C2: FEDERALISM
Definition: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a
centralgovernment and state or regional government . Both levels govern the same citizens
but have distinct jurisdictions in legislation, taxation, and administration, as specified by the
Constitution.
Key Features of Federalism:
● Two or More Levels of Government: Central and state governments, with local
governments as a third tier in India.
● Constitutional Division of Power: Powers are divided into Union List, State List,
and Concurrent List.
● Independent Judiciary: Resolves disputes between different levels of government
(e.g., Supreme Court in India).
● Specified Revenue Sources: Each level has its own sources of revenue.
● Constitutional Rigidity: Fundamental provisions require consent from both levels
for amendments,.
Dual Objectives:
1. Safeguard and promote national unity.
2. Accommodate regional diversity.
2. Types of Federalism
A. Coming Together Federation: Independent states unite to form a larger unit with
equal powers (e.g., USA, Switzerland, Australia). States are strong vis-à-vis the
central government.
B. Holding Together Federation: A large country divides power between the central
government and states, with the central government having more power (e.g., India,
Spain, Belgium). Some states may have special status (e.g., Jammu and Kashmir).
3. Federalism in India
● Constitutional Provisions:India is a federal country with a three-tier system: Union
Government, State Governments, and Local Governments (Panchayats and
Municipalities).
● Division of Powers: The Constitution divides powers into:
- Union List: 97 subjects of national importance (e.g., defense, foreign affairs, banking,
currency). Only the Union Government can legislate.
- State List: 66 subjects of state/local importance (e.g., police, trade, agriculture,
irrigation). State Governments legislate.
- Concurrent List: 47 subjects of common interest (e.g., education, forests, marriage).
Both Union and State Governments can legislate; Union law prevails in case of
conflict.
- Residuary Subjects: Subjects not in any list (e.g., cybersecurity) fall under the Union
Government’s jurisdiction.
● Independent Judiciary: The Supreme Court resolves disputes and interprets the
Constitution.
● Bicameral Legislature: Lok Sabha (national representation) and Rajya Sabha (state
representation).
C2: FEDERALISM
4. Practice of Federalism in India
(i) Linguistic States: States were reorganized based on language (e.g., Maharashtra for
Marathi speakers, Assam for Assamese speakers) to accommodate diversity and ease
administration. This strengthened national unity.
(ii) Language Policy:
- Hindi is the official language, but English is also used for official purposes.
- 22 Scheduled Languages recognized by the Constitution (e.g., Tamil, Telugu,
Bengali). States have their own official languages.
- This policy promotes unity while respecting linguistic diversity.
(iii). Centre-State Relations:
Powers are clearly demarcated, but the Union Government has more authority in India’s
“holding together” federation.
● Cooperative federalism: Centre and states collaborate on policy-making.
● Competitive federalism: States compete for development and investment.
(iv). Decentralization:Power is shared with local governments (Panchayats and
Municipalities) to address local issues effectively.
1992 Constitutional Amendments (73rd and 74th)—> Gave constitutional status to local
self-governments.
● Mandated regular elections every five years.
● Reserved one-third of seats for women and representation for SCs/STs.
● State governments share powers and revenue with local bodies.
● State Election commission - conduct election at local govt.
5. Local Government (Third Tier)
- Panchayati Raj System (Rural):
● Gram Panchayat: Village-level body, elected by the Gram Sabha (all adult voters in
the village). Functions include electing members, supervising work, approving
budgets, and reviewing performance.
● Panchayat Samiti: Block-level, formed by grouping Gram Panchayats.
● Zila Parishad: District-level, the highest tier of rural governance.
- Municipalities (Urban):
Municipal Corporation: Headed by a Mayor, for large cities.
Functions include urban planning, regulation of land use, and economic/social development.
State Election Commission: Conducts elections for Panchayats and Municipalities.
6. Challenges of Federalism in India
(i) Imbalance of power: The Union Government has more authority, which can limit state
autonomy.
(ii) Linguistic and regional diversity: Balancing diverse interests while maintaining unity.
(iii) Financial dependence: States rely on the Centre for funds, limiting their autonomy.
7. Importance of Federalism in India
→ Promotes unity while accommodating diversity.
→ Ensures local self-governance and addresses regional needs.
→ Prevents concentration of power in one authority.
→ Enhances democratic participation through decentralization.
