Federalism
Short Questions
1. What is federalism?
Answer: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.
2. Which type of government has only one level of authority?
Answer: A unitary government has only one level of authority.
3. Name two examples of ‘coming together’ federations.
Answer: USA and Switzerland.
4. Name two examples of ‘holding together’ federations.
Answer: India and Spain.
5. What is the Union List?
Answer: It contains subjects of national importance like defence, foreign affairs, and banking.
6. What is the State List?
Answer: It contains subjects of state importance like police, agriculture, and trade.
7. What is the Concurrent List?
Answer: It contains subjects of common interest like education, forests, and marriage.
8. Who resolves disputes between different levels of government in India?
Answer: The Supreme Court resolves such disputes.
9. Which amendment made local government a constitutional body?
Answer: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992.
10. What is decentralisation?
Answer: Decentralisation is the transfer of power from central and state governments to local governments.
11. Name two states created on cultural or geographical basis.
Answer: Nagaland and Uttarakhand.
12. Which language is recognised as the official language of India?
Answer: Hindi is recognised as the official language.
13. How many languages are included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: 22 languages are included.
14. What is a Gram Sabha?
Answer: Gram Sabha is a body of all voters in a village supervising the work of Gram Panchayat.
15. What is the political head of a Municipal Corporation called?
Answer: The Mayor is the political head of a Municipal Corporation.
Long Questions
1. Explain the two objectives of a federal system.
Answer: The objectives are to safeguard the unity of the country while accommodating regional diversity. Federalism promotes cooperation among levels of government. It also builds mutual trust and agreement to live together.
2. Differentiate between coming together and holding together federations.
Answer: In coming together federations, independent states form a union voluntarily, like the USA. In holding together federations, a large country divides power between centre and states, like India. In the second type, the central government is usually stronger.
3. How is power divided between Union and State governments in India?
Answer: The Constitution divides power into three lists—Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. The Union List has national importance subjects, the State List covers local subjects, and the Concurrent List is shared. Residuary powers rest with the Union Government.
4. Why is India called a federal country even though the word ‘federation’ is not used in the Constitution?
Answer: India is called a federal country because its Constitution divides power between Union and State governments. It guarantees the authority of both levels. The judiciary ensures disputes are resolved.
5. Explain the special provisions enjoyed by some Indian states.
Answer: States like Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram enjoy special powers under Article 371. These powers protect the culture, land rights, and traditions of indigenous communities. They also ensure preferential treatment in government jobs and education.
6. How did the reorganisation of states on a linguistic basis strengthen federalism in India?
Answer: Initially, leaders feared division due to linguistic states. However, creating states based on language helped people feel represented. It united the country and made administration easier.
7. Discuss the importance of language policy in Indian federalism.
Answer: The Constitution declared Hindi as the official language but recognised 21 others as Scheduled Languages. English was allowed for official use after 1965 due to public demand. This policy prevented conflicts and maintained national unity.
8. How did Centre-State relations change after 1990?
Answer: Before 1990, the same party ruled at both Centre and States, weakening federalism. After 1990, coalition governments and regional parties grew stronger. This created a culture of power sharing and respect for state autonomy.
9. What steps were taken in 1992 to strengthen local government in India?
Answer: The 73rd Amendment made local governments constitutional bodies. Regular elections, reservation for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women were introduced. State governments must share powers and revenue with local bodies.
10. Why is decentralisation important in a vast country like India?
Answer: India’s states are very large and diverse. Local governments help solve problems better since people understand local needs. It encourages direct participation and strengthens democracy at the grassroots level.
Leave a Reply