NCERT Political Science Chapter 2 : Federalism PDF

Federalism delves into the vertical division of power, a key feature of modern democracies, specifically focusing on the Indian context. This chapter explains the distinction between Unitary and Federal systems of government, highlighting how federalism accommodates regional diversity while maintaining national unity. Students are introduced to the key features of federalism, such as two or more levels of government, separate jurisdictions, and the supremacy of the Constitution. The chapter clarifies the ‘Coming Together’ and ‘Holding Together’ federations, categorizing countries like the USA and India respectively.A major focus of this chapter is the Indian Federal System. It details the three-fold distribution of legislative powers: the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, along with the concept of Residuary Powers. It discusses how federalism is practiced in India, covering the creation of Linguistic States, the Language Policy, and the changing Centre-State relations. This historical perspective helps students appreciate the maturity of Indian democracy.Furthermore, the chapter explores Decentralisation in India, specifically the landmark Constitutional Amendment of 1992 which strengthened the third tier of government—the Panchayati Raj and Municipalities. The significance of local self-government is emphasized, explaining how it deepens democracy by involving people directly in decision-making. Topics like the role of the Judiciary in resolving disputes between levels of government are also covered. This chapter is essential for understanding the structural framework of Indian governance and is a favorite topic for Board exam questions.