Class 10, Social Science

Class 10 : Social Science (In English) – Lesson 14. Federalism

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On June 20, 2025
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EXPLANATION & SUMMARY

πŸ”΄ INTRODUCTION TO FEDERALISM
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. Both levels of government enjoy their own powers independently.

In India, this system is followed to manage the vast diversity in language, culture, religion, and geography. The Indian Constitution has provided a detailed structure of this division of powers, making India a federal country.

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🟒 KEY FEATURES OF FEDERALISM

➑️ 1. Two or More Levels of Government
There are two levels of government in a federal country – one at the central level and others at the state level. Sometimes, there is a third tier (local government).

➑️ 2. Division of Powers
The powers are divided between the central and state governments through the Constitution. The Indian Constitution provides three lists – Union List, State List, and Concurrent List – to define these divisions.

➑️ 3. Independent Judiciary
The judiciary acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government. In India, the Supreme Court ensures that the division of powers is maintained.

➑️ 4. Financial Autonomy
Both the Union and the states have separate sources of revenue. This financial independence ensures that neither depends entirely on the other.

➑️ 5. Constitution is Supreme
In a federal system, the Constitution is supreme and the powers of different levels are clearly mentioned in it.

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πŸ”΅ TYPES OF FEDERALISM

β˜‘οΈ 1. Coming Together Federation
Independent states come together to form a bigger unit. Power is usually equally distributed. Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia.

β˜‘οΈ 2. Holding Together Federation
A large country divides power between the central and state governments to keep the country united. Power is not equally divided. Examples: India, Spain, Belgium.

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🟑 HOW IS FEDERALISM PRACTISED IN INDIA?

βœ”οΈ 1. Constitutional Provisions
The Indian Constitution clearly lays out the powers of the Union and State Governments through three lists:

πŸ”Έ Union List: Subjects of national importance like defense, currency, railways.
πŸ”Έ State List: Subjects of state importance like police, trade, agriculture.
πŸ”Έ Concurrent List: Subjects of common interest like education, marriage, forests.

βœ”οΈ 2. Language Policy
India has 22 scheduled languages. The Constitution protects the rights of linguistic minorities. Hindi and English are the official languages, but states can have their own official languages.

βœ”οΈ 3. Centre-State Relations
The central government does not interfere in the matters of the states unless necessary. Over time, India’s federalism has strengthened with the rise of coalition governments and the demand for state autonomy.

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🟣 DECENTRALIZATION IN INDIA

πŸ”Ά 1. What is Decentralization?
Decentralization means giving more powers to the lower levels of government. In India, this happened through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992, which led to the formation of Panchayati Raj and Municipalities.

πŸ”Ά 2. Importance of Decentralization
➑️ Local governments understand local problems better.
➑️ They involve people in decision-making.
➑️ They reduce the burden on higher governments.

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⚫ STRUCTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN INDIA

πŸ”Ί 1. Rural Local Government (Panchayati Raj)
βœ”οΈ Gram Panchayat – at village level.
βœ”οΈ Panchayat Samiti – at block level.
βœ”οΈ Zilla Parishad – at district level.

πŸ”Ί 2. Urban Local Government (Municipalities)
βœ”οΈ Municipal Corporations – for big cities.
βœ”οΈ Municipal Councils – for smaller cities.
βœ”οΈ Nagar Panchayats – for towns in transition.

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🟀 FEDERALISM IN PRACTICE: SUCCESS OF INDIAN FEDERALISM

βœ… 1. Linguistic States
Creation of states on the basis of language, culture, and ethnicity strengthened federalism and promoted unity.

βœ… 2. Language Policy
Respect for linguistic diversity promotes harmony.

βœ… 3. Centre-State Relations
States today have more autonomy than before. Coalition politics has also made the Centre consult states on more issues.

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πŸ”· SIGNIFICANCE OF FEDERALISM IN INDIA

✴️ It maintains the unity of a diverse country.
✴️ It ensures representation of all groups.
✴️ It promotes democracy through decentralization.
✴️ It strengthens the nation’s integrity by accommodating regional identities.

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πŸŸ₯ CHALLENGES TO FEDERALISM

🚩 Central dominance in some areas still exists.
🚩 Financial dependence of local bodies is an issue.
🚩 Conflicts between states over resources like water.
🚩 Demands for more autonomy or new states occasionally cause tension.

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🟩 CONCLUSION

India’s federal structure has evolved over time to accommodate the vast diversity of the nation. Through constitutional provisions, decentralization, respect for diversity, and democratic practices, India’s federalism stands strong.

It is because of federalism that India remains united despite its vast cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversities.

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QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK

πŸ”’ ❓ Q1. Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India: Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
β—† On the blank outline political map of India, mark and label these States:
β—† Manipur
β—† Sikkim
β—† Chhattisgarh
β—† Goa
πŸ”’ ❓ Q2. Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
β—† Any three federal countries can be identified and shaded.
β—† Example: United States of America, Belgium and Australia
πŸ”’ ❓ Q3. Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
β—† Similar feature: In both India and Belgium, power is shared between the central government and regional/state governments.
β—† Different feature: In Belgium, the central government is usually not stronger than the state governments, but in India, the Central government is stronger than the State governments.
πŸ”’ ❓ Q4. What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
β—† In a federal government, powers are divided between the central government and state governments.
β—† In a unitary government, all major powers are with the central government, and local governments work under it.
β—† Example: India has a federal system, while Sri Lanka has a unitary system.
πŸ”’ ❓ Q5. State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
β—† Before 1992: Local governments did not have a constitutional status.
β—† After 1992: Local governments got constitutional recognition.
β—† Before 1992: Elections to local bodies were not held regularly.
β—† After 1992: It became mandatory to hold regular elections to local bodies.
πŸ”’ ❓ Q6. Fill in the blanks:
Since the United States is a ______ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are __ vis-Γ -vis the federal government. But India is a ______ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the __ government has more powers.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
β—† Since the United States is a coming together type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are strong vis-Γ -vis the federal government.
β—† But India is a holding together type of federation and some States have more power than others.
β—† In India, the Central government has more powers.
πŸ”’ ❓ Q7. Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
β—† I support Sangeeta’s position.
β—† The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity because people speaking different languages got respect and recognition.
β—† When States were reorganised on the basis of language, many regional demands were peacefully adjusted.
β—† Example: Creation of linguistic States like Andhra Pradesh helped reduce conflict and strengthened unity in India.
πŸ”’ ❓ Q8. The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
(a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments.
(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.
βœ”οΈ Answer: 🟣4️⃣ Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.
πŸ”’ ❓ Q9. A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.
A. Defence; B. Police; C. Agriculture; D. Education; E. Banking; F. Forests; G. Communications; H. Trade; I. Marriages
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
β—† Union List: Defence, Banking, Communications
β—† State List: Police, Agriculture, Trade
β—† Concurrent List: Education, Forests, Marriages
πŸ”’ ❓ Q10. Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) State government β€” State List
(b) Central government β€” Union List
(c) Central and State governments β€” Concurrent List
(d) Local governments β€” Residuary powers
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
β—† The pair that is not correctly matched is (d) Local governments β€” Residuary powers.
β—† Reason: Residuary powers belong to the Central government, not to local governments.
πŸ”’ ❓ Q11. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List I
Union of India
State
Municipal Corporation
Gram Panchayat
List II
A. Prime Minister
B. Sarpanch
C. Governor
D. Mayor
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
β—† 1 β†’ A (Union of India β†’ Prime Minister)
β—† 2 β†’ C (State β†’ Governor)
β—† 3 β†’ D (Municipal Corporation β†’ Mayor)
β—† 4 β†’ B (Gram Panchayat β†’ Sarpanch)
β—† Therefore, the correct option is (c)
πŸ”’ ❓ Q12. Consider the following two statements.
A. In a federation, the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.
B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the States have been devolved to the local government bodies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
β—† A is correct because in a federation powers are clearly divided between different levels of government.
β—† B is correct because the Constitution divides powers between Union and State governments.
β—† C is incorrect because Sri Lanka is a unitary country, not a federation.
β—† D is incorrect because devolution to local bodies does not end federalism.
β—† Therefore, the correct option is (c) A and B only.

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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS

(CBSE MODEL QUESTION PAPER)

ESPECIALLY MADE FROM THIS CHAPTER ONLY

πŸ”· Section A – Objective / Very Short Answer Questions

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 1. What is federalism?
🟒 1️⃣ A system with only one level of government
πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ A system in which powers are divided between different levels of government
🟑 3️⃣ A system ruled only by judges
🟣 4️⃣ A system without a Constitution
βœ”οΈ Answer: πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ A system in which powers are divided between different levels of government

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 2. Which of the following is a key feature of federalism?
🟒 1️⃣ Centralization of all powers
πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ Division of powers
🟑 3️⃣ No written Constitution
🟣 4️⃣ One-party rule
βœ”οΈ Answer: πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ Division of powers

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 3. How many levels of government are there in India?
🟒 1️⃣ One
πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ Two
🟑 3️⃣ Three
🟣 4️⃣ Four
βœ”οΈ Answer: 🟑 3️⃣ Three

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 4. Which level is included in the third tier of government in India?
🟒 1️⃣ Supreme Court
πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ Panchayats and Municipalities
🟑 3️⃣ Parliament
🟣 4️⃣ Governor’s office
βœ”οΈ Answer: πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ Panchayats and Municipalities

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 5. Which list contains subjects of national importance like defence and foreign affairs?
🟒 1️⃣ State List
πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ Union List
🟑 3️⃣ Concurrent List
🟣 4️⃣ Residual List
βœ”οΈ Answer: πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ Union List

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 6. Which of the following is usually included in the State List?
🟒 1️⃣ Defence
πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ Police
🟑 3️⃣ Currency
🟣 4️⃣ Foreign policy
βœ”οΈ Answer: πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ Police

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 7. Education is generally included in which list?
🟒 1️⃣ Union List
πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ State List
🟑 3️⃣ Concurrent List
🟣 4️⃣ Residual List
βœ”οΈ Answer: 🟑 3️⃣ Concurrent List

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 8. Who settles disputes between different levels of government in a federation?
🟒 1️⃣ Media
πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ Judiciary
🟑 3️⃣ Election Commission
🟣 4️⃣ Local bodies
βœ”οΈ Answer: πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ Judiciary

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 9. What type of federation is India?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή India is a federal system with a strong central government.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 10. What is meant by β€˜coming together federation’?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή It is a federation where independent states come together to form a bigger unit, like the USA.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 11. What is meant by β€˜holding together federation’?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή It is a federation where one large country divides powers between the central and state governments, like India.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 12. Name one country that is a coming together federation.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή USA / Switzerland / Australia

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 13. Name one country that is a holding together federation.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή India / Belgium / Spain

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 14. Which language is recognised as the official language of the Union government in India?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή Hindi is the official language of the Union government.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 15. Does India have a national language?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή No, India does not have any national language.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 16. What is decentralisation?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή Decentralisation means taking power away from the central and state governments and giving it to local governments.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 17. In which year was the constitutional status of local government strengthened in India?
🟒 1️⃣ 1947
πŸ”΅ 2️⃣ 1950
🟑 3️⃣ 1992
🟣 4️⃣ 2005
βœ”οΈ Answer: 🟑 3️⃣ 1992

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 18. Name one rural local government body.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή Gram Panchayat

πŸ”· Section B – Short Answer Questions (2–3 marks)

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 19. Write any two main features of federalism.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή There are two or more levels of government.
πŸ”Ή The powers of each level are constitutionally guaranteed.
πŸ”Ή The Constitution is supreme.
πŸ”Ή The judiciary settles disputes between levels of government.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 20. Why is India called a federal country?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή India is called a federal country because powers are divided between the Union government, State governments, and local governments.
πŸ”Ή Each level has its own sphere of authority.
πŸ”Ή This division is protected by the Constitution.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 21. What is the importance of the judiciary in a federal system?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή The judiciary interprets the Constitution.
πŸ”Ή It settles disputes between the Centre and the States.
πŸ”Ή It protects the federal balance and prevents misuse of power.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 22. Why was linguistic reorganisation of states important in India?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή It gave recognition to regional languages and identities.
πŸ”Ή It reduced regional dissatisfaction.
πŸ”Ή It strengthened national unity instead of weakening it.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 23. What is the importance of local self-government?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή It brings democracy to the grassroots level.
πŸ”Ή Local people can solve local problems more effectively.
πŸ”Ή It increases people’s participation in governance.

πŸ”· Section C – Source-Based Questions (3 marks each)

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 24. Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
β€œFederalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. Usually, a federation has two levels of government. In India, there are three levels of government.”
(ΰ€•) What is federalism?
(ΰ€–) How many levels of government are there in India?
(ΰ€—) Name the third tier of government in India.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή (ΰ€•) Federalism is a system in which power is divided between central and constituent units.
πŸ”Ή (ΰ€–) There are three levels of government in India.
πŸ”Ή (ΰ€—) The third tier is local government, that is, Panchayats and Municipalities.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 25. Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
β€œIndia followed a cautious language policy. Hindi was identified as the official language, but many other languages were also recognised. States were formed on a linguistic basis.”
(ΰ€•) Which language was identified as the official language of the Union government?
(ΰ€–) Were other languages recognised in India?
(ΰ€—) Why was the linguistic reorganisation of states important?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή (ΰ€•) Hindi was identified as the official language of the Union government.
πŸ”Ή (ΰ€–) Yes, many other languages were also recognised.
πŸ”Ή (ΰ€—) It respected linguistic diversity and strengthened unity.

πŸ”· Section D – Short Answer Type Questions (3 marks each)

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 26. Distinguish between coming together federation and holding together federation.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή In a coming together federation, independent states join together to form a larger unit.
πŸ”Ή In a holding together federation, one large country divides powers between the Centre and states.
πŸ”Ή USA is an example of coming together federation, while India is an example of holding together federation.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 27. What are the powers and functions of a Gram Panchayat?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή It looks after local development works in the village.
πŸ”Ή It maintains roads, water supply, sanitation and public property.
πŸ”Ή It implements government schemes and solves local issues.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 28. Explain any three provisions that make Indian federalism successful.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή Powers are clearly divided in the Constitution.
πŸ”Ή Independent judiciary settles disputes.
πŸ”Ή Linguistic states and decentralisation strengthened unity and participation.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 29. Why is decentralisation necessary in a large country like India?
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή Local people understand local problems better.
πŸ”Ή It reduces the burden on central and state governments.
πŸ”Ή It improves efficiency and deepens democracy.

πŸ”· Section E – Long Answer Questions (5 marks each)

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 30. Explain the major features of federalism.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή Federalism is a system in which powers are divided between different levels of government.
πŸ”Ή It has two or more levels of government.
πŸ”Ή Each level governs the same citizens but has its own jurisdiction in specific matters.
πŸ”Ή The powers are written in the Constitution, so they cannot be changed easily.
πŸ”Ή The Constitution is supreme, and courts interpret it when disputes arise.
πŸ”Ή Sources of revenue are also divided to ensure financial autonomy.
πŸ”Ή Thus, federalism combines unity with regional autonomy.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 31. Explain how federalism in India has been made more effective.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή Indian federalism has become more effective through several important developments.
πŸ”Ή First, the creation of linguistic states helped recognise regional identities.
πŸ”Ή Second, language policy gave respect to many languages and reduced conflict.
πŸ”Ή Third, the rise of coalition governments at the Centre gave states a greater role in national politics.
πŸ”Ή Fourth, decentralisation through Panchayats and Municipalities brought power to the local level.
πŸ”Ή These steps made Indian federalism more democratic, flexible and inclusive.
πŸ”Ή Therefore, Indian federalism has strengthened over time.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 32. Describe the structure and importance of local self-government in India.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή Local self-government is the third tier of Indian democracy.
πŸ”Ή In rural areas, local bodies include Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad.
πŸ”Ή In urban areas, local bodies include Municipalities and Municipal Corporations.
πŸ”Ή These institutions deal with local matters such as roads, sanitation, water, street lighting and health.
πŸ”Ή The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments gave them constitutional status.
πŸ”Ή They also increased women’s and weaker sections’ participation through reservation.
πŸ”Ή Thus, local self-government strengthens democracy at the grassroots level.

πŸ”’ ❓ Question 33. β€œFederalism in India reflects the spirit of unity in diversity.” Explain the statement.
πŸ“Œ βœ… Answer:
πŸ”Ή India is a country of many languages, cultures, religions and regions.
πŸ”Ή Federalism allows this diversity to exist within one united political system.
πŸ”Ή Different states get autonomy in matters important to them, while the Centre handles national matters.
πŸ”Ή Linguistic states, recognition of many languages and decentralisation have helped maintain harmony.
πŸ”Ή Instead of suppressing differences, Indian federalism accommodates them.
πŸ”Ή This strengthens both democracy and national unity.
πŸ”Ή Therefore, Indian federalism truly reflects the spirit of unity in diversity.

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