This MCQ module is based on: What Is Federalism?
TOPIC 4 OF 18
What Is Federalism?
🎓 Class 10
Social Science
CBSE
Theory
Ch 2 — Federalism
⏱ ~15 min
🌐 Language: [gtranslate]
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What Is Federalism?
NCERT Democratic Politics-II | Chapter 2: Federalism
What Is Federalism — Definition and Meaning
In the previous chapter, we discussed how the vertical division of power among different levels of government is one of the key forms of power-sharing? in modern democracies. This form of power-sharing is called federalism?. Although only about 25 out of roughly 193 countries have federal political systems, their populations together account for nearly 40 per cent of the world's people. Most of the large countries in the world are federations.
Definition
Federalism: A system of government where governmental power is divided between a central authority and its various constituent units (such as states or provinces). Each level of government has its own area of authority, and neither level can unilaterally alter the arrangement.
Recall the contrast between Belgium and Sri Lanka. Belgium reduced the power of its Central Government and granted constitutional powers to regional governments in 1993, thereby shifting from a unitary? to a federal form of government. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, continues to operate largely as a unitary system where the national government retains all the powers.
Typically, a federation operates at two levels of government. One is the government for the entire country, responsible for subjects of common national interest. The others are governments at the state or provincial level, handling much of the day-to-day administration. Both levels function independently of the other.
Key Insight
The federal system has a dual purpose: to safeguard and promote national unity while also accommodating regional diversity. For this to work, governments at different levels must agree on rules of power-sharing and trust that each will honour its part of the agreement.
Key Features of a Federal System of Government
There are several essential characteristics that distinguish a federal system from other forms of government:
Multiple Tiers
Two or more levels of government exist, each governing the same citizens but with its own jurisdiction in specific matters of law, taxation, and administration.
Constitutional Guarantee
The jurisdiction of each tier is specified in the constitution, ensuring their existence and authority cannot be removed at will.
Protected Provisions
Fundamental constitutional provisions cannot be changed unilaterally by any one level of government; consent of both levels is needed for amendments.
Judicial Umpire
Courts interpret the constitution and resolve disputes between different levels of government. The highest court acts as the final umpire.
Financial Autonomy
Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified so that each tier has the financial independence needed to carry out its responsibilities.
Dual Accountability
Both levels of government are separately answerable to the people, unlike a unitary system where sub-units answer to the central government.
Definition
Jurisdiction: The area over which an authority has legal power. It may be defined in terms of geographical boundaries or in terms of specific subjects.
In this sense, federations differ sharply from unitary governments?. In a unitary system, either there is only one level of government, or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government, which can pass orders to provincial or local bodies. In a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government to do something within the state's own jurisdiction; both governments are independently accountable to the people.
THINK ABOUT IT — Unitary vs Federal
L4 Analyse
Consider Belgium and Sri Lanka from the previous chapter. Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal system in 1993, while Sri Lanka remains unitary. Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka have long demanded a federal system.
Reflect:
- Why might minority communities prefer a federal arrangement?
- If federalism works mainly in large countries, why did a relatively small country like Belgium adopt it?
- What does this tell us about the relationship between diversity and governance?
Guidance
Minorities may prefer federal arrangements because they get constitutional autonomy over issues affecting their community, rather than relying on the goodwill of the majority. Belgium adopted federalism not because of size but because of its linguistic and ethnic diversity (Dutch, French, and German-speaking communities). This shows that diversity of populations — not just geographical size — often drives the need for federal arrangements.
Two Routes to Federation — Coming Together and Holding Together
The exact balance of power between the central and state governments varies across federations. This balance depends mainly on the historical context in which the federation was formed. There are two broad paths through which federations come into being:
'Coming Together' Federations
In this route, independent states voluntarily come together to form a larger unit. By pooling their sovereignty while retaining their identity, they enhance their collective security. Examples include the USA, Switzerland, and Australia. In such federations, all constituent states typically enjoy equal power and are relatively strong compared to the federal government.
'Holding Together' Federations
Here, a large country decides to divide its power between the national government and the constituent states or regions. India, Spain, and Belgium are examples. In these federations, the central government tends to be more powerful relative to the states. Often, different constituent units have unequal powers — some may be granted special status.
Comparing Two Routes to Federation
L4 Analyse
FEDERATIONS
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'Coming Together'
Independent states pool sovereignty to form a union.
Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia
Power balance: States are strong vis-a-vis the federal government; all constituent states typically have equal powers.
Independent states pool sovereignty to form a union.
Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia
Power balance: States are strong vis-a-vis the federal government; all constituent states typically have equal powers.
'Holding Together'
A large country divides power among national and regional governments.
Examples: India, Spain, Belgium
Power balance: Central government tends to be more powerful; constituent units may have unequal powers.
A large country divides power among national and regional governments.
Examples: India, Spain, Belgium
Power balance: Central government tends to be more powerful; constituent units may have unequal powers.
Figure: The two historical routes through which federal systems are formed
| Feature | 'Coming Together' | 'Holding Together' |
|---|---|---|
| Formation process | Independent states voluntarily unite | Large country divides power internally |
| Power of states | States are strong, typically equal | Central government tends to be stronger; states may have unequal powers |
| Examples | USA, Switzerland, Australia | India, Spain, Belgium |
| Motivation | Collective security while retaining identity | Accommodating diversity within a large nation |
LET'S EXPLORE — Federal Countries of the World
L3 Apply
Look at a world political map. Out of approximately 193 countries, only about 25 have federal systems — yet their citizens make up roughly 40 per cent of the world's population.
- Identify and locate five federal countries on the map.
- Most of the world's large countries are federations. Can you spot an exception — a very large country that is not a federation?
- Classify your five countries as 'Coming Together' or 'Holding Together' federations.
Guidance
Federal countries include India, USA, Brazil, Russia, Germany, Australia, Canada, Nigeria, Argentina, and others. China is a large country that is not a federation — it operates as a unitary state. For classification: USA, Australia, and Switzerland are 'Coming Together' federations, while India, Belgium, and Spain are 'Holding Together' federations.
Understanding Federal Debates — Nepal's Case
The textbook presents a discussion among Nepalese citizens about adopting federalism in Nepal's new constitution. Some opposed federalism, linking it to caste-based reservations. Others felt Nepal was too small to need federalism. Yet others were hopeful that federalism would bring autonomy to regions like the Terai, or that elected representatives would exercise powers previously held by the king.
DISCUSS — Debating Federalism
L5 Evaluate
Consider the following viewpoints from Nepalese citizens discussing federalism:
- Khag Raj: "I don't like federalism. It would lead to reservation of seats for different caste groups as in India."
- Sarita: "Our country is not very big. We don't need federalism."
- Babu Lal: "I am hopeful that the Terai areas will get more autonomy if they get their own state government."
- Ram Ganesh: "I like federalism because it will mean that powers earlier enjoyed by the king will now be exercised by our elected representatives."
Questions for discussion:
- Which of these opinions reflect a wrong understanding of what federalism actually is?
- How would you respond to each person?
Guidance
Khag Raj's view is incorrect — federalism is about dividing power between tiers of government, not about caste reservations. Sarita's view is also flawed — Belgium is a small country but adopted federalism to manage its diversity. Babu Lal's hope reflects a genuine advantage of federalism: regional autonomy. Ram Ganesh's view is partly correct — federalism can shift power from a monarch to elected bodies, though it is specifically about dividing power between levels of government, not just about democracy.
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Competency-Based Questions
Case Study: Country X is a large, diverse nation where different regions speak different languages and have distinct cultures. Recently, two of its regions demanded more autonomy. The central government is debating whether to shift from a unitary to a federal system.
Q1. Which of the following would be the most appropriate reason for Country X to adopt federalism?
L3 Apply
Q2. If Country X adopts federalism, it would most closely resemble which type of federation? Justify your answer.
L4 Analyse
Q3. Evaluate whether it is necessary for a federation to have a written constitution. What problems might arise without one?
L5 Evaluate
HOT Q. Design a simplified federal structure for Country X. Specify at least three subjects for the central government list and three for the regional government list. Justify your choices.
L6 Create
⚡ Assertion–Reason Questions
Assertion (A): In a federal system, the central government cannot unilaterally change the fundamental provisions of the constitution.
Reason (R): The constitution specifies the jurisdiction of each tier of government and requires the consent of both levels for amendments.
Reason (R): The constitution specifies the jurisdiction of each tier of government and requires the consent of both levels for amendments.
Assertion (A): In 'Coming Together' federations, constituent states are typically more powerful relative to the federal government than in 'Holding Together' federations.
Reason (R): 'Coming Together' federations are formed when independent states voluntarily surrender some sovereignty to create a union.
Reason (R): 'Coming Together' federations are formed when independent states voluntarily surrender some sovereignty to create a union.
Assertion (A): Sri Lanka is a federal country because it has provincial councils.
Reason (R): Having provincial or regional bodies automatically makes a country federal.
Reason (R): Having provincial or regional bodies automatically makes a country federal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is federalism in Class 10 Civics?
Federalism is a system of government in which governmental power is divided between a central authority and its constituent units such as states or provinces. In NCERT Class 10 Civics Chapter 2, federalism is explained as a dual-objective system that safeguards national unity while accommodating regional diversity. Both levels of government enjoy their own jurisdiction, derive authority from the constitution, and function independently in their designated spheres. Courts act as umpires to resolve disputes between the levels.
What is the difference between federal and unitary government?
In a federal government, power is constitutionally divided between the central government and state governments, and neither can unilaterally change this division. In a unitary government, all power rests with one central authority, which may delegate powers to sub-units but can take them back. India follows federalism with Union, State, and Concurrent lists, while countries like the United Kingdom follow a unitary system. Federal systems protect regional autonomy through constitutional provisions.
What is coming together federation?
A coming together federation is formed when independent states voluntarily unite to form a larger entity by pooling their sovereignty. The United States, Switzerland, and Australia are examples of this type. Independent colonies or states came together, agreed to share certain powers with a central government, and retained significant autonomy. In such federations, the constituent units typically hold more power relative to the central government because they existed independently first.
What is holding together federation?
A holding together federation is formed when a large country decides to divide its power between the central government and regional units to accommodate diversity and prevent disintegration. India, Spain, and Belgium are examples of this type. In holding together federations, the central government tends to be more powerful than in coming together federations, and constituent units may have unequal powers. India created its federal structure through the Constitution of 1950 to manage its vast diversity.
What are the key features of federalism?
The key features of federalism as described in NCERT Class 10 Civics include two or more levels of government with constitutionally defined jurisdictions, a written constitution that cannot be unilaterally amended by one level, independent judiciary to resolve disputes, clear division of revenue sources, and dual citizenship in some cases. Both levels of government govern the same citizens, but each has its own area of legislation, taxation, and administration guaranteed by the fundamental law of the land.
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Social Science Class 10 — Democratic Politics II (Civics)
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