This chapter explains federalism, focusing on its importance in India as a system of government that divides power between various levels.
Federalism - Quick Look Revision Guide
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This compact guide covers 20 must-know concepts from Federalism aligned with Class X preparation for Social Science. Ideal for last-minute revision or daily review.
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Key Points
Define Federalism with an example.
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units. Example: India divides power between the Union and State governments.
Key features of Federalism.
Includes two or more government levels, jurisdictions specified in the constitution, and financial autonomy for each level.
Difference between Unitary and Federal systems.
In unitary systems, power is centralized, while federal systems divide power between central and regional governments.
India's Union List subjects.
Includes national importance subjects like defense, foreign affairs, and banking, legislated by the Union Government.
India's State List subjects.
Covers state and local matters like police and agriculture, legislated by State Governments.
India's Concurrent List subjects.
Subjects like education and forests where both Union and States can legislate, with Union laws prevailing in conflicts.
Special status states in India.
States like Assam and Nagaland have special powers under Article 371 for protecting indigenous rights.
Union Territories in India.
Areas like Delhi and Chandigarh, governed directly by the Central Government, with less autonomy than states.
Linguistic States formation.
Post-1947, states were reorganized based on language to accommodate diversity, strengthening national unity.
India's language policy.
Hindi is the official language, but 22 scheduled languages are recognized, ensuring linguistic diversity.
Centre-State relations in India.
Post-1990, coalition governments and regional parties enhanced state autonomy and federal power-sharing.
Decentralization in India.
Power sharing with local governments like Panchayats and Municipalities for grassroots democracy.
73rd and 74th Amendments.
1992 amendments mandated local government elections, reserving seats for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women.
Panchayati Raj structure.
Includes Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zilla Parishad (district level).
Urban local governments.
Municipalities in towns and Municipal Corporations in cities, headed by Mayors, manage urban affairs.
Challenges in decentralization.
Issues like irregular gram sabhas, inadequate resources, and limited power transfers hinder local governance.
Federalism's dual objectives.
To safeguard national unity while accommodating regional diversity through mutual trust and agreement.
Coming together federations.
Formed by independent states pooling sovereignty, like the USA, with equal state powers.
Holding together federations.
Large countries dividing power, like India, where the central government is more powerful than states.
Role of judiciary in federalism.
Resolves disputes between government levels, ensuring constitutional provisions are followed.
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