🏛️ Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 – Federalism

 

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In this post, we’ll explain Civics Chapter 2 – Federalism, a very important concept in the Indian political system. Learn how power is divided between different levels of government and why this system ensures better governance.

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🌐 I. What is Federalism?

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units (like states or provinces).

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🧱 II. Features of Federalism

1. Two or more levels of government
   – Example: Central (Union), State, and Local in India

2. Division of powers
   – Constitution clearly defines powers for each level

3. Independence of judiciary
   – Supreme Court settles disputes between levels

4. Written constitution
   – Must clearly define federal structure

5. Rigid Constitution
   – Changes require approval from both central and state governments

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🌍 III. Types of Federation

1️⃣ Coming Together Federation

• Independent states join together voluntarily

• Equal power shared between central and state governments

• Example: USA, Switzerland, Australia

2️⃣ Holding Together Federation

• A single country divides power among central and state governments

• Central government may be stronger

• Example: India, Spain, Belgium

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🇮🇳 IV. Federalism in India

India is a "Union of States" with three levels of government:

1. Union Government (Central government – New Delhi)

Deals with matters of national importance

2. State Governments

Deals with matters of state-level importance

3. Local Governments

• Introduced through the 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992)

• Rural: Panchayats

• Urban: Municipalities

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📚 V. Division of Powers in India

The Constitution provides three lists:

⚖️ In case of conflict in the Concurrent List, the Union law prevails.

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🗳️ VI. Language Policy in India

• No national language declared

• Hindi (40%) and English used for official purposes

• 22 languages recognized in the 8th Schedule

• States can have their own official languages

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🔧 VII. How is Federalism Practiced?

1. Linguistic states – States formed based on language (post-1956)

2. Language policy – Promotes multilingualism

3. Centre-state relations – Strengthened after 1990 (coalition governments)

4. Decentralization – More power given to local governments

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🏡 VIII. Decentralization in India

Decentralization means transferring power from central to local governments.

🔸 73rd Amendment (1992)

• Established Panchayati Raj System in rural areas

• 3 levels: Village, Block, District

• Gram Sabha: Direct democracy at village level

• Reservations for women, SCs, STs

🔹 74th Amendment (1992)

• Created Municipalities in urban areas

✅ Local governments make governance more efficient and closer to people

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📝 IX. Key Terms

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📌 Summary

• Federalism balances unity with diversity

• India has a unique federal structure with strong decentralization

• Local governments strengthen democracy at grassroots

• Power is divided to ensure efficiency, equality, and justice