Federalism – Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 10 – Social Science (Civics)
Subject: Political Science (Democratic Politics – II)
Chapter 2: Federalism – What is Federalism? | What makes India a Federal Country? | How is Federalism practised? | Decentralisation in India
Topic-wise Short Answer Type Questions with clear explanations, strictly based on NCERT, ideal for CBSE Class 10 Board Examination preparation.
CBSE Board Examinations – Question Pattern (Indicative)
- 1 Mark Questions (VSA): Definitions, terms, one-point reasons.
- 2–3 Mark Questions (Short Answer): Brief explanations of features, lists, language policy, federal practices.
- 4–5 Mark Questions (Long Answer): Analysis-based questions on India as a federal country, decentralisation and Panchayati Raj.
Note for Students: These 50+ Short Answer Type Questions are designed for quick revision and concept clarity. Use them along with the NCERT textbook to build strong answers for the CBSE Class 10 Social Science Board exams.
1. Basics of Federalism – Meaning and Concept
Basics of Federalism
Q1. Define federalism. How is it different from a unitary system?
Ans. Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of a country, and both levels are constitutionally protected. In a unitary system, power is concentrated in the central government, which can change or take back powers of regional governments.
Basics of Federalism
Q2. Why is federalism considered an effective way to manage diversity in a country like India?
Ans. Federalism shares power between different levels of government. This allows regional governments to take decisions according to local needs, protects the interests of different linguistic and cultural groups and prevents the domination of any one group. Thus, it helps manage diversity peacefully.
Basics of Federalism
Q3. Mention two reasons why some countries adopt a federal system of government.
Ans. (i) The country is very large in size and cannot be governed effectively from a single centre.
(ii) The country has social, cultural, linguistic or regional diversity and different groups want some autonomy in decision-making.
(ii) The country has social, cultural, linguistic or regional diversity and different groups want some autonomy in decision-making.
Basics of Federalism
Q4. How does federalism promote the idea of democracy?
Ans. Federalism brings government closer to people by creating state and local governments. It allows more people to participate in decision-making at different levels. It also prevents concentration of power in one authority, which is a basic democratic principle.
Basics of Federalism
Q5. Give examples of any two federal countries and any one unitary country.
Ans. Federal countries: India, USA, Canada, Australia (any two).
Unitary country: Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, France (any one).
Unitary country: Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, France (any one).
2. Key Features of Federalism
Features of Federalism
Q6. Explain any three key features of a federal government.
Ans. (i) There are two or more levels of government – one for the entire country and others for different regions.
(ii) The powers of each level of government are clearly defined by the Constitution.
(iii) The Constitution is supreme and both levels of government must work within its limits.
(ii) The powers of each level of government are clearly defined by the Constitution.
(iii) The Constitution is supreme and both levels of government must work within its limits.
Features of Federalism
Q7. What is meant by “supremacy of the Constitution” in a federal system?
Ans. Supremacy of the Constitution means that the Constitution is the highest law of the land. All laws and decisions of both central and state governments must follow it. If there is a dispute, it is resolved in accordance with the Constitution, thereby protecting the federal structure.
Features of Federalism
Q8. Why is a written Constitution necessary for federalism?
Ans. In a federation, powers are divided between different levels of government. A written Constitution clearly lays down this division of powers and the rights of each level of government. This prevents confusion and protects states from arbitrary changes by the central government.
Features of Federalism
Q9. How does an independent judiciary safeguard the federal system?
Ans. An independent judiciary, such as the Supreme Court in India, settles disputes between different levels of government. It ensures that both the Union and the States do not cross their constitutional limits and that the spirit of federalism is preserved.
Features of Federalism
Q10. Why should different levels of government have their own sources of revenue in a federation?
Ans. Each level of government has specific responsibilities. To carry out these functions independently, they need their own financial resources. Separate sources of revenue prevent financial dependence of states on the centre and strengthen federalism.
Features of Federalism
Q11. What is meant by “mutual trust and agreement” in federalism?
Ans. Federalism is based not only on legal arrangements but also on mutual trust and cooperation between different levels of government. Centre and states must respect each other’s powers and work together, otherwise the system may not function smoothly even if the Constitution is federal.
Unitary vs Federal
Q12. Distinguish between unitary and federal systems on any two points.
Ans. (i) In a unitary system, power is concentrated in the central government; in a federal system, power is divided between centre and states.
(ii) In a unitary system, central government can change the powers of states; in a federal system, powers of states are constitutionally protected and cannot be changed unilaterally.
(ii) In a unitary system, central government can change the powers of states; in a federal system, powers of states are constitutionally protected and cannot be changed unilaterally.
Unitary vs Federal
Q13. Why can we say that Sri Lanka has a unitary form of government while India has a federal form?
Ans. In Sri Lanka, powers are concentrated in the national government and provinces have limited powers which can be changed by the centre. In India, powers are divided by the Constitution between the Union and States, and both are independent in their own spheres, making it a federal system.
Unitary vs Federal
Q14. How does the federal system reduce the risk of abuse of power?
Ans. In a federal system, power is not in the hands of a single authority. Centre and states share power. This division, along with checks and balances and independent judiciary, reduces the chances of misuse and supports democratic governance.
3. What Makes India a Federal Country?
India as a Federal Country
Q15. Explain the threefold distribution of legislative powers in India.
Ans. The Constitution divides powers into three lists:
(i) Union List – subjects of national importance (defence, foreign affairs).
(ii) State List – subjects of state importance (police, agriculture).
(iii) Concurrent List – subjects of common interest for both levels (education, forests).
(i) Union List – subjects of national importance (defence, foreign affairs).
(ii) State List – subjects of state importance (police, agriculture).
(iii) Concurrent List – subjects of common interest for both levels (education, forests).
India as a Federal Country
Q16. Why are subjects like defence and foreign affairs included in the Union List?
Ans. Defence and foreign affairs concern the security and relations of the entire nation with other countries. A uniform policy is necessary, so these subjects are given to the Union Government for effective and coordinated decision-making.
India as a Federal Country
Q17. Give examples of subjects included in the State List and explain why.
Ans. Subjects like police, public order, agriculture, irrigation are in the State List. These matters are better handled at the state level because they vary from region to region and states understand local needs better than the centre.
India as a Federal Country
Q18. What is the significance of the Concurrent List in India’s federal system?
Ans. The Concurrent List contains subjects of common interest to both centre and states, such as education and forests. It allows both levels to make laws and cooperate. In case of conflict, Union law prevails, which helps maintain national uniformity where needed.
India as a Federal Country
Q19. Explain the concept of residuary powers. Who enjoys residuary powers in India?
Ans. Residuary powers are powers on subjects that are not mentioned in any of the three lists, often relating to new or emerging areas. In India, residuary powers are vested in the Union Government, which can make laws on such subjects.
India as a Federal Country
Q20. How does the Indian Constitution show supremacy and rigidity with respect to federalism?
Ans. Supremacy means that all governments must follow the Constitution. Rigidity means that certain federal provisions can be changed only with the consent of more than half of the states besides a special majority in Parliament. This protects the powers of states and the federal structure.
India as a Federal Country
Q21. Why is India sometimes described as a “quasi-federal” state?
Ans. India is called quasi-federal because it has federal features like division of powers and independent judiciary, but also unitary features like strong centre, emergency provisions, and residuary powers with the centre. Thus, it is federal with a strong central bias.
India as a Federal Country
Q22. Mention any three features that make India a federal country.
Ans. (i) Two or more levels of government – Union, State and Local.
(ii) Written Constitution with clear division of powers (three lists).
(iii) Independent judiciary to resolve disputes between different levels of government.
(ii) Written Constitution with clear division of powers (three lists).
(iii) Independent judiciary to resolve disputes between different levels of government.
4. How is Federalism Practised? – Linguistic States & Language Policy
4.1 Linguistic States
Linguistic States
Q23. Why were states reorganised on a linguistic basis after independence?
Ans. After independence, people demanded states where most people spoke the same language. This would make administration easier, protect local cultures and languages and reduce the feeling of neglect among different linguistic groups. Hence, states were reorganised on linguistic lines.
Linguistic States
Q24. How did the reorganisation of states on linguistic lines strengthen national unity?
Ans. Instead of breaking the country, linguistic reorganisation gave people a sense of respect and recognition for their language. It reduced regional tensions and helped people feel that their identity was protected within India, thus strengthening national unity and democracy.
Linguistic States
Q25. What does the creation of smaller states like Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh show about Indian federalism?
Ans. The creation of such states shows that Indian federalism is flexible and responsive to regional aspirations. When regions demand separate statehood for better administration and development, the system can adjust by creating new states democratically.
Linguistic States
Q26. How are demands for new states based on language handled in a democratic federal system?
Ans. In a democratic federal system like India, such demands are discussed in Parliament, committees and state assemblies. Decisions are taken through constitutional procedures instead of force, keeping in mind unity, administrative convenience and development needs of the region.
Linguistic States
Q27. Why is recognition of regional and linguistic identities important in a federal country?
Ans. Recognising regional and linguistic identities makes people feel respected and included. It reduces feelings of discrimination, prevents conflicts and allows different groups to preserve their culture while remaining loyal to the nation.
4.2 Language Policy
Language Policy
Q28. What does the Indian Constitution say about the national language?
Ans. The Indian Constitution does not declare any language as a national language. It recognises Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union and allows the continued use of English as an associate official language.
Language Policy
Q29. Why was English allowed to continue as an associate official language even after 1965?
Ans. Many non-Hindi-speaking states opposed the complete replacement of English by Hindi, fearing domination by Hindi-speaking states. To avoid conflict and maintain unity, English was allowed to continue as an associate official language along with Hindi.
Language Policy
Q30. How does the language policy of India reflect the spirit of federalism?
Ans. The language policy allows states to adopt their own official languages and recognises many scheduled languages. It avoids forcing any one language on the whole country. This respects linguistic diversity and gives states autonomy, reflecting federal principles.
Language Policy
Q31. What is the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
Ans. The Eighth Schedule lists the languages recognised by the Constitution. It originally had 14 languages and now includes 22 languages. Recognition in this Schedule gives languages a special status and helps in their development.
Language Policy
Q32. Why is it said that India has adopted a cautious and flexible language policy?
Ans. India did not impose any single language as national language, continued English along with Hindi, recognised many languages and allowed states to choose their official language. This cautious and flexible approach prevented major linguistic conflicts.
Language Policy
Q33. How has the language policy helped in maintaining India’s unity?
Ans. By respecting all languages and not forcing uniformity, the language policy has reduced tensions among linguistic groups. It allowed people to use their mother tongue in administration and education, thereby strengthening emotional unity in India.
5. Changing Centre–State Relations
Centre–State Relations
Q34. How did one-party dominance in the early years affect Centre–State relations?
Ans. For many years, the same party ruled at the centre and most states. As a result, the central government often had more influence over state governments. States had limited autonomy and the federal structure did not function fully in practice.
Centre–State Relations
Q35. Explain the role of regional parties in changing Centre–State relations.
Ans. From the late 1980s, regional parties became strong in many states. No single party could easily get a majority in Lok Sabha. Coalition governments had to depend on support of regional parties, so the Centre started sharing power and consulting states more, improving federal relations.
Centre–State Relations
Q36. What is President’s Rule? How can it affect federalism?
Ans. President’s Rule means that the State Government is dismissed and the state comes under direct rule of the Centre. If used frequently or for political reasons, it can weaken federalism by reducing the autonomy of state governments. Its misuse has reduced after judicial scrutiny and coalition politics.
Centre–State Relations
Q37. How has the Supreme Court contributed to strengthening Centre–State relations?
Ans. The Supreme Court has given judgments limiting the arbitrary use of Article 356 (President’s Rule), protecting elected state governments. It also settles disputes between centre and states, thereby maintaining the constitutional balance and strengthening federalism.
Centre–State Relations
Q38. “India has moved from a centralised federation to a more balanced one.” Justify.
Ans. With the rise of regional parties, coalition governments, judicial interference against misuse of central powers and growing importance of states in national decisions, India has become more genuinely federal and balanced in practice, compared to the early years of central dominance.
Centre–State Relations
Q39. Why is cooperation between centre and states essential in a federal system?
Ans. Many issues like environment, health and education need joint efforts of both levels of government. Cooperation ensures effective policies, avoids duplication of work and helps in implementing development programmes across the country.
6. Decentralisation in India
6.1 Meaning and Importance of Decentralisation
Decentralisation
Q40. Define decentralisation. How is it related to federalism?
Ans. Decentralisation means transferring powers and responsibilities from higher levels of government to lower, local levels. It goes a step beyond federalism by adding a third tier of government (local bodies) below the state level, making power-sharing more extensive and democratic.
Decentralisation
Q41. Give any three reasons why decentralisation is important in a democracy.
Ans. (i) Local people know their problems better and can suggest suitable solutions.
(ii) It increases people’s participation in decision-making at the grassroots level.
(iii) It reduces the burden on higher levels of government and makes administration more efficient and responsive.
(ii) It increases people’s participation in decision-making at the grassroots level.
(iii) It reduces the burden on higher levels of government and makes administration more efficient and responsive.
Decentralisation
Q42. What major step was taken in 1992 to promote decentralisation in India?
Ans. In 1992, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was passed, which gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions in rural areas and laid down rules for their structure, elections and powers.
Decentralisation
Q43. How does decentralisation make democracy more meaningful?
Ans. Through decentralisation, ordinary people can directly influence decisions affecting their daily lives. They can approach local representatives easily, participate in Gram Sabha meetings and hold them accountable, thus making democracy more real and participatory.
Decentralisation
Q44. Explain how decentralisation can help in better planning and development.
Ans. Local bodies have first-hand knowledge of resources, needs and priorities of their area. They can plan development works like roads, water supply, schools and health centres more accurately and implement them effectively, leading to balanced local development.
6.2 Panchayati Raj Institutions
Panchayati Raj
Q45. Describe the three-tier structure of Panchayati Raj in rural areas.
Ans. Panchayati Raj has three levels:
(i) Gram Panchayat – at the village level.
(ii) Panchayat Samiti or Block Panchayat – at the intermediate/block level.
(iii) Zila Parishad – at the district level, linking all Panchayat Samitis.
(i) Gram Panchayat – at the village level.
(ii) Panchayat Samiti or Block Panchayat – at the intermediate/block level.
(iii) Zila Parishad – at the district level, linking all Panchayat Samitis.
Panchayati Raj
Q46. What is Gram Sabha? Mention any two functions of Gram Sabha.
Ans. Gram Sabha consists of all adult voters of a village. It approves the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat and reviews its work. It can question Panchayat members about misuse of funds and suggest development works for the village.
Panchayati Raj
Q47. How did the 73rd Amendment ensure representation of weaker sections in Panchayats?
Ans. The 73rd Amendment reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population. It also reserved at least one-third seats for women at all levels of Panchayati Raj, ensuring wider participation of weaker sections.
Panchayati Raj
Q48. What is the term of office for elected Panchayat bodies? Who conducts their elections?
Ans. Elected Panchayat bodies normally have a term of five years. Elections to Panchayats and Municipalities are conducted by the State Election Commission, which is an independent body at the state level.
Panchayati Raj
Q49. Mention any three functions of Gram Panchayat.
Ans. (i) Maintenance of village roads, drains and drinking water facilities.
(ii) Running primary schools and health centres in the village.
(iii) Implementing development programmes like employment schemes and welfare programmes at the village level.
(ii) Running primary schools and health centres in the village.
(iii) Implementing development programmes like employment schemes and welfare programmes at the village level.
Panchayati Raj
Q50. How does Panchayati Raj strengthen the federal structure of India?
Ans. Panchayati Raj adds a third tier of government below the states. It brings government closer to people, enhances local participation and shares power further downwards, thereby deepening federalism and democracy in India.
6.3 Urban Local Bodies
Urban Local Government
Q51. Distinguish between Municipal Corporation and Municipality.
Ans. Municipal Corporation governs large urban areas or big cities, while Municipality governs smaller towns and cities. Both look after local civic amenities but the Corporation generally has more powers and larger resources due to bigger population and area.
Urban Local Government
Q52. Mention any three functions of an urban local body.
Ans. (i) Maintenance of roads, parks, street lighting and public spaces.
(ii) Provision of drinking water, sewage and waste disposal services.
(iii) Running primary schools, dispensaries and health centres in towns and cities.
(ii) Provision of drinking water, sewage and waste disposal services.
(iii) Running primary schools, dispensaries and health centres in towns and cities.
Urban Local Government
Q53. How are the members of Municipal Corporation chosen?
Ans. Members of a Municipal Corporation (called councillors) are elected directly by the adult citizens of the city through regular municipal elections held by the State Election Commission.
7. Conceptual & Exam-Oriented Short Questions
Concept Check
Q54. Explain how federalism, language policy and decentralisation together strengthen democracy in India.
Ans. Federalism distributes power between centre and states; language policy respects linguistic diversity; decentralisation gives power to local bodies. Together they prevent concentration of power, promote participation and accommodate regional and cultural differences, making Indian democracy stronger and more inclusive.
Concept Check
Q55. How can you show that “federalism is a living practice and not just a constitutional arrangement” in India?
Ans. Federalism in India has evolved through the creation of new states, flexible language policy, changing centre–state relations, rise of coalition governments and constitutional recognition of local self-government. These practical changes show that federalism is continuously shaped by political developments, not just by constitutional text.
Exam Focus
Q56. Suggest a strategy to revise this chapter effectively for CBSE exams using these questions.
Ans. First read the NCERT chapter thoroughly. Then practise these topic-wise short answer questions, writing answers in your own words. Underline key terms like “Union List”, “decentralisation”, “linguistic states”, “73rd Amendment”. Finally, solve previous years’ CBSE questions to check how concepts from these questions appear in actual board papers.