Notes Class 9 Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

Notes For All Chapters Civics Class 10 CBSE

1. What is Federalism?

Definition:

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units (states/provinces).

Features:

• There are usually two levels of government:
  1. Government for the entire country (Union/National government).
  2. Governments at the level of provinces or states.
• Both levels of government enjoy their powers independent of each other.

Objectives of Federalism

1. To safeguard and promote the unity of the country.
2. To accommodate regional diversity.

Federalism works only when there is:

• Mutual trust between different levels of government.
• Agreement to live together under shared rules.

2. Kinds of Federations

Coming Together Federations

• Independent states come together to form a larger unit.
• Example: USA, Switzerland, Australia.
• All constituent states have equal power and are strong compared to the centre.

Holding Together Federations

• A large country divides its power between the central and state governments.
• Example: India, Spain, Belgium.
• Central government is more powerful than states.
• States may have unequal powers (some states enjoy special powers).

3. Key Features of Federalism

• Two or more levels of government.
• Each level governs the same citizens, but in different matters.
• Jurisdictions are specified in the Constitution and are guaranteed.
• Constitution cannot be changed by one level alone – both must agree.
• Courts settle disputes between levels of government.
• Sources of revenue are clearly specified for financial autonomy.
• Dual objectives: unity + diversity.

4. Federalism in India

• India is described as a Union of States (not “federation”) but follows federal principles.
• Originally two tiers:
  1. Union Government (Centre).
  2. State Governments.
• Later added third tier
  • Local Government (Panchayats & Municipalities).

Distribution of Powers

• Union List: Subjects of national importance (defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications, currency).
• State List: Subjects of state importance (police, trade, commerce, agriculture, irrigation).
• Concurrent List: Common subjects (education, forests, trade unions, marriage, succession). Both Centre and States can make laws, but if conflict arises, Union law prevails.
• Residuary Powers: Subjects not in any list (like computer software). Only Union Government can legislate.

Special Powers

• Some states like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram enjoy special status (Article 371).
• Union Territories: Small areas like Delhi, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep directly controlled by Centre.

Amendments

• Power-sharing cannot be changed by Parliament alone.
• Needs approval of half the state legislatures + two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Role of Judiciary

• High Courts and Supreme Court settle disputes regarding division of powers.

5. How is Federalism Practised in India?

Federalism succeeds not only because of constitutional provisions but also because of democratic politics.

(a) Linguistic States

• After independence, many states reorganised on linguistic basis.
• Old states vanished, new states created.
• Helped unite the country and made administration easier.
• Example: Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand created on cultural/ethnic/geographical basis.

(b) Language Policy

• No national language in India.
• Hindi: Official language (mother tongue of about 40% Indians).
• English: To continue along with Hindi for official purposes (beyond 1965).
• Constitution recognises 22 Scheduled Languages (Eighth Schedule).
• Flexible policy helped avoid conflicts like in Sri Lanka.

(c) Centre-State Relations

• Before 1990:
  • Same party ruled Centre and most states.
  • Centre often dismissed opposition state governments.
• After 1990:
  • Rise of regional parties.
  • Coalition governments at Centre.
  • States began exercising more autonomy.
  • Supreme Court restricted misuse of central power to dismiss state governments.

6. Decentralisation in India

• Definition: Taking power away from Centre & States and giving it to local government.
• Need:
  • Local problems best settled locally.
  • People know local needs better.
  • Encourages direct participation in decision-making.

Steps towards Decentralisation

• Constitution recognised need for local self-government.
• 1992 – 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments:
  • Made local governments more powerful.
  • Regular elections for Panchayats & Municipalities mandatory.
  • Reservation of seats for SCs, STs, OBCs.
  • 1/3rd seats reserved for women.
  • Creation of State Election Commission for local elections.
  • States to share powers and revenue with local bodies.

Structure of Local Government

• Rural:
  • Gram Panchayat → for each village/group of villages.
  • Works under Gram Sabha (all voters of village).
  • Panchayat Samiti (Block/Mandal) → group of Gram Panchayats.
  • Zilla Parishad → at district level.
• Urban:
  • Municipalities → towns.
  • Municipal Corporations → big cities.
  • Heads: Chairperson/Mayor.

Importance

• Largest experiment in democracy (about 36 lakh elected representatives).
• Increased women’s participation in democracy.
• Challenges: Gram Sabhas not held regularly, states don’t transfer enough power/resources.