CBSE - Federalism

In India, just like in Belgium, the central government has to share its powers with the regional governments. However, unlike India, Belgium has a community government in addition to the central and the state government.

In a federal form of government, the central government shares its powers with the various constituent units of the country. For example, in India, power is divided between the government at the Centre and the various State governments. 
In a unitary form of government, all the power is exercised by only one government. For example, in Sri Lanka, the national government has all the powers.

Local governments Before 1992	Local governments After 1992
Elections were controlled by the state and not held regularly.	An independent State Election Commissionis responsible to conduct elections regularly.
Local governments did not have any powers or resources of their own.	The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies.

Fill in the blanks:
Since the United States is a ____________________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are _______________ vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a _________________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the ___________________ government has more powers.

Answer

Since the United States is a coming together type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are strong vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a holding together type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the Central government has more powers.

Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.

Answer

I agree with Sangeeta's reaction. If the policy of accommodation was not followed, and states were not created on linguistic basis, there would have been further partition of India. For example, imposition of Hindi as the national language would have led the South to break away from the North and Tamil Nadu would have become an independent nation.

The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
(a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments.
(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

Answer

(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.
A. Defence
B. Police
C. Agriculture
D. Education
E. Banking
F. Forests
G. Communications
H. Trade
I. Marriages

Union List    -
State List    -
Concurrent List    -

Answer

Union List    -Defence, Banking, Communications
State List    -Police, Agriculture, Trade
Concurrent List    -Education, Forests, Marriages

a	State government	State List
b	Central government.	Union List
c	Central and State government	Concurrent List
d	Local governments	Residuary powers

Answer

(d)
Local governments Residuary powers

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

ANSWER

Consider the following statements.
A. In a federation the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.
B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the states have been devolved to the local government bodies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B and C
(b) A, C and D
(c) A and B only
(d) B and C only

Answer

(c) A and B only

Q.1 How many scheduled languages are recognized by the constitution?
a) Besides Hindus, there are 18 scheduled, languages.
b) Besides Hindi, there are 21 scheduled languages.
c) Besides Hindi there are 22 scheduled languages.
d) Besides Hindi there are 19 scheduled languages

Q.2 What is the government at Block level called?
a) Gram Sabha b) Gram Panchyat c) Panchayat Samiti d) Nayay Panchyat

Q.3 Which local govt works at district level?
a) Panchayat samiti b) Village panchayat c) Zila Parishad d) None of the mention above

Q.4 By what name local govt at urban area called?
A) Municipality B) Municipal corporation C) Panchayat samiti
a) Only A is true b) Only B is true c) Both B and C are true d) Both A and B are true

Q.5 Who is the chairperson of Municipal Corporation?
a) Block development officer b) Mayor c) Sarpanch d) Member of Lok Sabha

Answers key of MCQ : (1) b (2) c (3) c (4) d (5) 

1. The constitutional provisions are laid out very clearly
2) The nature of democratic politics has ensure its success
3) There is respect for diversity

Federal system has dual objectives to safeguard and promote unity of the country and accommodate regional diversity. It is based on mutual trust and agreement to live together. 

When different parties ruled at the centre and state levels the parties at the centre tried to undermine
the power of states. The central government misused the constitution often to dismiss the state governments
that were controlled by other parties. This is against the spirit of federalism

1. There is two or more level of govt
 2. Each tier has its own jurisdiction
 3. Any change in the fundamental provisions of the constitution requires consent of both levels of the govt
 4. Sources of revenue for each level are specified

A three tier democracies were introduced in 1992.
 A step was taken towards creating rural local self govt.
 1) Regular elections to be held for panchayat
 2) Seats reserved for SC’s and STs OBCs
 3) One third seats reserved for women
 4) State govt to share power and revenue with local bodies.