Chapter 7: Federalism
- What is federalism?
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units (states or provinces). - What are the features of a federal government?
- Dual government
- Division of powers
- Written constitution
- Independent judiciary
- Bicameral legislature (often)
- What is the difference between unitary and federal systems?
In a unitary system, power is centralized. In federalism, power is shared between central and state governments. - Is India a federal country?
Yes, India is a quasi-federal country with a strong center, having both federal and unitary features. - What is meant by “quasi-federal”?
It means India has a federal structure but a strong central government with more powers than the states. - Which Article of the Constitution mentions India as a Union of States?
Article 1 of the Constitution declares India as a “Union of States”. - Why is India called a ‘Union’ and not a ‘Federation’?
Because Indian federation is indestructible—states have no right to secede and the union cannot be broken. - How is power divided between center and states in India?
Through three lists in the Seventh Schedule: - Union List
- State List
- Concurrent List
- What is the Union List?
It has subjects of national importance (e.g., defense, foreign affairs, currency). Only the central government can legislate on them. - What is the State List?
It includes subjects of state interest like police, public order, and agriculture. Only state legislatures can make laws on them. - What is the Concurrent List?
It contains subjects of common interest (education, forest, marriage). Both center and states can legislate, but center’s law prevails in case of conflict. - What is the role of the judiciary in federalism?
The judiciary resolves disputes between center and states and safeguards the federal structure. - What is cooperative federalism?
It means center and states work together to implement policies and programs, respecting each other’s roles. - What is competitive federalism?
A system where states compete to attract investment, improve governance, and boost economic performance. - What is fiscal federalism?
It refers to the financial relationship between different levels of government regarding taxation and allocation of funds. - What is the Finance Commission?
A constitutional body that recommends how the center should share taxes with the states every five years. - What are centrally sponsored schemes (CSS)?
Programs funded by the central government but implemented by the states, such as PM Awas Yojana and MGNREGA. - What is the role of the Governor in federalism?
The Governor is the center’s representative in a state and can report constitutional breakdown or reserve bills for President’s assent. - What is President’s Rule?
When a state government fails to function constitutionally, the center can impose President’s Rule under Article 356. - Which part of the Constitution deals with center-state relations?
Part XI of the Constitution, from Articles 245 to 263, deals with legislative, administrative, and financial relations. - Can the center legislate on state subjects?
Yes, during a national emergency, or if two or more states request the Parliament, or through a Rajya Sabha resolution. - What is Article 370?
It granted special autonomy to Jammu & Kashmir. It was abrogated in August 2019, making J&K a Union Territory. - What are Union Territories?
Areas directly governed by the central government. Examples: Delhi, Chandigarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. - What is Inter-State Council?
A body for consultation between center and states, set up under Article 263 to promote coordination. - How are disputes between states resolved?
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over disputes between states or between the center and states. - What is decentralization?
Delegation of powers to local governments—Panchayats and Municipalities—for better governance and participation. - What is the 73rd Amendment?
It established Panchayati Raj institutions and gave constitutional status to rural local bodies. - What is the 74th Amendment?
It empowered urban local bodies like municipalities and corporations, making them part of decentralized governance. - Why is federalism important in India?
It accommodates diversity, strengthens unity, promotes local development, and ensures better representation of regional interests. - What challenges does Indian federalism face?
Tensions over resource sharing, central overreach, misuse of Article 356, and uneven development among states.