This MCQ module is based on: Exercises — Federalism
TOPIC 7 OF 18
Exercises — Federalism
🎓 Class 10
Social Science
CBSE
Theory
Ch 2 — Federalism
⏱ ~15 min
🌐 Language: [gtranslate]
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Exercises — Federalism
NCERT Democratic Politics-II | Chapter 2: Federalism — End-of-Chapter Exercises
Key Terms for Federalism — Quick Revision Guide
Federalism
A system of government where power is constitutionally divided between a central authority and constituent units (states/provinces).
Unitary Government
A system where either one level of government exists, or sub-units are subordinate to the central government.
Coalition Government
A government formed by two or more political parties who form an alliance and adopt a common programme.
Decentralisation
Transfer of power from Central and State Governments to local government bodies (panchayats, municipalities).
Jurisdiction
The area or set of subjects over which an authority has legal power.
Panchayati Raj
Three-tier system of rural local government: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zilla Parishad.
NCERT Textbook Exercises for Federalism Chapter 2
1
Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India: Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa.
Guidance: Manipur is in the north-east (capital: Imphal). Sikkim is a small state nestled between Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet (capital: Gangtok). Chhattisgarh is in central India, carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000 (capital: Raipur). Goa is on the western coast, India's smallest state by area (capital: Panaji). Use your atlas to mark these accurately on the map.
2
Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.
Guidance: Some prominent federal countries to choose from: USA (North America), Brazil (South America), Germany (Europe), Australia (Oceania), Canada (North America), Russia (Europe/Asia), Nigeria (Africa). Choose any three and shade them clearly on the world map.
3
Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
Answer:
Similarity: Both India and Belgium are 'Holding Together' federations where a large or diverse country divided power between the central and regional governments to accommodate diversity. Both have constitutionally guaranteed powers for regional/state governments.
Difference: India has a three-fold distribution of legislative powers (Union, State, and Concurrent Lists), whereas Belgium's federal arrangement is primarily structured around linguistic communities (Dutch, French, German) and regions, with a unique "community government" system that has no parallel in India.
Similarity: Both India and Belgium are 'Holding Together' federations where a large or diverse country divided power between the central and regional governments to accommodate diversity. Both have constitutionally guaranteed powers for regional/state governments.
Difference: India has a three-fold distribution of legislative powers (Union, State, and Concurrent Lists), whereas Belgium's federal arrangement is primarily structured around linguistic communities (Dutch, French, German) and regions, with a unique "community government" system that has no parallel in India.
4
What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
Answer: In a federal system, power is constitutionally divided between the central government and constituent units (states/provinces), each having its own independent jurisdiction. Neither level can unilaterally alter this arrangement. In a unitary system, either there is only one level of government, or the sub-units are entirely subordinate to the centre, which can alter their powers at will.
Example: In India (federal), the state government of Karnataka can independently legislate on police matters (a State List subject) without seeking permission from the Central Government. In Sri Lanka (unitary), provincial councils derive their power from the national government, which can modify or withdraw those powers whenever it wishes.
Example: In India (federal), the state government of Karnataka can independently legislate on police matters (a State List subject) without seeking permission from the Central Government. In Sri Lanka (unitary), provincial councils derive their power from the national government, which can modify or withdraw those powers whenever it wishes.
5
State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
Answer:
| Before 1992 | After 1992 |
|---|---|
| Elections to local bodies were not held regularly; state governments could postpone them indefinitely. | It became constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies. |
| Local bodies had no independent powers or resources and were directly controlled by state governments. | State governments are now required to share powers and revenue with local bodies. An independent State Election Commission was created. At least one-third of seats are reserved for women. |
6
Fill in the blanks:
Since the United States is a ______________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ______________ vis-a-vis the federal government. But India is a ______________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the ______________ government has more powers.
Answer: Since the United States is a 'coming together' type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are strong vis-a-vis the federal government. But India is a 'holding together' type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the Central (Union) government has more powers.
7
Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
- Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
- Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
- Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
Model Answers (choose any one to develop):
Supporting Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation — recognising 22 Scheduled Languages, allowing states to have their own official languages, and continuing English alongside Hindi — has prevented the kind of linguistic conflict seen in Sri Lanka. When the anti-Hindi agitation erupted in Tamil Nadu in the 1960s, the Central Government responded flexibly instead of imposing Hindi. This accommodation ensured that no linguistic group felt excluded, thereby strengthening unity.
Supporting Arman: One could argue that language-based states created strong regional identities that sometimes come into conflict with national identity. Disputes over river waters, border areas between linguistic states, and demands for recognition of more languages in the Eighth Schedule suggest that linguistic identity can become a source of tension. However, this view overlooks the fact that most such disputes are resolved through democratic means.
Supporting Harish: Despite the promotion of Hindi and recognition of regional languages, English continues to dominate higher education, judiciary, and corporate sectors. Those who are proficient in English enjoy significant advantages in employment and social mobility, potentially marginalising non-English speakers. The continuation of English can be seen as privileging an urban, elite minority.
Supporting Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation — recognising 22 Scheduled Languages, allowing states to have their own official languages, and continuing English alongside Hindi — has prevented the kind of linguistic conflict seen in Sri Lanka. When the anti-Hindi agitation erupted in Tamil Nadu in the 1960s, the Central Government responded flexibly instead of imposing Hindi. This accommodation ensured that no linguistic group felt excluded, thereby strengthening unity.
Supporting Arman: One could argue that language-based states created strong regional identities that sometimes come into conflict with national identity. Disputes over river waters, border areas between linguistic states, and demands for recognition of more languages in the Eighth Schedule suggest that linguistic identity can become a source of tension. However, this view overlooks the fact that most such disputes are resolved through democratic means.
Supporting Harish: Despite the promotion of Hindi and recognition of regional languages, English continues to dominate higher education, judiciary, and corporate sectors. Those who are proficient in English enjoy significant advantages in employment and social mobility, potentially marginalising non-English speakers. The continuation of English can be seen as privileging an urban, elite minority.
8
The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
Answer: (d) — The distinguishing feature of federalism is the constitutional division of governmental power between different levels (tiers) of government — central and state/provincial. Option (a) describes a unitary delegation, not a constitutional division. Option (b) describes horizontal separation of powers (not unique to federalism). Option (c) describes democracy in general.
9
A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists:
A. Defence B. Police C. Agriculture D. Education E. Banking F. Forests G. Communications H. Trade I. Marriages
| Union List | State List | Concurrent List |
|---|---|---|
| A. Defence E. Banking G. Communications |
B. Police C. Agriculture H. Trade |
D. Education F. Forests I. Marriages |
10
Examine the following pairs. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
Answer: (d) — Local governments do not exercise residuary powers. Residuary powers belong to the Union Government. All other pairs are correctly matched: states legislate on the State List, the Centre on the Union List, and both share the Concurrent List.
11
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer:
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Union of India | A. Prime Minister |
| 2. State | B. Sarpanch |
| 3. Municipal Corporation | C. Governor |
| 4. Gram Panchayat | D. Mayor |
Answer: (c) — Union of India is headed by the Prime Minister (A); the State's constitutional head is the Governor (C); a Municipal Corporation is headed by the Mayor (D); and the Gram Panchayat is headed by the Sarpanch (B).
12
Consider the following statements. Which of the statements given below are correct?
A. In a federation, the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.
B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the States have been devolved to the local government bodies.
Answer: (c) A and B only
Statement A is correct — clear demarcation of powers is a defining feature of federalism.
Statement B is correct — India's Constitution specifies powers through Union, State, and Concurrent Lists with exclusive jurisdictions.
Statement C is incorrect — Sri Lanka is not a federation. Having provinces does not make a country federal; what matters is whether those provinces have constitutionally guaranteed, independent authority (which Sri Lanka's provinces do not).
Statement D is incorrect — Devolving power to local bodies does not end federalism. In fact, it adds a third tier to the federal structure, strengthening decentralisation within the federal framework.
Statement A is correct — clear demarcation of powers is a defining feature of federalism.
Statement B is correct — India's Constitution specifies powers through Union, State, and Concurrent Lists with exclusive jurisdictions.
Statement C is incorrect — Sri Lanka is not a federation. Having provinces does not make a country federal; what matters is whether those provinces have constitutionally guaranteed, independent authority (which Sri Lanka's provinces do not).
Statement D is incorrect — Devolving power to local bodies does not end federalism. In fact, it adds a third tier to the federal structure, strengthening decentralisation within the federal framework.
⚡ Assertion–Reason Questions — Chapter Revision
Assertion (A): The Indian Constitution provides for a three-fold distribution of legislative powers through Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.
Reason (R): India is a 'holding together' federation where the central government needs to be more powerful while still respecting state autonomy.
Reason (R): India is a 'holding together' federation where the central government needs to be more powerful while still respecting state autonomy.
Answer: (A) — Both are true, and R explains A. Because India is a 'holding together' federation, the three-list system was designed to give the Centre authority on national subjects (Union List), states on local subjects (State List), and shared authority on common-interest subjects (Concurrent List), with the Centre having overriding power where necessary.
Assertion (A): The 1992 constitutional amendment created a State Election Commission in each state.
Reason (R): Before 1992, panchayat and municipal elections were conducted by the Election Commission of India.
Reason (R): Before 1992, panchayat and municipal elections were conducted by the Election Commission of India.
Answer: (C) — Assertion A is true: the 1992 amendment did create State Election Commissions. However, Reason R is false: before 1992, local body elections were not conducted by the Election Commission of India — they were managed (often irregularly) by state governments themselves. The State Election Commission was a new institution specifically created to ensure regular and fair local elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are important questions for Federalism Class 10?
Important questions for Federalism Class 10 include defining federalism and its key features, comparing coming together and holding together federations, explaining the three-fold distribution of legislative powers in India, describing how linguistic states strengthened Indian federalism, analysing the role of the 73rd and 74th Amendments, and discussing how coalition politics has changed Centre-State relations. Students should prepare both short-answer and long-answer questions on these topics.
What is the difference between Union List and State List?
The Union List contains subjects of national importance like defence, foreign affairs, banking, and communications on which only the central government can make laws. It has 97 subjects. The State List contains subjects of local importance like police, agriculture, trade, and public health on which only state governments legislate. It has 66 subjects. This clear division of subjects is a fundamental feature of Indian federalism established under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
What is a coalition government in federalism?
A coalition government is formed when no single political party wins enough seats to form a government on its own and must ally with other parties. In the context of federalism, coalition governments have strengthened India's federal structure since the late 1980s by requiring the ruling party to accommodate the interests of regional allies. This has given state-level and regional parties greater influence in national governance and ensured respect for state autonomy.
How do you answer CBQ questions on Federalism?
To answer CBQ questions on Federalism effectively, first read the source passage carefully and identify whether it describes federal features, unitary features, or decentralisation. Apply your textbook knowledge to the scenario presented rather than simply recalling definitions. Use specific examples from the NCERT text such as the three lists, linguistic reorganisation, or the Panchayati Raj system. Structure answers with a clear topic sentence, evidence from the passage, and connecting analysis.
What is the summary of Federalism Chapter 2 Class 10?
Federalism, Chapter 2 of NCERT Class 10 Democratic Politics, explains how power is shared between different levels of government. It covers the definition and features of federalism, contrasts federal and unitary systems, and explains coming together vs holding together routes. For India, it discusses the constitutional division through Union, State, and Concurrent lists, linguistic reorganisation of states, language policy, and the evolution of Centre-State relations through coalition politics, concluding with decentralisation.
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