Class 11 : Poltical Science (In English) – Lesson 7. Federalism

EXPLANATION & SUMMARY

🧭 Introduction
🔹 Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units (states).
🔹 The Indian Constitution adopts a federal structure with a strong unitary bias, meaning both Union and States have powers, but the Centre holds greater authority in certain areas.
🔹 The aim is to maintain unity in diversity by combining national integrity with regional autonomy.

⚖️ Meaning of Federalism
🟢 Federalism is based on two key principles:
Division of Powers between different levels of government.
Independent Functioning of each level within its jurisdiction.
🟡 In a federal system, both levels derive authority from the Constitution, not from each other.

📜 Essential Features of Federalism
🔵 1. Dual Government:
➡️ India has two levels – Union Government and State Governments.

🔵 2. Division of Powers:
➡️ Powers are clearly divided by the Constitution under Seventh Schedule:
Union List – 97 subjects (defence, foreign affairs, currency)
State List – 66 subjects (police, agriculture)
Concurrent List – 47 subjects (education, forest, marriage)

🔵 3. Written Constitution:
➡️ Ensures clarity and supremacy of law.

🔵 4. Supremacy of Constitution:
➡️ Both Union and States act within constitutional limits.

🔵 5. Independent Judiciary:
➡️ Supreme Court settles disputes between Union and States.

🔵 6. Rigid Constitution:
➡️ Amendment procedure ensures stability of federal structure.

🏛️ Federal Features in the Indian Constitution
🟢 Though India is not purely federal, it has many federal features:
Division of Powers (Seventh Schedule)
Supremacy of Constitution
Written Constitution
Independent Judiciary
Bicameral Legislature (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)
Dual Government

🏢 Unitary Features / Centralising Tendencies
🔴 India is called a “federation with unitary bias” because of:
Single Citizenship
Strong Centre (more powers in Union List)
Appointment of Governors by Centre
Emergency Provisions (Centre can assume control)
Integrated Judiciary and Election Commission

📑 Distribution of Powers
🟡 Union List – Defence, foreign affairs, banking
🟢 State List – Police, trade, irrigation
🔵 Concurrent List – Education, forest, marriage laws
🔴 Residuary Powers – Rest with the Union (Article 248)

⚖️ Centre–State Relations
🔹 Legislative Relations:
✔️ Centre can make laws on Union List and in emergencies even on State List.
✔️ President’s assent can override State bills.
🔹 Administrative Relations:
✔️ States execute laws but are subject to Centre’s direction.
✔️ Governors act as Centre’s representatives.
🔹 Financial Relations:
✔️ Centre controls major revenue sources.
✔️ States depend on Finance Commission grants and tax sharing.

🧩 Inter-State Relations
🔵 Articles 263, 262 deal with cooperation between States.
✔️ Zonal Councils encourage coordination.
✔️ Inter-State Councils advise on policy conflicts.
✔️ River Dispute Tribunals handle water sharing issues.

⚠️ Emergency and Federalism
🔴 During emergencies, Indian federalism becomes unitary:
National Emergency (Art. 352) – Parliament controls State List.
President’s Rule (Art. 356) – State government dismissed.
Financial Emergency (Art. 360) – Centre controls state finances.

📘 Judicial Role in Federalism
🟢 Supreme Court ensures federal balance: ✔️ Settles Centre–State disputes.
✔️ Protects constitutional division of powers.
✔️ Interprets federal provisions.

🌐 Cooperative Federalism
💡 Refers to collaboration between Centre and States for development.
✔️ Example: NITI Aayog, GST Council, Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
✔️ Promotes national integration and policy coordination.

⚙️ Competitive Federalism
🧠 Encourages States to compete for better governance, investment, and development.
✔️ Example: Ease of Doing Business ranking.

🧭 Asymmetric Federalism
📌 Certain regions enjoy special provisions due to unique conditions:
Article 370 (J&K) – now revoked in 2019
Article 371(A–J) – for North-East and hill states

🏗️ Role of Institutions
✔️ Finance Commission – Revenue distribution
✔️ Inter-State Council – Policy coordination
✔️ NITI Aayog – Planning & cooperative decision-making
✔️ Supreme Court – Dispute resolution

🧾 Merits of Federal System
🟢 Promotes unity in diversity
🟢 Accommodates regional interests
🟢 Prevents concentration of power
🟢 Encourages innovation at state level

⚠️ Challenges in Indian Federalism
🔴 Central dominance in resources
🔴 Regionalism and inter-state disputes
🔴 Political conflicts between Centre and States
🔴 Misuse of Article 356

💡 Recent Trends
✔️ Growing importance of cooperative federalism
✔️ Formation of GST Council (joint decision-making)
✔️ Strengthened State role through decentralisation (73rd–74th Amendments)

🧭 Conclusion
🔹 Indian federalism is unique and dynamic.
🔹 It successfully blends unity with diversity.
🔹 The model ensures a strong Centre while empowering States.
🔹 Federalism in India is not static; it evolves with political, social, and economic realities.

📝 Summary (≈300 words)
🔹 Federalism is a dual polity system where power is shared between the Centre and the States.
🔹 The Indian Constitution divides subjects into three lists — Union, State, and Concurrent — ensuring clarity in responsibilities.
🔹 Federal features include division of powers, written constitution, supremacy of constitution, and independent judiciary.
🔹 However, India also shows unitary features like single citizenship, emergency powers, and centralised control.
🔹 During emergencies, India becomes more unitary, with the Centre assuming control over States.
🔹 Judiciary acts as the guardian, interpreting the Constitution and settling disputes.
🔹 Cooperative Federalism focuses on coordination through institutions like NITI Aayog and Finance Commission.
🔹 Competitive Federalism motivates States to enhance performance.
🔹 Asymmetric Federalism gives special status to certain States due to distinct needs.
🔹 Challenges include central dominance, misuse of Article 356, and inter-state conflicts.
🔹 Yet, India’s federalism remains flexible and adaptive, balancing unity with regional diversity.

⚡ Quick Recap (≈100 words)
✅ Federalism divides powers between Centre & States.
✅ Three lists define subjects: Union, State, Concurrent.
✅ Supreme Court ensures balance through judicial review.
✅ Cooperative Federalism via NITI Aayog, GST Council.
✅ Asymmetric provisions for special States.
✅ Challenges: Centre’s dominance, misuse of Article 356.
✅ Despite hurdles, India’s federal system blends unity with diversity, enabling democratic governance and development.

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QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK

🔵 Question 1:
From the list of following events which ones would you identify with the functioning of federalism? Why?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Event 1: Sixth Schedule status to Gorkha Hill Council
➡️ Shows decentralisation and regional autonomy, a feature of federalism.

✔️ Event 2: Centre asks rain-hit States for plans
➡️ Reflects cooperation between Centre and States.

✔️ Event 3: New Commissioner for Delhi
➡️ This is administrative, not directly federal.

✔️ Event 4: CU Status for Manipur University
➡️ Central action with state involvement; cooperative federalism.

✔️ Event 5: Funds released to Arunachal Pradesh
➡️ Example of financial federalism and Centre’s support to States.

✔️ Event 6: Demand for dismissal of government
➡️ Reflects Centre–State tension under Article 356.

✔️ Event 7: Naxal surrender programme
➡️ Coordination between Centre and State on law and order.
🟡 Hence, most events (except 3) show interaction, coordination, or conflict between Centre and States — essential features of federalism.

🔵 Question 2:
Think which of the following statements would be correct. State why.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Federalism enhances cultural interaction ✅
➡️ True — it allows multiple identities to coexist and interact freely.
2️⃣ Federal system aids economic exchange ✅
➡️ True — distinct regional resources complement each other, boosting economy.
3️⃣ Federal system limits central powers ✅
➡️ True — Constitution divides powers; Centre cannot dominate in all areas.

🔵 Question 3:
Based on the first few articles of Belgian Constitution, explain how federalism is visualised in that country. Write a similar article for India.
🟢 Answer:
📘 Belgium’s federalism:
✔️ Combination of regions and communities.
✔️ Cultural autonomy + territorial division.
✔️ Powers shared among federal, regional, and community governments.
📜 Proposed Article for India:
India is a Union of States consisting of the Union Government, State Governments, and Local Governments. Each level of government shall exercise powers and responsibilities assigned by the Constitution, ensuring unity with diversity. The Union shall respect the autonomy of States while maintaining the integrity of the nation.

🔵 Question 4:
Imagine you are an advisor to a province regarding federalism. Write an essay (300 words) on suggestions:
(a) Division of powers
(b) Distribution of financial resources
(c) Dispute resolution
(d) Appointment of Governor
🟢 Answer:
🟣 Division of Powers:
➡️ Clear division between Centre and States through three lists — Union, State, Concurrent — ensuring no overlap.
🟣 Financial Distribution:
➡️ Central taxes shared with States through Finance Commission.
➡️ Grants-in-aid for special needs.
🟣 Dispute Resolution:
➡️ Supreme Court acts as the final authority on inter-governmental disputes.
➡️ Inter-State Council for coordination.
🟣 Governor’s Appointment:
➡️ Appoint with consultation of the concerned State, ensuring neutrality.
✅ Balanced federalism = cooperation + autonomy.

🔵 Question 5:
Which of the following should be the basis for formation of a State? Why?
(a) Common Language
(b) Common Economic Interests
(c) Common Religion
(d) Administrative Convenience
🟢 Answer:
✔️ (d) Administrative Convenience — most suitable, as it ensures efficient governance, balanced development, and avoids communal/language divisions that may cause tension.

🔵 Question 6:
If Hindi-speaking northern states merge into one, is it in tune with federalism?
🟢 Answer:
❌ No. It would ignore cultural and administrative diversity within the region.
➡️ Federalism supports decentralisation, not centralisation of similar linguistic regions.
➡️ Large states may cause imbalance of power.

🔵 Question 7:
List four features of the Indian Constitution that give greater power to the Centre.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Union List dominance
2️⃣ Residuary powers with Centre
3️⃣ Emergency provisions (Art. 352, 356)
4️⃣ Appointment of Governors by Centre

🔵 Question 8:
Why are many States unhappy about the role of the Governor?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Governors act as Centre’s agents.
✔️ Interference in state politics.
✔️ Withholding bills and delaying decisions.
✔️ Perceived bias towards ruling party at Centre.

🔵 Question 9:
Which situations justify President’s Rule?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ No majority in Assembly — ✅ fit case
✔️ Law and order collapse due to riots — ✅ fit
❌ Crimes against women — not constitutional ground
❌ Demand by opposition — not valid
✔️ Refusal to obey SC order — ✅ fit

🔵 Question 10:
What are the demands raised by States for greater autonomy?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Greater share in tax revenue
✔️ More power over planning and police
✔️ Autonomy in education, culture, language
✔️ Consultation in Governor’s appointment

🔵 Question 11:
Should some States have special provisions? Does it cause resentment?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Yes, special provisions (e.g., NE States) preserve cultural identity and regional needs.
✔️ Temporary resentment may occur, but overall unity is strengthened by recognising diversity.

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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS

🔷 Section A – Very Short Answer Questions (1 mark each)
🔵 Question 1: What is meant by federalism?
🟢 Answer:
Federalism is a system of government in which powers are divided between a central authority and regional governments, each functioning independently within its sphere.

🔵 Question 2: Name the three lists in the Indian federal structure.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Union List
✔️ State List
✔️ Concurrent List

🔵 Question 3: Which article of the Constitution declares India as a “Union of States”?
🟢 Answer:
Article 1 declares India as a “Union of States”.

🔵 Question 4: Which body recommends distribution of taxes between Centre and States?
🟢 Answer:
The Finance Commission recommends the distribution of taxes.

🔵 Question 5: What is meant by residuary powers?
🟢 Answer:
Residuary powers are those subjects not mentioned in any list; they are vested in the Union Government.

🔵 Question 6: Which amendment introduced Panchayati Raj Institutions in India?
🟢 Answer:
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) introduced Panchayati Raj.


🔶 Section B – Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)
🔵 Question 7: Mention any two essential features of a federal government.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Division of powers between two levels of government.
2️⃣ Independent judiciary to settle Centre–State disputes.

🔵 Question 8: State any two examples showing the unitary features of the Indian Constitution.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Residuary powers rest with the Centre.
✔️ Emergency provisions give overriding powers to the Centre.

🔵 Question 9: What is cooperative federalism?
🟢 Answer:
Cooperative federalism is a system where Centre and States work together to achieve common goals through coordination, consultation, and sharing of responsibilities.

🔵 Question 10: Mention two reasons why India adopted a federal structure.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ To accommodate the vast geographical and cultural diversity.
2️⃣ To ensure administrative efficiency across various regions.

🔵 Question 11: What is meant by asymmetric federalism? Give one example.
🟢 Answer:
Asymmetric federalism means granting different powers and autonomy to different states.
➡️ Example: Article 370 (for Jammu & Kashmir, now repealed) or Article 371 (for NE states).

🔵 Question 12: State two provisions that safeguard the powers of States in India.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ State List subjects under Schedule VII.
✔️ Independent judiciary ensures Centre does not encroach on State powers.


🟣 Section C – Short Answer II Questions (3 Marks each)
🔵 Question 13: Explain three key features of Indian federalism.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Dual Polity: Division of power between Union and States.
2️⃣ Written Constitution: Powers clearly listed in three lists — Union, State, and Concurrent.
3️⃣ Independent Judiciary: Supreme Court settles Centre–State disputes.

🔵 Question 14: How does the Constitution ensure distribution of powers between Centre and States?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Powers divided into three lists (Union, State, Concurrent).
✔️ Residuary powers with Centre.
✔️ Article 245–255 define legislative relations.
✔️ Financial relations determined by Finance Commission.

🔵 Question 15: Distinguish between federal and unitary governments.
🟢 Answer:
Feature Federal Unitary
Power Divided Concentrated
Constitution Written, Rigid May be unwritten, Flexible
Judiciary Independent Subordinate to Legislature

🔵 Question 16: Explain the significance of the 73rd and 74th Amendments.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ 73rd Amendment (1992): Introduced Panchayati Raj Institutions.
2️⃣ 74th Amendment (1992): Introduced Municipalities.
3️⃣ These ensure local self-government and grassroots federalism.

🔵 Question 17: What are the financial relations between Centre and States?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Taxes divided through Finance Commission.
✔️ Grants-in-aid by Centre.
✔️ Loans and borrowing powers defined under Article 293.
✔️ Centre controls major revenue sources.

🔵 Question 18: Why is India called quasi-federal?
🟢 Answer:
Because India combines federal features (division of powers) with unitary features (strong Centre).
➡️ During emergencies, system becomes unitary.

🔵 Question 19: Explain the role of the Inter-State Council.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Established under Article 263.
✔️ Promotes coordination between Centre and States.
✔️ Discusses and resolves inter-state issues.

🔵 Question 20: Describe the role of the Finance Commission.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Established under Article 280.
✔️ Recommends division of taxes between Centre and States.
✔️ Suggests principles for grants-in-aid.
✔️ Reviews financial position of States.

🔵 Question 21 (Internal Choice):
(a) What is meant by the Union List? Give examples.
🟢 Answer:
Matters under exclusive control of the Union, e.g. defence, foreign affairs, atomic energy.
OR
(b) What is Concurrent List? Give two examples.
🟢 Answer:
Subjects on which both Centre and States can legislate, e.g. education, marriage and divorce.

🔵 Question 22: State three reasons why many States demand more autonomy.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Excessive financial control by Centre.
2️⃣ Political interference by Governor.
3️⃣ Unequal development and regional imbalance.


🔴 Section D – Long Answer Questions (4 Marks each)
🔵 Question 23: Discuss the major challenges to Indian federalism.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Central dominance in planning and finance.
2️⃣ Governor’s discretionary powers.
3️⃣ Regional disparities in development.
4️⃣ Demand for autonomy and new States.

🔵 Question 24: Explain the advantages of a federal system in India.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Ensures unity in diversity.
✔️ Brings administration closer to people.
✔️ Distributes workload between Centre and States.
✔️ Prevents misuse of power through division.

🔵 Question 25: What are the powers of the Governor that affect federal balance?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Appoints Chief Minister.
✔️ Can recommend President’s Rule (Art. 356).
✔️ Reserves bills for President.
✔️ Interference may create friction between Centre and State.

🔵 Question 26: How does federalism strengthen democracy?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Allows regional participation.
✔️ Protects local interests.
✔️ Encourages cooperative governance.
✔️ Promotes decentralization and accountability.

🔵 Question 27: Discuss how Centre-State relations have changed after 1990.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Rise of coalition politics increased State influence.
2️⃣ Greater consultation in policy.
3️⃣ Strengthening of Inter-State Council.
4️⃣ Devolution of power to local bodies.

🔵 Question 28 (Internal Choice):
(a) Explain the need for local governments in India.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Large population requires decentralized governance.
✔️ Local issues handled efficiently.
✔️ Promotes participation and accountability.
OR
(b) Mention the main provisions of the 73rd Amendment.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ 3-tier Panchayati Raj system.
✔️ Reservation for SC/ST/Women.
✔️ State Finance Commission.
✔️ Regular elections every 5 years.

🔵 Question 29: What measures can be taken to improve cooperative federalism in India?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Strengthen Inter-State Council.
✔️ Greater fiscal autonomy to States.
✔️ Consultative decision-making.
✔️ Clear division of responsibilities.

🔵 Question 30: “Federalism is a dynamic process.” Justify with examples.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Federal relations evolve with politics and society.
✔️ Coalition governments made Centre more consultative.
✔️ Judicial rulings expanded State powers.
✔️ Local governance deepened federalism.

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