Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2: Federalism

Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2: Concepts

 

Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2: Federalism

Overview

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of a country. It is a key feature of democracy and ensures that power is not concentrated in one authority but is distributed among different levels of government. This chapter explores the concept of federalism, its features, types, significance, and how it is practiced in India and other countries. The explanation includes all major concepts, examples, case studies, and judicial interpretations to provide a deeper understanding.

What is Federalism?

Federalism is a system of government where two or more levels of government govern the same citizens but have distinct areas of authority. The Constitution ensures a clear division of power to avoid conflicts and ensure efficient governance.

Features of Federalism:

  1. Two or More Levels of Government: There are multiple levels of government (national, state, and local), each with its own jurisdiction.
  2. Division of Powers: The Constitution clearly defines the responsibilities of each level of government to ensure efficient administration.
  3. Independence of Each Level: Each level has its own administration, laws, taxation, and governance mechanisms.
  4. Written Constitution: A federal system requires a written Constitution that defines the division of powers.
  5. Rigid Constitution: Changes to the Constitution require consent from both the central and state governments.
  6. Independent Judiciary: The judiciary acts as an arbitrator in disputes between different levels of government and ensures constitutional supremacy.

Types of Federalism

  1. Coming Together Federalism: In this model, independent states voluntarily unite to form a federation, retaining their individual identities while delegating limited power to a central government. Example: USA, Switzerland, Australia.
  2. Holding Together Federalism: A single country divides power between different levels of government to maintain unity while accommodating regional diversity. The central government is often more powerful. Example: India, Belgium, Spain.

Federalism in India

India follows a unique federal structure where power is distributed between the central and state governments, but the central government retains significant authority.

Division of Powers: The Three Lists

  1. Union List: Subjects under the central government’s exclusive authority, such as defense, foreign affairs, atomic energy, and banking.
  2. State List: Subjects under state jurisdiction, including police, agriculture, trade, and public health.
  3. Concurrent List: Subjects shared by both central and state governments, such as education, forests, trade unions, and labor laws. In case of conflict, central laws prevail.

Residuary Powers:

Matters not listed in any of the three lists fall under the authority of the central government, such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Evolution of Federalism in India

Although India follows a federal structure, it has unitary features as well. Some key developments include:

  • Formation of New States: Several new states have been created post-independence to address regional demands (e.g., Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana).
  • Special Provisions for Certain States: Article 370 (now revoked) granted special status to Jammu & Kashmir. Other states like Nagaland and Mizoram have special provisions to protect cultural identities.
  • Emergency Provisions: The central government can take control of a state under Article 356 during emergencies.

Decentralization in India

Decentralization refers to transferring power from central and state governments to local bodies for better governance.

73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992):

These amendments strengthened local self-government through:

  1. Panchayati Raj System (Rural Governance)
    • Gram Panchayat (Village level)
    • Block Samiti (Block level)
    • Zila Parishad (District level)
  2. Municipalities (Urban Governance)
    • Nagar Panchayats (For smaller towns)
    • Municipal Councils (For medium-sized cities)
    • Municipal Corporations (For large cities)

These local bodies have been granted financial and administrative autonomy to manage local affairs efficiently.

Case Studies

  1. Belgium and Sri Lanka:
    • Belgium: Adopted a federal model to accommodate linguistic and cultural diversity, ensuring representation for both Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities.
    • Sri Lanka: Followed a unitary model with a majoritarian approach, leading to ethnic tensions and civil war.
  2. United States:
    • Follows a strong federal structure where both federal and state governments function independently, with clear separation of powers.
  3. India:
    • India’s federal structure has been instrumental in maintaining unity in diversity while addressing regional and linguistic aspirations.

Advantages of Federalism

  • Promotes Unity in Diversity: Accommodates different languages, religions, and cultures.
  • Prevents Concentration of Power: Distributes power across different levels, preventing authoritarian rule.
  • Encourages Local Governance: Ensures better governance and accountability at the grassroots level.
  • Flexibility and Experimentation: States can implement policies suitable to their regional needs while following national principles.

Challenges of Federalism in India

  1. Inter-state Conflicts:
    • Water disputes between states (e.g., Cauvery River dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu).
  2. Economic Disparities:
    • Some states are more developed than others, creating an imbalance in economic growth.
  3. Political Competition:
    • Conflicts between the central and state governments, especially when different political parties are in power, can affect governance.
  4. Implementation of Policies:
    • Effective coordination is required to implement national policies while respecting state autonomy.

Judicial Interpretations of Federalism in India

The Supreme Court of India has played a crucial role in interpreting the federal structure. Some landmark cases include:

  1. S.R. Bommai Case (1994): Reinforced federal principles by limiting the misuse of Article 356 (President’s Rule in states).
  2. Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Established the “Basic Structure Doctrine,” ensuring that federalism is a fundamental part of the Constitution.
  3. State of West Bengal v. Union of India (1963): Stated that India’s federalism is unique and different from other federal models like the USA.

Conclusion

Federalism is an essential aspect of democratic governance, ensuring power-sharing and local representation. In India, federalism has evolved through constitutional provisions, political practices, and judicial interpretations, strengthening democracy while maintaining unity. Proper cooperation and coordination between different levels of government can enhance the efficiency and inclusivity of governance.

India’s federal structure has successfully accommodated its vast diversity while addressing regional aspirations, making it one of the most complex yet functional federal systems in the world.

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