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CH 7

Federalism is a system of government that divides powers between central and state governments, with India adopting a strong central federalism due to its size and diversity. The Indian Constitution outlines a division of powers into Union, State, and Concurrent lists, while also allowing for emergency measures that can centralize authority. Challenges to Indian federalism include tensions between the Centre and states, demands for autonomy, and regionalism.

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16 views3 pages

CH 7

Federalism is a system of government that divides powers between central and state governments, with India adopting a strong central federalism due to its size and diversity. The Indian Constitution outlines a division of powers into Union, State, and Concurrent lists, while also allowing for emergency measures that can centralize authority. Challenges to Indian federalism include tensions between the Centre and states, demands for autonomy, and regionalism.

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gaminghyperpro660
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Chapter 7 – Federalism

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1. Meaning of Federalism

Federalism : System of government where powers are divided between Central (Union) and
State governments, with each operating in its own sphere.

Key features:

o Two or more levels of government.


o Division of powers by the Constitution.
o Supremacy of Constitution.
o Independent judiciary to resolve disputes.

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2. Federalism in India

o India is a Union of States (Article 1).


o Constitution makers chose federal system with strong centre because:
o Vast size and diversity.
o Need for unity and integrity.
o Partition and threat of secession.

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3. Distribution of Powers

o Union List (97 subjects) – defence, foreign affairs, banking, railways (only Union can make
laws).
o State List (66 subjects) – police, trade, agriculture, irrigation (only states can make laws).
o Concurrent List (47 subjects) – education, forests, trade unions, marriage (both Union &
States; Union prevails in conflict).
o Residuary Powers – subjects not in any list go to Union (Article 248).

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4. Features of Indian Federalism

1. Written Constitution – Defines power sharing.


2. Division of powers – Via Union, State, and Concurrent lists.
3. Independent Judiciary – Guardian of Constitution.
4. Rigid yet flexible Constitution – Amendment procedure partly federal, partly unitary.
5. Single Citizenship – Unlike USA.
6. Strong Centre – Parliament can change state boundaries (Article 3), emergency
provisions, residuary powers.
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5. Emergency and Federalism

o In emergency situations, federal system becomes unitary.

Types:

o National Emergency (Article 352) – Centre gains control over states.


o State Emergency (Article 356) – President’s Rule in a state.
o Financial Emergency (Article 360) – Centre controls state finances.

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6. Federal Institutions

o Inter-State Council (Article 263) – Resolves disputes between states.


o Zonal Councils – Advisory bodies for cooperation among states.
o Finance Commission (Article 280) – recommends distribution of revenues.

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7. Cooperative Federalism

o Union and states share resources and responsibilities.


Examples: GST Council, NITI Aayog, centrally sponsored schemes.

o Encourages coordination, not competition.

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8. Challenges to Indian Federalism

o Tension between Centre and States.


o Use of Article 356 (President’s Rule) for political purposes.
o Demands for greater state autonomy.
o Regionalism and secessionist movements.

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9. Importance of Federalism

o Ensures unity with diversity.


o Brings government closer to the people.
o Prevents concentration of power.
o Promotes efficiency and accommodation of regional interests.
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Key Terms

o Union of States – Phrase used in Indian Constitution (not federation of states).


o Residuary Powers – Powers not mentioned in any list, given to Union.
o Concurrent List – Subjects where both Union & States can legislate.
o Cooperative Federalism – Collaboration between Union and states.
o President’s Rule – Suspension of state govt. under Article 356.

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