines which type of government ?

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/2 · 2 marks

A city called Porto Alegre in Brazil has carried out an extraordinary experiment in combining decentralisation with participative democracy. The city has set up a parallel organisation operating alongside the municipal council, enabling local inhabitants to take real decisions for their city. The nearly 13 lakh people in this city get to participate in making the budget for their own city. The city is divided into many sectors or what we call wards. Each sector has a meeting, like that of the gram sabha, in which anyone living in that area can participate. There are some meetings to discuss issues that affect the entire city. Any citizen of the city can participate in those meetings. The budget of the city is discussed in these meetings. The proposals are put to the municipality that takes a final decision about it.

Describe the structure of the system in India which is almost similar to the above example of Brazil.

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/3 · 1 mark

An Experiment in Brazil A city called Porto Alegre in Brazil has carried out an extraordinary experiment in combining decentralisation with participative democracy. The city has set up a parallel organisation operating alongside the municipal council, enabling local inhabitants to take real decisions for their city. The nearly 13 lakh people in this city get to participate in making the budget for their own city. The city is divided into many sectors or what we call wards. Each sector has a meeting, like that of the gram sabha, in which anyone living in that area can participate. There are some meetings to discuss issues that affect the entire city. Any citizen of the city can participate in those meetings. The budget of the city is discussed in these meetings. The proposals are put to the municipality that takes a final decision about it.

In the context of separation of powers, the given example defines which type of government?

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/2/1 · 1 mark

Decentralisation in India The need for decentralisation was recognised in our Constitution. Since then, there have been several attempts to decentralise power to the level of villages and towns. Panchayats in villages and municipalities in urban areas were set up in all the States. But these were directly under the control of state governments. Elections to these local governments were not held regularly. Local governments did not have any powers or resources of their own. Thus, there was very little decentralisation in effective terms. A major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective.

At how many levels has decentralisation of power been done in the Indian Constitution?

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/2/2 · 1 mark

Which of the following countries is an example of sharing of power between the national and state governments to account for internal diversity?

  • United States of America
  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Switzerland

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