Questions
2–4 questions per exam
Difficulty
Medium
Importance
Core — never skip
Overview
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and its constituent political units. Understanding this topic is critical for board exams as it defines the power-sharing architecture of the Indian Constitution and the operational dynamics between the Union and the States.
Core Features of Federalism
Federalism operates on the principle of dual governance, ensuring both unity in national affairs and autonomy in local matters. In the Indian context, this is characterized by a written constitution and an independent judiciary to resolve disputes.
- Two or more levels of government
- Jurisdictions specified in the Constitution
- Supreme authority of the Constitution
- Independent judiciary as an umpire
- Financial autonomy via independent revenue sources
The Three-Fold Legislative Distribution
The Constitution of India explicitly defines the division of legislative powers through three distinct lists. This mechanism prevents conflict by clearly demarcating which government has the authority to make laws on specific subjects.
- Union List: Subjects of national importance (Defense, Foreign Affairs)
- State List: Subjects of state/local importance (Police, Trade, Agriculture)
- Concurrent List: Shared subjects (Education, Forest, Marriage)
- Residuary Powers: Matters arising after the Constitution, vested with the Union
Decentralisation in India
Decentralisation involves transferring power from central and state governments to local bodies, known as the third tier of government. The 1992 Constitutional Amendment was a landmark step to make this system more effective and representative.
- Mandatory regular elections for local government bodies
- Reservation of seats for SC, ST, and OBC candidates
- One-third of positions reserved for women
- Creation of State Election Commissions for impartial polling
- Requirement for States to share power and revenue with local bodies
Exam Tip
When asked about the Indian model, always emphasize that India is a 'Holding Together' federation with a strong tilt toward the Centre, rather than a perfect 'Coming Together' model.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the Concurrent List with Residuary Powers regarding legislative priority.
- Failing to distinguish between 'Coming Together' and 'Holding Together' federations.
- Overlooking the mandatory nature of the 1992 Amendment provisions for local bodies.
More Revision Notes
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