Chapter Overview
Federalism is a form of power-sharing in which power is divided among different levels of government. This chapter explains federalism in general and then examines the theory and practice of federalism in India, including the third tier of local government.
1. What is Federalism?
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of a country. Usually there are two levels: a government for the entire country and governments at the level of provinces or states. Both levels enjoy power independent of the other within their areas of jurisdiction.
Seven Key Features
- There are two or more levels (tiers) of government.
- Different tiers govern the same citizens, but each has jurisdiction over specific matters.
- The jurisdictions of different levels are specified in the Constitution.
- Fundamental constitutional provisions cannot be changed unilaterally by one level.
- Courts interpret the Constitution and settle disputes between levels.
- Sources of revenue are clearly specified to maintain financial autonomy.
- The system seeks both national unity and accommodation of regional diversity.
Federal and Unitary Systems
| Federal | Unitary |
|---|---|
| Power is constitutionally divided between levels. | There is one dominant level, or lower units are subordinate to the centre. |
| State/provincial powers have constitutional protection. | Central government has greater control over lower units. |
| Courts can act as umpire in disputes. | Power is more centrally concentrated. |
2. Types of Federations
Coming Together
Independent states come together to form a larger unit, pooling sovereignty while retaining identity. Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia. Constituent states generally have strong and often equal powers.
Holding Together
A large country divides power between the national government and constituent states. Examples: India, Spain, Belgium. The centre tends to be stronger and some units may have special powers.
3. What Makes India a Federal Country?
The Constitution describes India as a Union of States. Although it does not use the word “federation”, the Indian Union is based on federal principles.
Three Tiers
Deals with matters assigned to the Union.
Exercise powers assigned to the states.
Panchayats and Municipalities form the third tier.
Three Lists
| List | Law-making authority | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Union List | Union Government | Defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications, currency |
| State List | State Governments | Police, trade, commerce, agriculture, irrigation |
| Concurrent List | Union + State Governments | Education, forests, trade unions, marriage, adoption, succession |
| Residuary subjects | Union Government | Subjects outside the three lists, including newer subjects |
Special Powers and Union Territories
The chapter notes that some states have special provisions because of particular social and historical circumstances. Union Territories such as Chandigarh, Lakshadweep and Delhi do not have the same powers as states; the Central Government has special powers in administering them.
Constitutional Protection
Parliament cannot unilaterally change the Union–State power-sharing arrangement. Such a constitutional change requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and ratification by the legislatures of at least half of the States.
Judiciary and Revenue
- High Courts and the Supreme Court decide disputes concerning division of powers.
- Union and State Governments can raise resources through taxation for their responsibilities.
4. How is Federalism Practised?
Constitutional provisions are necessary but not sufficient. The chapter connects the success of Indian federalism with democratic politics, respect for diversity and the desire to live together.
A. Linguistic States
Demand for states based on language was a major test after Independence. Some national leaders initially feared linguistic reorganisation would weaken unity. The experience described in NCERT shows that linguistic states helped accommodate language identities and made administration easier. Some states were created on cultural, ethnic or geographical grounds, including Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand.
B. Language Policy
- The Constitution did not give any one language the status of a national language.
- Hindi was identified as an official language.
- 22 languages are recognised as Scheduled Languages.
- States have their own official languages.
- When non-Hindi-speaking states demanded continuation of English for official purposes, the Union Government agreed to continue English along with Hindi.
C. Centre–State Relations
For a long time the same party ruled at the Centre and in many States. Later, conflicts sometimes arose when different parties ruled States. The chapter notes a significant change after 1990, with the rise of regional parties and coalition governments at the Centre.
The chapter explains that coalition politics encouraged greater power-sharing and respect for State autonomy. A major Supreme Court judgement also made arbitrary dismissal of State Governments more difficult.
Linguistic Diversity
The 2011 Census recorded more than 1300 languages that people mentioned as mother tongues. After grouping related varieties under major languages, it identified 121 major languages; 22 are in the Eighth Schedule and are called Scheduled Languages.
5. Decentralisation — The Third Tier
Decentralisation means taking power away from higher levels and giving it to local government. It brings government closer to the people and allows local issues to be handled locally.
Constitutional amendments in 1992 strengthened local self-government. Panchayats operate in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas.
Rural
Panchayati Raj institutions and the Gram Sabha provide local participation.
Urban
Municipalities govern urban local areas.
Why Decentralise?
- Local people understand local problems and priorities.
- It increases opportunities for participation.
- It can make administration more responsive.
- It gives communities a role in decisions affecting daily life.
6. Important Comparisons
| Basis | Coming Together | Holding Together |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Independent states join together. | A large country divides power internally. |
| Examples | USA, Switzerland, Australia | India, Spain, Belgium |
| Power of units | Generally strong and often equal. | Centre tends to be stronger; some units may have special powers. |
List-wise Examples
| Union | State | Concurrent |
|---|---|---|
| Defence Foreign affairs Banking Communications Currency | Police Agriculture Irrigation Trade Commerce | Education Forests Trade unions Marriage Adoption Succession |
7. Key Vocabulary
Area over which someone has legal authority.
Division of governmental power between different levels.
A system with one dominant level or subordinate lower units.
Government formed by two or more political parties.
Transfer of power to lower/local levels.
Subjects outside the three constitutional lists.
8. Exam Focus — Quick Revision
- Federalism = constitutional division of power between levels of government.
- India has Union, State and Local tiers.
- Seven features include multiple tiers, separate jurisdictions, constitutional protection, judicial interpretation and financial autonomy.
- USA, Switzerland and Australia are examples of coming together federations.
- India, Spain and Belgium are examples of holding together federations.
- India is a Union of States based on federal principles.
- Union, State and Concurrent Lists divide legislative subjects.
- Residuary powers belong to the Union Government.
- Linguistic reorganisation accommodated diversity.
- India followed a flexible language policy.
- Coalition politics and regional parties strengthened federal power-sharing after 1990.
- Decentralisation strengthened the third tier through Panchayats and Municipalities.
9. Interactive MCQ Quiz
Choose one answer for each question.
10. Chapter Summary
Federalism divides power among different levels of government. It requires constitutionally protected jurisdictions, judicial settlement of disputes and financial arrangements. Federations may develop through coming together or holding together. India is a holding together federation with Union, State and local tiers. Indian federalism has been strengthened through linguistic reorganisation, a flexible language policy, changing Centre–State relations and decentralisation. The overall aim is to balance national unity with regional diversity.