Class 10th Federalism Notes

Federalism is a system of government where power is shared between a central authority and various regional units. Here's a quick breakdown of the key points:

What is it?

• Power sharing between the central government and state governments (sometimes called regional or provincial governments).
• Aims to achieve two things:
  • Maintain national unity
  • Accommodate regional diversity

Key features:

• Multiple Levels of Government: There are at least two levels - national and state/regional.
• Division of Powers: The constitution clearly defines what subjects each level of government is responsible for. This could be through lists specifying exclusive powers for each level and concurrent powers shared by both.
• Independent Judiciary: Courts play a crucial role in interpreting the constitution and resolving disputes between different levels of government.
• Financial Autonomy: Each level of government has its own sources of income to function effectively.

Example in India:

India is a federal country, though the constitution uses the term "Union of States." The division of powers is laid out in three lists:

• Union List: Subjects of national importance like defense, foreign affairs, currency, etc.
• State List: Subjects of regional importance like police, public order, agriculture, etc.
• Concurrent List: Subjects where both central and state governments can make laws, like education, environment, etc.

Benefits of Federalism:

• Protects the rights of diverse groups within a country.
• Promotes democratic participation at various levels.
• Checks the concentration of power in a single authority.

Challenges of Federalism:

• Balancing national unity with regional interests.
• Resolving conflicts over powers between different levels.
• Ensuring equal development across all regions.