Class 10 Social Science: Democratic Federalism

Introduction to Federalism
●​ Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central
authority and various constituent units of the country.
●​ Unlike a unitary system (where all power rests with one central government), federalism
involves multiple levels of government, each with its own jurisdiction in specific matters.
●​ Key contrast with Unitary System:
○​ Unitary: Only one level of government or sub-units are subordinate to the central
government. Central government can pass orders to local or provincial government.
(Examples: UK, France, Japan, China).
○​ Federal: Two or more levels of government. Each level has its own powers and is
not answerable to the other in its own sphere. Both central and state governments
derive their powers from the Constitution. (Examples: India, USA, Canada,
Germany, Australia, Brazil).

Key Features of Federalism

1.​ Two or More Levels (Tiers) of Government: There are at least two levels of
government, typically a central or union government and state or provincial governments.
2.​ Separate Jurisdictions: Each tier of government has its own specific powers and areas
of authority (jurisdiction) in matters of legislation, taxation, and administration. These
jurisdictions are usually specified in the Constitution.
3.​ Constitutional Guarantee: The existence and authority of each tier of government are
constitutionally guaranteed. The fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be
unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of
both levels of government.
4.​ Independent Judiciary: Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution and the
powers of different levels of government. The highest court acts as an umpire if disputes
arise between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers.
5.​ Financial Autonomy: Each level of government has its own sources of revenue specified
by the Constitution to ensure its financial autonomy.
6.​ Dual Objectives: Federal systems have a dual objective: to safeguard and promote the
unity of the country, and at the same time, to accommodate regional diversity.

Types/Routes of Federalism
Federalism can be formed in two main ways, leading to different balances of power:
1.​ "Coming Together" Federations:
○​ Independent states come together on their own to form a bigger unit.
○​ They pool their sovereignty and retain identity to increase their security.
○​ All constituent states usually have equal power and are strong vis-à-vis the federal
government.
○​ Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia. (Here, the states tend to be quite powerful
in relation to the center).
2.​ "Holding Together" Federations:
 ○​ A large country decides to divide its power between the constituent states and the
national government.
○​ The central government tends to be more powerful vis-à-vis the states.
○​ Different constituent units often have unequal powers. Some units may be granted
special status.
○​ Examples: India, Spain, Belgium. (Here, the central government usually holds
more authority).

Federalism in India: A "Holding Together" Model

India is a federal country, but with a strong central government. This is often described as
"quasi-federal" or "federal with a unitary bias."
Key Features of Indian Federalism:
1.​ Three-Fold Distribution of Legislative Powers: The Indian Constitution clearly
demarcates legislative powers between the Union Government and State Governments
through three lists:
○​ Union List: Subjects of national importance requiring uniform policy throughout the
country. The Union Parliament alone can make laws on these subjects. (e.g.,
Defence, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Communications, Currency).
○​ State List: Subjects of state and local importance. The State Legislatures alone
can make laws on these subjects. (e.g., Police, Trade, Commerce, Agriculture,
Irrigation).
○​ Concurrent List: Subjects of common interest to both the Union and State
Governments. Both can make laws on these subjects. If there is a conflict, the law
made by the Union Parliament prevails. (e.g., Education, Forests, Trade Unions,
Marriage, Adoption, Succession).
○​ Residuary Subjects: Subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists. The Union
Government has the power to legislate on these subjects. (e.g., Cyber laws).
2.​ Rigid Constitution (but flexible): The fundamental provisions of the Constitution,
especially those relating to the distribution of powers, cannot be changed by the Union
Parliament alone. It requires a special majority in both Houses of Parliament and
ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures.
3.​ Independent Judiciary: The Supreme Court and the High Courts resolve disputes
between the Union and State governments, or between different states, regarding the
division of powers.
4.​ Financial Powers: The Constitution provides for distribution of tax revenues between the
Union and states, ensuring some financial autonomy for states, though the Union controls
major revenue sources.
5.​ Asymmetrical Federalism: Some states are granted special status due to their unique
social and historical circumstances (e.g., North-Eastern states, earlier Jammu & Kashmir).
These states enjoy certain special provisions. Union Territories (e.g., Delhi, Chandigarh)
have limited powers and are directly administered by the Union Government.
6.​ Third Tier of Government (Panchayati Raj and Municipalities): India further
decentralised power in 1992 by adding a third tier of democratic government at the local
level (Panchayats in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas), making it a truly
democratic federal system.
How is Federalism Practiced in India?
The success of federalism in India is attributed to the nature of democratic politics in the country.
Key aspects include:
1.​ Linguistic States: The creation of states based on language after independence was a
major test for Indian federalism. This ensured greater autonomy and recognition for
different linguistic groups, rather than leading to disintegration. It made the country more
united and administration easier.
2.​ Language Policy:
○​ The Indian Constitution does not declare any language as the national language.
Hindi was identified as the official language.
○​ However, 22 languages are recognised as Scheduled Languages. States also have
their own official languages.
○​ The use of English as an official language continues alongside Hindi, especially for
communication between states and the center, preventing imposition of Hindi.
○​ This policy has helped avoid conflicts over language and promote unity.
3.​ Centre-State Relations:
○​ For a long time, the central government often misused the Constitution to dismiss
state governments controlled by rival parties. This undermined federalism.
○​ The rise of regional political parties and the era of coalition governments at the
Centre since 1990 changed this. It became difficult for the Centre to arbitrarily
dismiss state governments.
○​ This led to a new culture of power-sharing and respect for the autonomy of state
governments. The Supreme Court also strengthened this by making it difficult for
the Central Government to dismiss state governments in an arbitrary manner.
4.​ Decentralisation:
○​ Definition: The process of taking power away from the central and state
governments and giving it to local governments.
○​ Need for Decentralisation:
■​ Large size and diversity of India necessitate local self-governance.
■​ To allow people to directly participate in decision-making closer to their
homes.
■​ Local problems can be best settled at the local level.
○​ Major steps taken in 1992 (Constitutional Amendment):
■​ Mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
■​ Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs),
and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
■​ At least one-third of all positions reserved for women.
■​ State Election Commission created in each state to conduct panchayat and
municipal elections.
■​ State governments required to share some powers and revenue with local
government bodies.
○​ Rural Local Government (Panchayati Raj):
■​ Gram Panchayat: Council in each village or group of villages. Members
directly elected by adult population, headed by Sarpanch/President.
■​ Gram Sabha: All adult members of the village are part of it. It approves the
annual budget of the Gram Panchayat and reviews its performance.
 ■​ Panchayat Samiti/Block Committee: Group of Gram Panchayats. Members
are elected by panchayat members.
■​ Zila Parishad (District Council): At the district level. Members are mostly
elected, includes MPs, MLAs, and district officials. Headed by a Political
Head (Chairperson).
○​ Urban Local Government:
■​ Municipalities: For towns.
■​ Municipal Corporations: For big cities.
■​ Both are run by elected bodies consisting of people's representatives.
Headed by Municipal Chairperson (Mayor in Municipal Corporations).

Conclusion
Democratic federalism in India has evolved significantly since independence. The adoption of
linguistic states, a flexible language policy, the changing dynamics of Centre-State relations, and
importantly, the decentralisation of power to local self-governments, have strengthened the spirit
of federalism and democracy in the country, ensuring unity while accommodating its vast
diversity.