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Class 11 Polity Chapter 7: Federalism Notes

Federalism divides power between the central and state governments, ensuring a balance of authority. This chapter discusses Union-State relations, distribution of powers (Union, State, and Concurrent Lists), the role of the Governor, and challenges in federal governance, including financial distribution and centralization of power.



Introduction: Understanding Federalism

  • Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various regional governments.
  • It ensures that different levels of government work together while maintaining autonomy.

Why Do We Need Federalism?
  • Accommodates diverse regions and cultures.
  • Prevents concentration of power in a single authority.
  • Ensures efficient governance by decentralizing decision-making.


Key Features of Federalism

Feature Explanation
Two or More Levels of Government Federal structure includes Central, State, and Local Governments.
Division of Powers Clearly defined jurisdictions between different levels of government.
Written Constitution Provides a structured framework for federal governance.
Independent Judiciary Resolves disputes between different levels of government.
Bicameralism Two Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) ensure representation of states.


Types of Federalism


Coming Together Federalism
  • Independent states voluntarily unite to form a federation.
  • All states have equal power and retain their identity.
  • Examples: 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.
  • Examples: India, Spain, Belgium.


Division of Powers in the Indian Constitution

The Constitution divides power between the Union and State Governments through three lists:


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


The Role of the Judiciary in Federalism

  • The Supreme Court resolves conflicts between the Centre and States.
  • Article 131 gives the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in federal disputes.
  • Landmark Cases:
    • Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Upheld federalism as part of the Basic Structure.
    • S.R. Bommai Case (1994): Limited the misuse of President’s Rule in states.


Centre-State Relations in India


Legislative Relations
  • The Parliament can make laws on State subjects under certain conditions (Article 249).
  • President’s Rule (Article 356) allows Centre to take control of a State in case of governance failure.

Administrative Relations
  • The Centre directs states on policy matters in times of emergency.
  • All-India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) are under the Centre but work in the States.

Financial Relations
  • Taxes and revenues are shared between Centre and States.
  • Finance Commission (every five years) decides how funds are distributed.
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax) introduced in 2017 created a unified tax system.


Evolution of Federalism in India


Phase 1: Centralized Federalism (1950-1990)
  • Congress-dominated politics led to a strong central government.
  • Planning Commission controlled state finances.
  • Frequent use of Article 356 (President’s Rule).

Phase 2: Era of Coalition Governments (1990-Present)
  • Regional parties gained power, making states more independent.
  • Creation of new states like Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh (2000).
  • More fiscal autonomy given to states after economic liberalization.


Decentralization in India (73rd and 74th Amendments)


What Is Decentralization?

Decentralization means transferring power from central and state governments to local levels (Panchayati Raj and Municipalities).


Panchayati Raj System (Rural Local Government)
  • Introduced by the 73rd Amendment Act (1992).
  • Three levels:
    • Gram Panchayat – Village level.
    • Block Samiti – Block level.
    • Zila Parishad – District level.

Urban Local Government (Municipalities)
  • Introduced by the 74th Amendment Act (1992).
  • Three types:
    • Municipal Corporations (big cities).
    • Municipal Councils (medium-sized towns).
    • Nagar Panchayats (small towns).


Challenges to Federalism in India

Challenge Explanation
Centralization of Power The Centre sometimes dominates states.
Economic Disparity Some states are wealthier than others.
Inter-State Disputes Water-sharing conflicts (Cauvery River dispute).
Misuse of Article 356 Overuse of President’s Rule in states.
Demand for New States Movements for statehood (Telangana, Gorkhaland).


Conclusion

  • Federalism divides power between different levels of government, ensuring both unity and diversity.
  • India follows a Holding Together federal system, where the Centre has more power than states.
  • The Constitution clearly defines the division of powers between Centre and States through Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.
  • The Supreme Court safeguards federalism through Judicial Review and rulings on Centre-State disputes.
  • Decentralization through Panchayati Raj and Municipalities has strengthened democracy at the local level.
  • Challenges like centralization, economic inequality, and inter-state disputes must be addressed for federalism to function smoothly.


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