Ch 2: Federalism Notes I Civics Class 10

Ch 2: Federalism — Civics Class 10

If Power Sharing was the “theory,” Federalism is the “practice.” It is like a multi-story building where people on different floors have their own kitchens and rules, but they all share the same foundation and roof. It’s the art of being “Many” and “One” at the same time.

I. What is Federalism?

The Logic: Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units (like States).

The Comparison:

• Unitary System: Either there is only one level of government or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government. The Center can pass orders to the local government (e.g., Sri Lanka).

• Federal System: The central government cannot order the state government to do something. The state government has powers of its own for which it is not accountable to the central government (e.g., India, USA, Belgium).

II. Key Features of Federalism (The 7 Pillars)

The Logic: To be a true federation, a country must check these 7 boxes.

1. Two or more levels: There are at least two tiers of government (Central and State).

2. Same Citizens, Different Jurisdictions: Each tier governs the same citizens, but they have their own specific areas of authority in legislation, taxation, and administration.

3. Constitutional Guarantee: The existence and authority of each tier is constitutionally guaranteed.

4. Rigidity: Fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be changed by one level of government alone. Both levels must agree.

5. Judiciary as Umpire: Courts have the power to interpret the constitution. The Supreme Court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels.

6. Financial Autonomy: Sources of revenue for each level are clearly specified to ensure financial independence.

7. Dual Objective: To safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodating regional diversity.

III. The Two Routes to Federalism

The Logic: Federations aren’t all born the same way. There are two “paths” to creating one.

IV. What Makes India a Federal Country?

The Logic: The Indian Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system (Union and State), and later added a third tier (Panchayats and Municipalities). Power is shared through Three Lists.

The “Power Logic” Table of Indian Lists

Silly Mistake “Radar”

• The “Same Citizens” Point: Don’t get confused. You are a citizen of India (Center) and a resident of your state (State). You follow both sets of laws simultaneously!

• Concurrent Clash: In the Concurrent list, if the Center and State disagree, the Center’s law always prevails. This shows India is a “Holding Together” federation.

• USA vs India: Remember, US states have more equal power than Indian states (e.g., J&K used to have a special status, and UTs have less power).

The Keyword “Vault”

• Jurisdiction: The legal power or authority of a government over a specific geographic area or subject matter.

• Tier: A level or rank in an organization or system.

• Residuary: Subjects that did not exist when the Constitution was made (like the Internet).

V. How is Federalism Practiced?

The Logic: India’s success isn’t just due to the written laws, but the democratic politics that followed.

1. Linguistic States (The First Test)

• The Fear: Many leaders feared that dividing states based on language would break the country.

• The Reality: Creating states like Maharashtra (Marathi), Punjab (Punjabi), and Tamil Nadu (Tamil) actually made the country more united and administration easier.

2. Language Policy

• No National Language: Our Constitution does not give the status of “National Language” to any one language. Hindi is the “Official Language,” but it is the mother tongue of only about 40% of Indians.

• Scheduled Languages: There are 22 languages recognized as Scheduled Languages in the Constitution. A candidate for a central government job can opt to take the exam in any of these languages.

• Flexibility: Unlike Sri Lanka, India didn’t force Hindi on everyone. The use of English along with Hindi for official purposes continues, which avoided a civil war.

3. Centre-State Relations

• The Era of Dominance: For a long time, one party ruled both at the Centre and in most States. The Centre often misused the Constitution to dismiss State governments.

• The Era of Coalitions (Post-1990): No single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. Major national parties had to form alliances with regional parties.

• The Result: This led to a new culture of Power Sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments, supported by a major judgment of the Supreme Court.

VI. Decentralization in India

The Logic: “Decentralization” happens when power is taken from Central and State governments and given to Local Government.

Why do we need it?

1. Many problems are best settled at the local level.

2. People have better knowledge of problems in their localities.

3. It promotes direct participation in decision-making (the habit of democracy).

The 1992 Amendment (The Turning Point)

Before 1992, local bodies were under the control of State governments and elections were not regular. The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier more powerful:

• Mandatory Elections: It is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections.

• Reservation: Seats are reserved for SC, ST, and OBCs.

• Women’s Empowerment: At least one-third (33%) of all positions are reserved for women.

• State Election Commission: Created in every state to conduct these elections.

• Revenue Sharing: State governments must share some powers and revenue with local bodies.

VII. The Local Government Structure

The Logic: The system works differently in villages and cities.

A. Rural Local Government (Panchayati Raj):

1. Gram Panchayat: The decision-making body for the entire village. Led by the Sarpanch.

2. Gram Sabha: The “Parliament” of the village. All voters are members. It approves the budget and reviews the performance of the Panchayat.

3. Panchayat Samiti: A few Gram Panchayats grouped together at the block level.

4. Zila Parishad: All the Samitis in a district together. Most members are elected.

B. Urban Local Government:

1. Municipalities: Set up in towns. Headed by a Municipal Chairperson.

2. Municipal Corporations: Set up in big cities. Headed by an officer called the Mayor.

Silly Mistake “Radar”

• Hindi is NOT the National Language: Never write this in your exam. It is the Official Language.

• Gram Panchayat vs. Gram Sabha: The Panchayat is the small team (the Executive), while the Gram Sabha is everyone in the village (the Legislative).

• The 1/3rd Rule: Remember, the 33% reservation for women is currently only in Local Bodies, not yet in State Assemblies or Parliament (though the bill has been passed, it hasn’t been implemented yet in your current NCERT context).

The Keyword “Vault”

• Decentralization: The transfer of authority from central to local government.

• Coalition Government: A government formed by the coming together of at least two political parties.

• Autonomous: Having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs.

The Answer Architect: 5-Mark Practice

Q: “What were the major steps taken towards decentralization in 1992?”

• Intro: The 1992 Constitutional Amendment was a landmark move that gave a solid legal foundation to local self-government in India.

• Point 1 (Regularity): It made it constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies every five years.

• Point 2 (Social Inclusion): Seats were reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

• Point 3 (Gender Equality): At least one-third of all positions and seats were reserved specifically for women candidates.

• Point 4 (Independent Authority): An independent State Election Commission was created in every state to ensure free and fair conduct of local elections.

• Point 5 (Financial Power): State governments were required to share a portion of their powers and revenue with local bodies to make them functionally effective.

• Conclusion: These steps have deepened democracy in India by involving over 36 lakh elected representatives at the grassroots level.

padhayi.com “Quick-Fix” Summary

1. Federalism: Division of power between Centre, State, and Local tiers.

2. Routes: “Coming Together” (USA) vs. “Holding Together” (India).

3. The Lists: Union (National), State (Local), and Concurrent (Both).

4. Linguistic States: Proved that diversity can lead to unity.

5. Coalitions: Shifted power from one-party dominance to a culture of sharing.

6. Decentralization: The 1992 act brought “Swaraj” to villages and cities.

Practice like a Topper with our A+ Practice System! Federalism: Mission Accomplished! You have finished Civics Chapter 2.