CBSE Class 10 Political Science (Civics) Important Questions Chapter 2 Federalism

1. What specific clauses in the Indian Constitution establish India's federal system?

Ans:

• Division of Powers: The Constitution divides powers between the central government and the state governments through three lists – the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. The Union List covers subjects of national importance, the State List includes matters of regional and local significance, and the Concurrent List has subjects of common interest to both the central and state governments.

• Written Constitution: India has a written constitution that clearly defines the powers and functions of the central and state governments. This helps in avoiding disputes and ensures clarity in the functioning of both levels of government.

• Supremacy of the Constitution: The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Both the central and state governments operate within the framework set by the Constitution, ensuring that no government can override constitutional provisions.

• Independent Judiciary: The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution and resolving disputes between the central and state governments. This helps in maintaining the balance of power and upholding the principles of federalism.

• Bicameral Legislature: The Indian Parliament has two houses – the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Rajya Sabha represents the states and ensures that their interests are considered at the national level.

• Autonomy of States: The states in India have the authority to make laws and govern on subjects listed in the State List. This autonomy allows states to address local needs and preferences effectively.

2. Federalism: What is it? Describe its salient characteristics.

Ans:

• Multiple Levels of Government: Federalism involves at least two levels of government – a central government and state or provincial governments. Each level has its powers and responsibilities.

• Written Constitution: Federal systems are governed by a written constitution that clearly outlines the distribution of powers and functions between different levels of government. This ensures clarity and prevents conflicts.

• Division of Powers: Powers are divided between the central and state governments through a constitutionally defined arrangement. In India, this division is specified through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.

• Supremacy of the Constitution: The Constitution is the supreme law in a federal system. All levels of government operate within the constitutional framework, and any laws made must be by the Constitution.

• Independent Judiciary: An independent judiciary, often headed by a supreme court, interprets the Constitution and adjudicates disputes between different levels of government. This ensures that the constitution is upheld and that the balance of power is maintained.

• Autonomy of Constituent Units: States or provinces in a federal system have a significant degree of autonomy. They have their own governments and can make laws and policies on matters specified in the State List.

• Bicameral Legislature: Many federal countries have a bicameral legislature, with one house representing the population at large (e.g., the House of Representatives or Lok Sabha) and the other representing the states or provinces (e.g., the Senate or Rajya Sabha). This ensures that both national and regional interests are considered in the legislative process.

3. What are a federal system's double goals? Describe them.

Ans:

• Promoting Unity: A federal system aims to create a strong central authority that unites the various constituent units (states or provinces) under a single national framework. This central authority manages national issues such as defence, foreign affairs, and economic policy, ensuring the country operates as a cohesive whole. By fostering national unity, a federal system helps maintain stability and coherence across the entire nation, enabling it to present a unified front both domestically and internationally.

• Accommodating Diversity: The other objective of federalism is to recognize and respect the diversity within the country. This is achieved by granting autonomy to the states or provinces, allowing them to manage their affairs in areas like education, health, and local governance. By addressing local needs and preferences, a federal system ensures that the distinct cultural, linguistic, and regional identities of different areas are preserved and respected. This promotes a sense of inclusion and belonging among various groups, preventing conflicts and fostering harmonious coexistence.

4. In what ways is India a federal nation?

Ans:

• Division of Powers: The Indian Constitution divides powers between the central and state governments through three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. The Union List includes subjects of national importance (e.g., defence, foreign affairs), the State List includes matters of regional and local significance (e.g., police, public health), and the Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both levels of government (e.g., education, marriage).

• Written Constitution: India has a written constitution that is the supreme law of the land. It clearly outlines the structure, functions, and powers of both the central and state governments, ensuring clarity and preventing conflicts.

• Supremacy of the Constitution: The Indian Constitution is supreme, meaning that both the central and state governments must operate within its framework. Any laws made by these governments must be by the Constitution.

• Independent Judiciary: The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution and resolving disputes between the central and state governments. This helps maintain the balance of power and ensures that constitutional provisions are upheld.

• Bicameral Legislature: The Indian Parliament is bicameral, consisting of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Rajya Sabha represents the states, ensuring that their interests are considered at the national level.

• Autonomy of States: States in India have significant autonomy in managing their affairs. They have the power to make laws and govern on subjects listed in the State List, allowing them to address local needs and preferences effectively.

• Fiscal Federalism: The division of financial resources and responsibilities between the central and state governments further strengthens India's federal structure. States have their sources of revenue and share in central taxes, ensuring financial autonomy.

5. Describe the judiciary's function in a federal nation.

Ans:

• Interpreting the Constitution: The judiciary, particularly the highest court (e.g., the Supreme Court in India), is responsible for interpreting the Constitution. This interpretation helps clarify the meaning of constitutional provisions and ensures that all levels of government operate within their constitutional limits.

• Resolving Disputes: The judiciary resolves disputes between the central government and state governments, or between states themselves. These disputes may involve issues of jurisdiction, authority, or interpretation of laws. By adjudicating these conflicts, the judiciary ensures the smooth functioning of the federal system.

• Ensuring Constitutional Supremacy: The judiciary upholds the supremacy of the Constitution by reviewing the actions and laws of both the central and state governments. If any law or action is found to be unconstitutional, the judiciary has the power to strike it down, ensuring that all governmental actions adhere to the Constitution.

• Protecting Fundamental Rights: The judiciary safeguards the fundamental rights of citizens by ensuring that neither the central nor state governments infringe upon these rights. Citizens can approach the courts if they believe their rights have been violated, and the judiciary can provide remedies and uphold justice.

• Promoting Federal Balance: By interpreting and applying the Constitution impartially, the judiciary promotes a balance of power between the central and state governments. This balance is crucial for maintaining the federal structure and ensuring that neither level of government becomes too powerful.

• Advisory Role: In some federal countries, the judiciary may also have an advisory role. For example, in India, the President can seek the Supreme Court's advisory opinion on legal or constitutional matters. Although not binding, such opinions guide the government in making informed decisions.

• Maintaining the Rule of Law: The judiciary ensures that all actions by the central and state governments comply with the law. By upholding the rule of law, the judiciary fosters trust and stability in the federal system.

6. Assume that the policies of the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa differ over how their respective state police ought to handle the Naxalites. Is it possible for the Indian Prime Minister to step in and issue a directive that all Chief Ministers would have to follow?

Ans:

• National Security and Public Order: If the situation poses a significant threat to national security or public order, the central government can intervene. This intervention is usually done through central agencies like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or by deploying other central forces to support state police efforts.

• Constitutional Provisions: Under Article 355 of the Indian Constitution, the central government must protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbance and ensure that the government of every state is carried on by the provisions of the Constitution. Using this provision, the central government can issue directives to state governments to address internal security threats.

• President's Rule: In extreme cases, if a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, the President of India can impose President's Rule under Article 356 of the Constitution. This effectively places the state's administration under the control of the central government. However, this is a drastic measure and is used sparingly, often following significant political and legal scrutiny.

• Coordination and Consultation: In practice, the central government often engages in consultations and coordination with state governments to address issues like the Naxalite threat. The Prime Minister and other central government officials may hold meetings with the Chief Ministers to discuss strategies and ensure a unified approach while respecting the autonomy of the states.

7. What distinguishes the United States of America from the Federation of India?

Ans:

• The federations of India and the U.S.A. are distinct in their structure and functioning, reflecting their unique historical contexts and constitutional frameworks. 

• The U.S.A. follows a model of "dual federalism," where the federal and state governments operate independently within their spheres of authority, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. 

• This model emphasises a clear separation of powers, with limited overlap between federal and state jurisdictions. In contrast, India follows a model of "cooperative federalism," where the central and state governments share responsibilities and collaborate on various matters. 

• The Indian Constitution provides a more centralised form of federalism, with the central government holding significant powers, especially during emergencies. 

• Additionally, the Indian federal system is more flexible, allowing for the reorganisation of states to accommodate linguistic, cultural, and administrative needs. This adaptability contrasts with the more rigid state boundaries in the U.S.A. These differences highlight the unique approaches each country takes to manage their diverse populations and regional interests.

8. Describe the coalition administration.

Ans:

• A coalition government is formed when multiple political parties come together to establish a majority in the legislature, often because no single party has won an outright majority. 

• This type of government is common in parliamentary systems where proportional representation or a fragmented party landscape makes it difficult for one party to secure more than half of the seats. In a coalition government, power is shared among the coalition partners, who agree on a common agenda or policy platform to govern collectively. 

• The cabinet is typically composed of members from different coalition parties, with ministerial positions allocated based on each party’s strength within the coalition. This arrangement requires ongoing negotiation and compromise, leading to more inclusive and representative decision-making. However, it can also result in slower policy implementation and potential instability if major partners withdraw their support. 

• Coalition governments often produce moderate policies that reflect a blend of the coalition partners’ agendas, resulting in balanced governance that may sometimes dilute individual party objectives. Examples of coalition governments are common in countries like India and many European nations, where proportional representation electoral systems necessitate collaborative governance.

9. What is the practice of federalism?

Ans:

• Division of Powers: The constitution outlines the specific powers and responsibilities of the central government and the state governments. This division is often categorised into distinct lists or schedules. For example, in India, the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List specify the subjects on which each level of government can legislate and govern.

• Autonomy of States: States or provinces have the autonomy to make laws, implement policies, and govern on matters within their jurisdiction. This allows them to address local needs and preferences effectively while contributing to the overall governance of the country.

• Intergovernmental Relations: Federalism involves mechanisms for cooperation and coordination between the central and state governments. These can include intergovernmental councils, committees, and conferences where representatives from both levels discuss and resolve issues of mutual concern.

• Judicial Review: An independent judiciary, usually led by a supreme or constitutional court, plays a critical role in federalism. The judiciary interprets the constitution, resolves disputes between the central and state governments, and ensures that all laws and actions are consistent with constitutional provisions.

• Financial Federalism: The financial relationship between the central and state governments is crucial. This involves the allocation of resources, tax revenues, and grants. In many federal countries, fiscal arrangements are designed to ensure a fair distribution of financial resources, allowing states to function effectively while maintaining national economic stability.

• Constitutional Amendments: Federal constitutions typically include provisions for their amendment, allowing for adjustments in the division of powers as needed. Such amendments usually require a higher level of consensus, involving both the central and state governments, to ensure that changes reflect the interests of all parties.

• Political Representation: Federal systems often have bicameral legislatures, with one house representing the population at large (e.g., the House of Representatives) and the other representing the states or provinces (e.g., the Senate). This ensures that both national and regional interests are considered in the legislative process.

• Decentralisation: Federalism often includes further decentralisation to local governments, empowering municipalities and districts to manage local affairs. This enhances grassroots participation and ensures that governance is responsive to the needs of communities.

10. List any three states that were divided from larger states.

Ans:

1. Chhattisgarh:

• Parent State: Madhya Pradesh

• Year of Formation: 2000

• Details: Chhattisgarh was created to better address the unique cultural, economic, and administrative needs of the region, which were different from those of the remaining parts of Madhya Pradesh.

2. Uttarakhand:

• Parent State: Uttar Pradesh

• Year of Formation: 2000

• Details: Originally known as Uttaranchal, Uttarakhand was formed to cater to the distinct cultural and geographical characteristics of the Himalayan region, which required a specific governance and development focus.

3. Jharkhand:

• Parent State: Bihar

• Year of Formation: 2000

• Details: Jharkhand was established to better manage the rich mineral resources and tribal population of the region, allowing for more focused economic development and governance tailored to local needs.

11. How many languages is India home to? Describe.

Ans:

• India is known for its linguistic diversity, with a vast number of languages spoken across the country. According to the Census of India, there are 22 officially recognised languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. These are:

1. Assamese

2. Bengali

3. Bodo

4. Dogri

5. Gujarati

6. Hindi

7. Kannada

8. Kashmiri

9. Konkani

10. Maithili

11. Malayalam

12. Manipuri

13. Marathi

14. Nepali

15. Odia

16. Punjabi

17. Sanskrit

18. Santali

19. Sindhi

20. Tamil

21. Telugu

22. Urdu

• Apart from these, the Census of India recognises a total of 121 languages spoken by 10,000 or more people each. Additionally, there are 1,635 rationalised mother tongues identified in the 2001 Census, showcasing the immense linguistic diversity of the country. This includes numerous dialects and regional languages that contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of India.

• The linguistic diversity in India is a reflection of its historical, cultural, and social diversity. Each language carries its own literary and cultural heritage, and the Indian government promotes and protects this diversity through various policies and programs. The education system, media, and official communication in different states often use regional languages, ensuring that linguistic plurality is maintained and celebrated.

12. Identify one aspect of Indian federalism that is comparable to and one aspect that differs from Belgian federalism.

Ans:

13. What are the different types of local self-governments in India?

Ans:

Urban Local Bodies:

1. Municipal Corporations:

• Found in large cities with a population of more than one million.

• Responsible for providing essential services like water supply, waste management, and urban planning.

• Governed by elected representatives and headed by a Mayor.

2. Municipal Councils (Municipalities):

• Established in smaller urban areas or cities with a population between 100,000 and one million.

• Perform similar functions as municipal corporations but on a smaller scale.

• Governed by elected representatives and headed by a Chairman.

3. Nagar Panchayats:

• Created for transitional areas, i.e., towns in transition from rural to urban.

• Responsible for basic civic amenities and infrastructure development.

• Governed by elected representatives and headed by a President.

Rural Local Bodies:

1. Zila Parishad:

• The top tier of the Panchayati Raj system operates at the district level.

• Coordinates activities of the Panchayat Samitis and implements development programs for the district.

• Composed of elected members from the district, including members from the Panchayat Samitis.

2. Panchayat Samiti:

• The middle tier operates at the block level.

• Responsible for planning and implementing schemes for agricultural development, rural development, and social welfare within the block.

• Composed of elected members from the Gram Panchayats within the block.

3. Gram Panchayat:

• The lowest tier operates at the village level.

• Responsible for local administration and development activities, including sanitation, water supply, and primary education.

• Composed of elected representatives from the village, including a Sarpanch (head of the Gram Panchayat).

Special Local Bodies:

1. District Planning Committees:

• Formed to consolidate plans prepared by the Panchayats and municipalities in the district.

• Ensure coordinated planning and development across rural and urban areas within the district.

2. Metropolitan Planning Committees:

• Established in metropolitan areas to prepare development plans.

• Coordinate activities of municipal bodies within the metropolitan region

14. What distinguishes a unitary government from a federal one in particular? Give an example to illustrate.

Ans:

Federal Form of Government:

• Distribution of Power: In a federal system, power is constitutionally divided between a central government and various state or regional governments. Both levels of government operate independently within their respective domains of authority.

• Constitutional Autonomy: The constitution grants significant autonomy to state or regional governments, allowing them to make and implement laws on various subjects.

• Example: India – The Indian Constitution divides powers between the central government and the state governments through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. Each level of government has its areas of responsibility, such as defence and foreign affairs for the central government and police and public health for the states.

Unitary Form of Government:

• Centralised Power: In a unitary system, all powers are concentrated in the central government. Local governments, if they exist, operate under the authority and direction of the central government.

• Limited Autonomy: Local or regional authorities have little to no constitutional autonomy and primarily implement decisions made by the central government.

• Example: United Kingdom – The UK has a unitary system where Parliament holds supreme authority. Local governments exist, but they derive their powers from the central government, and Parliament can alter or abolish these powers as it sees fit.

Key Points of Difference:

• Authority: In federal systems, authority is constitutionally divided between different levels of government, whereas, in unitary systems, the central government holds primary authority.

• Autonomy: States or regions in federal systems have constitutional autonomy, while local governments in unitary systems depend on the central government for their powers.

• Example Clarification: In the United States, another federal country, states have their own constitutions and significant control over various aspects of governance, such as education and transportation. In contrast, in France, a unitary state, the central government has the predominant role, and regional authorities mainly implement policies set by the central government.

15. Describe the actions made possible by the 1992 constitutional amendments to strengthen and improve local self-government.

Ans:

• The constitutional amendments of 1992, specifically the 73rd and 74th Amendments, significantly empowered local self-governments in India by providing them with a constitutional framework and ensuring their democratic functioning. 

• The 73rd Amendment established a three-tier system for rural areas, mandating regular elections, reserving seats for SCs, STs, and women, and assigning specific powers and responsibilities to Panchayati Raj Institutions. 

• Similarly, the 74th Amendment provided constitutional status to urban local bodies, including Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats, and mandated regular elections, reserved seats, and specified functions. 

• Both amendments called for the creation of State Finance Commissions to enhance financial resources and District and Ward Committees for inclusive planning and governance. 

• These reforms have made local self-governments more powerful, representative, and effective in promoting grassroots development and addressing local issues.

16. List any two distinctions between the local government before and following the 1992 constitutional change.

Ans:

Constitutional Status and Regular Elections:

• Before 1992: Local governments lacked constitutional status and their existence depended on the discretion of state governments. Elections were irregular and often influenced by state politics, leading to unstable and ineffective local governance.

• After 1992: The 73rd and 74th Amendments provided constitutional status to local self-governments, mandating regular elections every five years. This ensured continuity, stability, and democratic legitimacy in local governance.

Reservation of Seats and Inclusive Representation:

• Before 1992: There were no uniform provisions for the reservation of seats in local bodies, leading to inadequate representation of marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women.

• After 1992: The amendments mandated the reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and women (not less than one-third of the seats) in both rural and urban local bodies. This significantly enhanced the inclusiveness and representation of these groups in local governance, promoting social justice and equity.

17. There is a clear separation of powers between the federal and provincial administrations in a federation. Is it true or false?

Ans: True. In a federation, the powers of the federal (central) and provincial (state) governments are demarcated. This division of powers is typically outlined in a written constitution, specifying the areas of authority and responsibility for each level of government. This clear demarcation helps in avoiding conflicts and ensures that both the federal and provincial governments operate within their respective domains, promoting efficient and effective governance.

18. Describe the concept of decentralisation.

Ans: Decentralisation is the process of redistributing or dispersing power, authority, and decision-making from a central government to lower levels of government, such as regional, state, or local authorities. This approach aims to bring governance closer to the people, making it more responsive, efficient, and tailored to local needs and conditions.

19. Which two processes result in the formation of federations?

Ans:

Coming Together Federations:

• In this route, independent states come together to form a larger political entity. These states agree to pool their sovereignty while retaining their identities. The primary motivation is often to enhance security, economic strength, and political influence by creating a united entity. Examples include the United States of America, Switzerland, and Australia. In these federations, the constituent states usually have equal power and significant autonomy.

Holding Together Federations:

• In this route, a large country decides to decentralize its power by forming a federal structure. This usually occurs to accommodate the diverse needs of various regions and to manage internal conflicts or demands for autonomy. In these federations, the central government tends to retain more power, and the distribution of authority among the states can be unequal. Examples include India, Belgium, and Spain. Here, the central government devolves powers to the regional governments to maintain unity and stability while addressing regional diversity.

20. Describe what is meant by "Municipal Corporation."

Ans: A Municipal Corporation is a local governing body responsible for administering large urban areas, such as cities with substantial populations, typically more than one million residents. Municipal Corporations are established to manage and provide essential public services and infrastructure within their jurisdictions, ensuring orderly development and maintaining urban living standards.

21. What local organisation is led by a "Mayor"?

Ans:

• The local body that has a 'Mayor' as its head is the Municipal Corporation. Municipal Corporations are established in large urban areas and cities, typically those with populations exceeding one million. The Mayor is an elected representative who serves as the ceremonial head of the Municipal Corporation. The Mayor often represents the city in official functions and presides over meetings of the Municipal Corporation.

• The day-to-day administration and executive functions of the Municipal Corporation are usually managed by a Municipal Commissioner, who is an appointed official. The combination of the Mayor's leadership and the Municipal Commissioner's administrative expertise ensures effective governance and delivery of services in large urban areas.

22. What standing does the Indian Constitution grant to the language known as "Hindi"?

Ans: The Constitution of India grants Hindi the status of the official language of the Union of India. This is specified under Article 343 of the Indian Constitution. According to this provision:

• Official Language: Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, is designated as the official language of the central government.

• Use in Government: The use of Hindi in official communications is mandated, although English is also permitted for official purposes initially and continues to be widely used alongside Hindi.

23. What kind of federation does India belong to, and why?

Ans:

• India is classified as a "holding together" federation, which is characterized by a large country that divides its powers between the central government and various state governments to maintain unity and manage diversity. This structure is essential given India’s immense cultural, linguistic, and regional diversity. 

• The Indian Constitution delineates the distribution of powers through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, ensuring both central and state governments function effectively within their respective domains. The central government retains significant powers, particularly in national matters such as defence and foreign affairs, while granting substantial autonomy to state governments for local governance. 

• This model also allows for asymmetrical federalism, where certain states have special provisions and varying degrees of autonomy, accommodating the unique needs of regions like the northeastern states. 

• The creation of new states, such as Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand, exemplifies the flexibility of India’s federal structure in addressing administrative efficiency and regional demands. 

• The unified legal and judicial system, with the Supreme Court at the apex, ensures consistency in law interpretation and dispute resolution. This approach balances a strong central authority with regional autonomy, fostering national unity while respecting and managing India's diversity.

Important Topics of Class 10 Federalism Important Questions 

Federalism Class 10 Important Questions and Answers PDF covers subjects like concepts such as features of federalism, types of federalism, and union and state governments.

Benefits of Learning with Federalism Class 10 Important Questions and Answers PDF

Studying Class 10 Federalism Important Questions offers students several benefits.

• The PDF provides a detailed explanation of key concepts, ensuring students grasp the essential aspects of federalism and its application in India.

• Focused questions and answers help students prepare effectively for exams by covering important topics and potential questions, boosting their confidence and performance.

• Well-structured answers promote a clear understanding of complex topics, aiding in better retention and recall during exams.

• Analyzing different aspects of federalism encourages critical thinking and the ability to evaluate political structures and their impacts on society.

Conclusion 

Chapter 2 on Federalism provides students with an in-depth understanding of how power is distributed and managed in a diverse country like India. By exploring the features, types, and implementation of federalism, students gain insight into the significance of balancing power between central and state governments. This chapter highlights the importance of decentralisation and community participation in governance, illustrating the practical applications of federalism in addressing local needs. By understanding the concepts in class 10 civics ch 2 important questions, students are better prepared for their exams and become more informed citizens, appreciating the complexities and strengths of India's federal structure.

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