1. Overview – Why Study Federalism in Class 10 Civics?

India is a large country with vast diversity in language, culture, religion and regional interests. If political power were concentrated in a single authority, it could easily lead to neglect of many groups and regions. To avoid such problems and to keep such a big country united, power needs to be shared and distributed among different levels of government. This idea is at the heart of federalism.

This chapter explains what federalism means, how a federal government is different from a unitary one, and why India is called a quasi-federal or federal country with a strong centre. It also shows how federalism is actually practised in our country through the creation of states, language policy, relations between the Union and the states, and the system of local self-government known as decentralisation.

2. What is Federalism? – Meaning and Key Features

2.1 Meaning of Federalism

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) authority and various constituent units (such as states or provinces). The central and state governments are independent of each other in their own spheres, and their powers are clearly written in the Constitution.

Unlike a unitary system, where all powers are concentrated in the hands of the central government, a federal system tries to balance unity with diversity. It allows different regions to enjoy autonomy while still remaining part of one nation.

2.2 Key Features of Federalism

NCERT identifies a set of important features that help us recognise a federal system:

• Two or more levels of government: Usually there is a government for the entire country and separate governments for different regions or states. For example, in India we have the Union Government and State Governments, and later a third tier – local government.
• Division of powers: The Constitution clearly divides powers between different levels of government. Each level has its own subjects to legislate and govern.
• Written Constitution: A federal system normally has a written Constitution which clearly explains the structure, powers, and functions of different levels of government.
• Supremacy of the Constitution: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. All governments must work according to it. If there is a conflict, the Constitution is followed.
• Independent judiciary: There is an independent judiciary (like the Supreme Court in India) which settles disputes between different levels of government and interprets the Constitution.
• Sources of revenue: Each level of government has its own independent sources of revenue so that it can carry out its responsibilities effectively.

3. Unitary vs Federal Systems

To understand federalism, it is useful to compare it with a unitary system.

3.1 Unitary System

• Only one level of government (or the central government is much stronger than provincial governments).
• Power is concentrated in the central authority.
• Central government can change the powers of regional units and even redraw their boundaries.
• Examples include United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.

3.2 Federal System

• Two or more levels of government: national and regional (state/provincial) governments.
• Powers are divided by the Constitution, and both levels are independent in their own sphere.
• The central government cannot unilaterally change the powers of the states.
• Examples: India, USA, Canada, Australia.

4. What Makes India a Federal Country?

The Indian Constitution does not use the word “federation” in its Preamble, but it clearly establishes a federal system. At the same time, it gives the Centre more powers in certain situations, so India is often described as a “federal country with a strong centre”.

4.1 Threefold Distribution of Legislative Powers

The Constitution divides the subjects of legislation into three lists:

• Union List: Subjects of national importance such as defence, foreign affairs, banking, currency, railways, communications. Only the Union Government can make laws on these subjects.
• State List: Subjects of state and regional importance such as police, trade within the state, agriculture, irrigation. Only the State Governments can normally make laws on these subjects.
• Concurrent List: Subjects of common interest to both the Union and the states, such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption. Both Union and State Governments can make laws, but in case of conflict, Union law prevails.

4.2 Residuary Powers

There may be subjects which are not mentioned in any of the three lists (for example, new technologies). These are called residuary subjects. In India, residuary powers are given to the Union Government.

4.3 India’s Federal Features Summarised

• Written Constitution (lengthy and detailed).
• Supremacy of the Constitution – everyone must follow it.
• Rigid Constitution – some provisions can be amended only with the consent of states.
• Independent judiciary – Supreme Court & High Courts safeguard the Constitution.
• Two or more levels of government with clear distribution of powers.

5. How is Federalism Practised in India?

A federal Constitution alone does not make a country truly federal. What matters is how it works in practice. In India, federalism is strengthened through:

• Formation of linguistic states,
• a balanced language policy, and
• changing nature of Centre–State relations especially after the rise of coalition governments.

6. Linguistic States and Reorganisation of States

After independence, there was a strong demand for the creation of states on the basis of language. People wanted to have states where the majority spoke the same language so that administration would be easier and their culture could be protected.

The process started with the creation of the state of Andhra Pradesh for Telugu speakers. Later, many states were reorganised on linguistic basis through the States Reorganisation Act and other amendments.

6.1 Significance of Linguistic Reorganisation

• It made the country more united by giving recognition to regional aspirations instead of suppressing them.
• It did not break the country; instead, people felt more attached to India as their demands were respected.
• It strengthened the federal principle by treating all languages and regions with respect.

7. Language Policy in India

India is a multilingual country with hundreds of languages. To manage this diversity, the Constitution framed a flexible language policy.

7.1 Official Languages

• Hindi written in Devanagari script is recognised as the official language of the Union.
• English was supposed to be used for a limited period, but due to demands from non-Hindi-speaking states, it continues as an associate official language.
• The Constitution does not declare any national language.

7.2 Regional Languages

The Constitution recognises many languages under the Eighth Schedule. States are free to adopt their own official language(s) for state-level administration.

The language policy of India has been pragmatic and accommodative, giving equal importance to all major languages and avoiding the imposition of any one language on the whole country.

8. Changing Centre–State Relations

The way power is shared between the Union and State Governments has changed over time. The trend moved from a system dominated by one party at the Centre to a coalition era.

8.1 Early Years – Strong Centre

For many years after independence, the same political party ruled at the Centre and in most states. As a result, the Centre often had more influence over state governments, and states had limited freedom in certain matters.

8.2 Rise of Regional Parties and Coalition Governments

From the late 1980s, regional parties gained strength in many states. No single national party could easily win a majority in the Lok Sabha, leading to coalition governments. Regional parties became important partners in these coalitions.

• State governments gained a stronger voice in national politics.
• The Centre started consulting states more often.
• Use of Article 356 (President’s Rule) to dismiss state governments reduced.

All this helped to strengthen federalism in practice, making India more genuinely federal and democratic.

9. Decentralisation in India and Panchayati Raj

Federalism in India is not limited to just two levels (Union and States). There is a third tier of government: local self-government. The process of dividing and sharing powers with local bodies is known as decentralisation.

9.1 Meaning of Decentralisation

Decentralisation means transferring power and responsibilities from the Central and State Governments to local levels of government, such as villages and towns. It allows people to participate directly in decision-making at the grassroots level.

9.2 Why Decentralisation is Needed

• Local people know their problems better and can find more practical solutions.
• Local decisions are more effective because they are closer to the reality of the area.
• It reduces the burden on higher levels of government.
• It strengthens democracy by involving ordinary citizens in governance.

9.3 73rd Amendment and Panchayati Raj

In 1992, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was passed to strengthen rural local government. This marked a major step in decentralisation.

Important features of the 73rd Amendment:

• Three-tier structure of Panchayati Raj:
  • Gram Panchayat at the village level.
  • Panchayat Samiti (Block or Mandal) at the intermediate level.
  • Zila Parishad at the district level.
• Direct elections to all three levels by the people.
• Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and at least one-third seats for women.
• Regular elections every five years.
• Creation of State Election Commissions to conduct local body elections.
• State Finance Commissions to share financial resources with local bodies.

9.4 Urban Local Bodies

In urban areas, local government is run by:

• Municipal Corporations in big cities.
• Municipal Councils / Municipalities in smaller towns.

These bodies look after local issues such as water supply, roads, street lighting, sanitation, birth and death records, primary schools and health centres.

10. Exam-Oriented Revision Points and Answer Writing Tips

10.1 Quick Revision Points (Federalism Chapter)

• Federalism: system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, both working in their own jurisdiction.
• Key features: multiple levels of government, division of powers, written Constitution, supremacy of Constitution, independent judiciary, separate sources of revenue.
• India as a federal country: three lists (Union, State, Concurrent), residuary powers with Union, written and supreme Constitution, independent judiciary.
• Linguistic states: created to recognise regional and language-based aspirations; strengthened national unity.
• Language policy: Hindi and English at the Union level; states have their own official languages; no national language.
• Centre–State relations: changed after the rise of coalition governments and regional parties, strengthening federalism.
• Decentralisation: third tier of government; 73rd Amendment created constitutional status for Panchayati Raj institutions.
• Panchayati Raj: three levels – Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad; regular elections; reservation for women and SC/ST.

10.2 Answer Writing Tips for CBSE Board Exams

Regular revision of these notes along with NCERT exercises and previous years’ questions will help you master CBSE Class 10 Civics Federalism and score confidently in the Social Science Board Examination.