Extra 20 long-answer questions from Chapter:2 Federalism (Class 10 CBSE Political Science).
Long Answer Questions
1. Define federalism. What are its key features?
Answer:
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various regional units. Both levels function independently as per the constitution.
Key features of federalism:
Two or more levels of government
– Central, state, and local governments exist in a federal structure.
Division of powers
– Powers and responsibilities are divided among different levels of government.
Written Constitution
– Federal systems have a written constitution to define power-sharing.
Independent Judiciary
– The judiciary ensures that power-sharing is followed and resolves conflicts.
Dual government system
– Each level of government has its own jurisdiction and responsibilities.
Revenue-sharing
– Both central and state governments have their own sources of income.
2. Explain the difference between ‘Coming Together’ and ‘Holding Together’ federations.
Answer:
|
Feature |
Coming Together Federation |
Holding Together Federation |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
Independent states voluntarily unite to form a federation. |
A single country divides power among different regions. |
|
Power Distribution |
All states have equal power. |
Power is not equally distributed; some states may have more autonomy. |
|
Example |
USA, Switzerland, Australia |
India, Belgium, Spain |
|
Constitution |
States retain their identity and can leave the federation if they choose. |
States do not have the right to secede from the union. |
|
Central Government |
Weaker than the states. |
Stronger than the states. |
3. How is power divided between different levels of government in India?
Answer:
The Indian Constitution divides power into three lists under the Seventh Schedule:
Union List
– Includes subjects under the central government’s control (e.g.,
defence
, foreign affairs, banking).
State List
– Includes subjects that state governments control (e.g., police, agriculture, health).
Concurrent List
– Includes subjects where both the central and state governments can make laws (e.g., education, marriage, forest).
Residuary Powers
– Subjects not mentioned in any list fall under the central government’s control.
Emergency Provisions
– In emergencies, the central government can make decisions for the entire country.
Financial Power Sharing
– The Finance Commission decides how revenue is shared between the
centre
and states.
4. What are the three tiers of government in India?
Answer:
India follows a three-tier system of government:
Union Government (Central Government)
– Handles subjects like
defence
, foreign affairs, and national policies.
State Government
– Controls areas like health, police, and agriculture.
Local Government
– Includes urban municipalities and rural panchayats for grassroots governance.
Key features of the three-tier system:
73rd Amendment (1992)
established Panchayati Raj in rural areas.
74th Amendment (1992)
established Municipalities in urban areas.
Decentralization
ensures efficient governance at the local level.
5. What are the main provisions of the 73rd Amendment Act?
Answer:
The 73rd Amendment (1992) strengthened rural local governance through Panchayati Raj.
Main provisions:
Three-tier system
– Gram Panchayat (village), Panchayat Samiti (block), and
Zilla
Parishad (district).
Direct Elections
– Representatives are elected at all three levels.
Reservation
– 33% reservation for women and SC/ST candidates.
State Election Commission
– Conducts panchayat elections.
Financial Independence
– Panchayats receive funds from state governments and taxes.
Five-year Term
– Panchayat members serve for five years.
6. What are the key provisions of the 74th Amendment Act?
Answer:
The 74th Amendment (1992) provided constitutional status to urban local bodies (Municipalities).
Main provisions:
Three levels of urban governance
– Nagar Panchayat (small town), Municipal Council (medium town), and Municipal Corporation (large city).
Direct Elections
– Citizens elect municipal representatives.
Reservation for Women & SC/ST
– 33% of seats are reserved.
State Finance Commission
– Recommends financial distribution for municipalities.
Urban Planning & Development
– Local bodies handle housing, water supply, sanitation, and transport.
Five-year tenure
– Municipal representatives serve for five years.
7. How does federalism ensure unity in diversity in India?
Answer:
India’s federal structure accommodates linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity through:
State reorganization on linguistic basis
– States were reorganized in 1956 to respect linguistic diversity.
Asymmetric federalism
– Special provisions for states like Jammu & Kashmir (before Article 370 was removed).
Cultural and religious freedom
– Indian Constitution protects religious and cultural rights.
Local governance
– Panchayats and municipalities ensure development at the grassroots level.
Decentralization
– Power is shared with different levels of government.
Equal Representation
– Regional parties and leaders have representation in national politics.
8. What is the role of the Finance Commission in federalism?
Answer:
The Finance Commission is a constitutional body responsible for financial distribution between the Centre and States.
Functions of the Finance Commission:
Revenue sharing
– It decides how tax revenue is shared between the Centre and States.
Grants-in-aid
– Provides additional financial assistance to states.
Tax distribution
– Recommends division of income tax, GST, and other taxes.
Strengthens fiscal federalism
– Ensures financial autonomy for state governments.
Financial recommendations
– Advises on financial policies for economic balance.
Maintains financial stability
– Helps reduce economic inequality among states.
9. What are the differences between federalism and unitary government?
Answer:
|
Feature |
Federal Government |
Unitary Government |
|---|---|---|
|
Power Distribution |
Power is divided between central and state governments. |
Power is centralized in the national government. |
|
Constitution |
Written and rigid. |
May be written or unwritten. |
|
Judiciary |
Independent judiciary ensures power-sharing. |
Judiciary is under central control. |
|
Example |
India, USA, Canada. |
UK, France, China. |
|
State Autonomy |
States have independent powers. |
States depend on the central government. |
10. What is asymmetric federalism? Give examples.
Answer:
Asymmetric federalism means different states or regions have special provisions within a federal system.
Examples in India:
Article 370
– Gave Jammu & Kashmir special status (now removed).
Article 371
– Provides special provisions for states like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur.
North-eastern
States
– Have special governance provisions due to tribal populations.
Union Territories
– Some UTs (Delhi, Puducherry) have their own legislatures, while others are directly governed by the Centre.
Autonomy for Scheduled Areas
– Certain regions have special self-governing powers.
Special economic packages
– Some states receive special financial grants for development.
11. Explain the need for decentralization in India.
Answer:
Decentralization refers to transferring power from the central and state governments to the local governments. It is essential for effective governance in India.
Need for decentralization:
Better decision-making
– Local governments can make quick decisions based on local needs.
Increased efficiency
– It reduces the burden on higher levels of government.
Encourages local participation
– People can directly engage in governance.
Improves accountability
– Local leaders are more responsible to citizens.
Reduces regional disparities
– Helps in the balanced development of different regions.
Empowers weaker sections
– Reservation for women, SCs, and STs ensures equal participation.
12. What challenges does Indian federalism face?
Answer:
Indian federalism faces several challenges that affect power-sharing and governance.
Major challenges:
Financial dependence of states
– States rely on the Centre for financial resources.
Central government dominance
– The Centre has more powers in certain matters, affecting state autonomy.
Inter-state disputes
– Water-sharing conflicts (e.g., Cauvery River dispute) create tensions between states.
Demand for new states
– Some regions demand separate states (e.g., Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh).
Political rivalry
– Different political parties at the Centre and in states sometimes create policy conflicts.
Implementation of local governance
– Panchayati Raj institutions still lack full autonomy in many states.
13. What are the key differences between unitary and federal governments?
Answer:
|
Feature |
Federal Government |
Unitary Government |
|---|---|---|
|
Power Distribution |
Power is divided between central and state governments. |
Power is centralized in the national government. |
|
Constitution |
Written and rigid. |
May be written or unwritten. |
|
Judiciary |
Independent judiciary ensures power-sharing. |
Judiciary is under central control. |
|
Example |
India, USA, Canada. |
UK, France, China. |
|
State Autonomy |
States have independent powers. |
States depend on the central government. |
14. How has federalism helped India maintain unity in diversity?
Answer:
India is a diverse country with different languages, religions, and cultures. Federalism ensures that this diversity is respected while maintaining national unity.
Ways federalism maintains unity in diversity:
Linguistic reorganization of states
– States were reorganized in 1956 based on languages.
Special provisions for states
– Articles 370 and 371 provided special status to certain states.
Reservation for minorities
– SCs, STs, and OBCs get political and educational reservations.
Autonomy to local governments
– Decentralization allows people to manage their own affairs.
Promotion of regional cultures
– States have the power to promote their local language and traditions.
Inter-state cooperation
– Common programs and policies help states work together.
15. How is Indian federalism different from that of the USA?
Answer:
|
Feature |
India |
USA |
|---|---|---|
|
Type of Federation |
Holding Together Federation |
Coming Together Federation |
|
Constitution |
Single Constitution for both Centre and States |
Separate Constitution for each state |
|
Power Distribution |
More power to the Centre |
States have more autonomy |
|
Governor’s Role |
Appointed by the President |
Elected by the people |
|
Amendment Process |
Difficult for states to change Constitution |
States can amend their own Constitution |
16. What is the significance of the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List?
Answer:
The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution divides power into three lists to maintain a clear division between the Centre and States.
1. Union List (97 subjects) – Controlled by the central government.
Examples:
Defence
, foreign affairs, atomic energy, railways.
2. State List (66 subjects) – Controlled by the state governments.
Examples: Police, agriculture, public health, trade within states.
3. Concurrent List (52 subjects) – Shared by both central and state governments.
Examples: Education, marriage laws, forests, trade unions.
In case of a conflict, the central law prevails over state law in the Concurrent List.
17. How does the Supreme Court ensure federalism in India?
Answer:
The Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution and protects federalism in the following ways:
Resolves disputes
– It settles conflicts between the Centre and States (e.g., river water disputes).
Ensures constitutional division of power
– It ensures that the Union and States follow their respective powers.
Upholds fundamental rights
– It ensures that state or central governments do not violate citizens’ rights.
Checks misuse of emergency powers
– Prevents the Centre from misusing Article 356 (President’s Rule).
Interprets Constitution
– It interprets laws to maintain balance in power-sharing.
Judicial Review
– It can strike down unconstitutional laws made by the Centre or States.
18. What is meant by "Cooperative Federalism" and "Competitive Federalism"?
Answer:
Cooperative Federalism:
The Centre and States
work together
to implement policies and programs.
Example:
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
was implemented with cooperation from all states.
Competitive Federalism:
States
compete with each other
to attract investment, improve governance, and boost economic growth.
Example:
Ease of Doing Business rankings
among states encourage development.
Both forms of federalism are necessary to ensure growth and good governance.
19. What is the role of the Finance Commission in federalism?
Answer:
The Finance Commission of India plays a crucial role in financial federalism.
Functions of the Finance Commission:
Tax revenue distribution
– It decides how taxes are shared between the Centre and States.
Grants-in-aid
– It provides financial assistance to weaker states.
Devolution of funds
– Recommends financial resources for state and local governments.
Reducing regional imbalance
– Ensures equitable financial distribution.
Promoting economic stability
– Ensures financial stability in different states.
Advice on financial matters
– It advises the government on taxation and public expenditure.
The Finance Commission is appointed every five years by the President.
20. How did the language policy of India strengthen federalism?
Answer:
India is a multilingual country, and its language policy ensures that no language dominates over others.
Provisions of the language policy:
Hindi as the official language
– It is the official language but not mandatory in all states.
22 scheduled languages
– Recognized under the Constitution, including Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, etc.
States can have their own official language
– Example: Tamil Nadu uses Tamil, Maharashtra uses Marathi.
No forced imposition of Hindi
– Non-Hindi-speaking states are free to use their languages.
English continues as a link language
– It is used for communication between the Centre and states.
Three-language formula
– Students learn Hindi, English, and a regional language in schools.
This flexible language policy has helped prevent linguistic conflicts and strengthen Indian federalism.
