Federalism
Federalism
Meaning and Need for Federalism
- Federalism is a system in which power is divided between a central authority and regional governments, both working for the same people.
- Each level has some powers of its own and is not fully dependent on the other.
- In a unitary system, only one level of government has main powers; other levels (if any) depend on it.
- India chose federalism because the country is large in size and very diverse in languages, religions and cultures.
- Federalism helps in keeping unity while respecting diversity.
| System | Power pattern | Example idea | Layer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unitary | Power mainly with one central government | Central authority decides most matters | Political Systems & Power |
| Federal | Power shared between central and regional governments | Central and state governments have separate powers | Political Systems & Power |
| Indian choice | Federal with some unitary features | Strong centre plus powers to states | Change, Continuity & Impact |
Key line: Federalism = one country, many levels of government, same people – power shared by Constitution, not by charity.
In answers, always mention: large size, diversity, unity and need to avoid domination of any one region as reasons for federalism.
Features of Indian Federalism
- Indian federalism is defined by the Constitution and has some special features.
- There are two main levels of government – Union and State – and a third level of local governments after later reforms.
- The Constitution is written and is the supreme law for both levels.
- Powers are clearly divided; both levels draw powers from the Constitution, not from each other.
- Independent Judiciary protects this division and settles disputes between levels.
- Some parts of the Constitution related to federalism cannot be easily changed, which makes the system partly rigid.
- The presence of an upper house in Parliament gives states a voice at the national level.
| Feature | Simple meaning | Helps in | Layer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Constitution | Single document explaining structure and powers | Clarity and stability | Political Systems & Power |
| Division of powers | Different subjects for Union and States | Limits overreach of each level | Political Systems & Power |
| Independent Judiciary | Courts can settle disputes between centre and states | Protects federal balance | Change, Continuity & Impact |
| Bicameral Legislature (at Union) | Upper house represents states, lower house represents people | Voice for regions in national law-making | Comparative Analysis |
Short frame: written Constitution + two/three levels + division of powers + independent courts = core of Indian federalism.
For “features” questions, list at least four points: levels, division of powers, written Constitution, independent judiciary and bicameralism.
Division of Powers in India
- The Constitution divides subjects into three lists – Union List, State List and Concurrent List.
- Union List has important national subjects like defence, foreign affairs, currency and railways.
- State List has subjects like police, agriculture, health and local trade, mainly handled by state governments.
- Concurrent List has subjects like education, forests, marriage and adoption, on which both levels can make laws.
- Residuary powers (subjects not listed) are kept with the Union government.
| List | Handled by | Example subjects | Layer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union List | Union Government | Defence, foreign affairs, currency, communication | Political Systems & Power |
| State List | State Governments | Police, agriculture, public order, hospitals (state) | Political Systems & Power |
| Concurrent List | Both Union and States | Education, forest, marriage, adoption | Change, Continuity & Impact |
| Residuary powers | Union Government | New subjects like some modern technologies | Political Systems & Power |
Easy memory line: “Union = big national issues, State = local daily issues, Concurrent = shared issues, New issues = Union.”
In assertion–reason questions, remember: if a subject is not in any list, the Union level usually gets power to make laws on it.
How Federalism is Practised in India
- Indian federalism is not only about what is written; it is also about how it works in practice.
- New states have been created on linguistic and administrative lines to respect regional identities and improve governance.
- Language policy avoids forcing any single language as the national language for all; many languages are recognised in the Constitution.
- Centre–State relations have changed over time – from a phase of stronger central control to more cooperative and shared decision-making.
- Regional parties and coalition governments have increased the importance of states in national politics.
| Area of practice | What happened | Impact | Layer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reorganisation of states | New states formed based on language and region needs | Strengthened unity while respecting diversity | Change, Continuity & Impact |
| Language policy | No single national language imposed, many official languages recognised | Reduced language-based tension, supported cultural identities | Culture, Religion & Beliefs |
| Role of regional parties | Regional parties share power in coalitions at the Union level | States’ interests get more attention in national decisions | Political Systems & Power |
Practice of federalism = creating new states + fair language policy + cooperative Centre–State relations + role of regional parties.
For “How is federalism practised?” questions, avoid only theory; write points on linguistic states, language policy and coalition era.
Decentralisation in India
- Decentralisation means sharing power further down to local levels below the state government.
- It brings government closer to people and makes local needs easier to understand and solve.
- Important step: Constitutional amendments in the early 1990s gave a clear three-tier structure – national, state and local.
- Local governments include rural Panchayats and urban Municipalities.
- Seats in local bodies are reserved for women and for weaker sections, making democracy more social and inclusive.
| Level | Local body | Key work | Layer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rural | Village, block and district Panchayats | Local roads, drinking water, primary schools, basic services | Political Systems & Power |
| Urban | Municipalities and Municipal Corporations | Street lights, drainage, markets, town planning | Political Systems & Power |
| Social inclusion | Reserved seats for women and disadvantaged communities | Brings more voices into decision-making | Society & Social Structure |
Think of federalism as three steps: Union for national issues, States for state issues, local bodies for neighbourhood issues.
In questions on decentralisation, mention: local knowledge, people’s participation, Constitutional status, and reservation in local bodies.
Challenges and Success of Federalism in India
- Sometimes there is a tension between a strong centre and the demand of states for more powers.
- There have been periods when central authority was used more strictly, and periods of more cooperative federalism.
- Some regions have asked for more autonomy or even separate states; these demands are handled within the Constitutional framework.
- Despite these challenges, federalism has helped keep a very diverse country together under one Constitution.
- Peaceful reorganisation of states and regular elections at all levels show the success of the federal model.
| Aspect | Challenge / Success | Result | Layer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centre–State relations | Debate over how much power centre and states should have | Gradual move towards more cooperation and consultation | Change, Continuity & Impact |
| Diversity management | Many languages, cultures and regions | Federal structure allows space for regional identities within one nation | Culture, Religion & Beliefs |
| Comparison with unitary models | Unitary systems may struggle in highly diverse societies | Indian federalism gives an example of unity with diversity | Comparative Analysis |
Overall impact: Federalism in India has faced challenges but has largely succeeded in holding together a vast and diverse society.
For long answers, first write challenges (tensions, demands), then write successes (unity, elections, reorganisation of states) to show balanced understanding.