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Class 10 Polity Chapter 2: Power Sharing Notes

Federalism is a system where power is divided between a central authority and regional governments. This chapter explains how India is a federal country, the distribution of powers between the Union, State, and Local Governments, and how federalism promotes decentralization and local governance. Examples from different countries are also discussed.



Introduction

  • Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and different levels of government.
  • It ensures that power is not concentrated in one authority and is distributed among different levels.


What is Federalism?


Definition of Federalism
  • Federalism is a system in which two or more levels of government share power and authority over the same territory and people.
  • Example: In India, power is divided between the Central Government and State Governments.

Features of Federalism
  • Two or more levels of government – Central, State, and Local governments.
  • Each level has its own powers defined by the Constitution.
  • A written Constitution ensures power-sharing.
  • Independent Judiciary resolves disputes between different levels of government.
  • Rigid Constitution – Fundamental rules cannot be changed easily.


Types of Federalism


Coming Together Federalism
  • Independent states voluntarily unite to form a stronger central government.
  • All states have equal power and retain their identity.
  • Examples:
    • USA – 50 states united to form the USA.
    • Switzerland, Australia.

Holding Together Federalism
  • A large country divides power between the central and state governments.
  • The central government is more powerful than the states.
  • Example: India, Spain, Belgium.


What Makes India a Federal Country?


Three Levels of Government in India

Level of Government Powers and Responsibilities Example of Subjects
Union Government (Central Government) Handles national and international matters Defense, Foreign Affairs, Railways
State Governments Manages state-level affairs Police, Education, Agriculture
Local Government (Panchayati Raj & Municipalities) Manages local administration Roads, Water Supply, Sanitation

Division of Powers: The Three Lists

List Who Has Power? Examples of Subjects
Union List Central Government Defense, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Railways
State List State Governments Police, Agriculture, Trade, Irrigation
Concurrent List Both Union & State Governments Education, Forests, Marriage, Labor Laws


How is Federalism Practiced in India?


Linguistic States
  • Before 1947, states were created based on historical and princely state boundaries.
  • After 1950, states were reorganized based on language (linguistic reorganization).
  • Examples:
    • Andhra Pradesh (first state created on linguistic basis in 1953).
    • Maharashtra and Gujarat (1960).

Language Policy
  • No national language in India.
  • Hindi is the official language, but 22 languages are recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
  • States can have their own official language.
  • English continues to be used for official work along with Hindi.

Centre-State Relations
  • Earlier: The Central Government had more control over states.
  • After 1990 (Coalition Government Era): States gained more autonomy as regional parties became stronger.


Decentralization in India


What is Decentralization?
  • Decentralization means transferring power from higher levels of government to lower levels.
  • The goal is to improve local governance and bring decision-making closer to the people.

Need for Decentralization
  • Local problems can be better solved at the local level.
  • In a diverse country like India, one central authority cannot handle everything.
  • Promotes efficient and accountable governance.

Steps Taken Towards Decentralization
  • The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992) gave constitutional status to Panchayats and Municipalities.

Structure of Local Government

Level Institution Governing Body Example
Rural Panchayati Raj Gram Sabha & Gram Panchayat Village Development
Urban Municipalities Municipal Corporation Town/City Planning

Key Features:
  • Direct elections at local levels.
  • Reserved seats for SCs, STs, and women (1/3rd reservation for women).
  • State Finance Commissions to provide funds.


Challenges to Federalism in India

  • Centralization of Power – The central government sometimes interferes in state matters.
  • Economic Inequality – Some states are more developed than others.
  • Regionalism – Some states demand separate statehood (e.g., Telangana, Gorkhaland).
  • Conflicts Between States – Water-sharing disputes (e.g., Cauvery River dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka).


Federalism Strengthens Democracy

  • Federalism allows different regions to coexist within a single country.
  • Decentralization empowers people at local levels.
  • Despite challenges, India has successfully practiced federalism for over 75 years.


Conclusion

  • Federalism means power is shared between multiple levels of government.
  • India follows “holding together” federalism, where the central government is more powerful than states.
  • The Constitution divides power into Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.
  • Decentralization led to the formation of Panchayati Raj and Municipalities in 1992.
  • Federalism ensures unity in diversity and makes democracy stronger.
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