FEDERALISM

Define 'federalism' as a system of government.

A system where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.

In a federal system, what is the typical division of responsibility between the two levels of government?

One level manages subjects of common national interest, while the other handles day-to-day administration at the province or state level.

How do federal systems differ from unitary systems regarding the authority of sub-units?

In federal systems, sub-units have powers independent of the central government, whereas in unitary systems, sub-units are subordinate and follow central orders.

Why is the existence and authority of each tier of government in a federation described as 'constitutionally guaranteed'?

Because the specific jurisdictions of each level of government are clearly defined within the constitution itself.

Under federalism, what is the requirement for changing the fundamental provisions of the constitution?

Consent from both levels of government is required; one level cannot change them unilaterally.

What role does the highest court play in a federal system when disputes arise between levels of government?

It acts as an umpire to interpret the constitution and resolve conflicts regarding the exercise of respective powers.

How is financial autonomy ensured for different levels of government in a federation?

The constitution clearly specifies the sources of revenue for each level of government.

State the dual objectives of an ideal federal system.

To safeguard and promote the unity of the country while simultaneously accommodating regional diversity.

What two subjective factors are crucial for the successful institutional practice of federalism?

Mutual trust between government levels and an agreement to live together.

Describe the 'coming together' route of federation formation

Independent states voluntarily pool their sovereignty and retain their identity to form a larger unit for increased security.

List three examples of 'coming together' federations mentioned in the text.

The USA, Switzerland, and Australia.

Describe the 'holding together' route of federation formation

A large country decides to divide its power between constituent states and the national government to manage diversity.

List three examples of 'holding together' federations mentioned in the text.

India, Spain, and Belgium.

In 'holding together' federations, which level of government typically holds more power?

The Central Government tends to be more powerful vis-à-vis the States.

Term: Jurisdiction

Definition: The area over which someone has legal authority, defined by geographical boundaries or specific subjects.

What evidence suggests that the Indian Union is based on federal principles despite the word 'federation' not appearing in the Constitution?

The Constitution declared India a 'Union of States' and established a multi-tier system with clear distributions of power.

What does the 'Union List' signify in the Indian Constitution?

It contains subjects of national importance on which only the Union Government can legislate.

Why are subjects like defense, foreign affairs, and currency included in the Union List?

To ensure a uniform policy on these matters throughout the entire country.

Identify three subjects found in the 'State List'.

Police, trade, and agriculture (or commerce/irrigation).

What is the 'Concurrent List'?

A list of subjects of common interest to both Union and State governments, such as education, forests, and marriage.

In case of a conflict between a Union law and a State law on a Concurrent List subject, which law prevails?

The law made by the Union Government prevails

Define 'residuary' subjects in the context of Indian legislation.

Subjects like computer software that emerged after the Constitution was made and do not fall into the three primary lists.

Which level of government has the power to legislate on 'residuary' subjects in India?

The Union Government

Explain the significance of Article 371 regarding Indian federalism.

It provides special powers to certain states like Assam and Nagaland to protect indigenous culture, land rights, and employment.

What are 'Union Territories' in the Indian context

Small areas like Chandigarh or Delhi that lack the powers of a State and are run specifically by the Central Government.

What is the specific procedure for amending the power-sharing arrangement in the Indian Constitution?

It requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and ratification by at least half of the State legislatures.

How was the creation of 'Linguistic States' a test for democratic politics in India?

It involved redrawing boundaries to ensure people speaking the same language lived together, which initially raised fears of disintegration.

Besides language, what other factors were used to create states like Nagaland and Jharkhand?

Culture, ethnicity, or geography.

What is the official status of the Hindi language according to the Indian Constitution?

It is identified as the official language, but not given the status of national language.

How many languages are currently recognized as 'Scheduled Languages' in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?

22 languages.

What protection does the Constitution provide to Central Government job candidates regarding language?

Candidates may opt to take examinations in any of the 22 Scheduled Languages.

How did Centre-State relations change after 1990 in India?

The rise of regional parties and coalition governments ended the era of single-party dominance, increasing respect for state autonomy.

Term: Coalition Government

Definition: A government formed by the alliance of at least two political parties, often when no single party wins a majority.

How did the Supreme Court of India strengthen federalism in the post-1990 era?

Through judgments that made it difficult for the Central Government to dismiss state governments in an arbitrary manner.

Define 'decentralization' in the context of government power.

The process of taking power away from Central and State governments and giving it to local governments.

What is the primary rationale for having a third tier of local government in India?

Vast states like Uttar Pradesh are internally diverse and have populations larger than many European countries, requiring localized management.

Why is it argued that local governments are better at settling certain problems than higher levels of government?

Local people have better knowledge of their problems and more efficient ideas on how to spend money and manage resources.

How does decentralization help realize a core principle of democracy?

It allows for direct public participation in decision-making, helping to inculcate the habit of local self-government.

What were the weaknesses of local governments in India prior to the constitutional amendment of 1992?

They were under direct state control, elections were irregular, and they lacked independent powers or resources.

According to the 2011 Census, approximately what percentage of Indians identified Hindi as their mother tongue?

40%

Which specific provision in the Indian Constitution deals with the 'Union of States' concept?

The Constitution declares India as a Union of States, grounding it in federal principles without using the word 'federation'.

What happened to the regional governments of Belgium in 1993?

They were given constitutional powers that were no longer dependent on the central government, shifting Belgium from unitary to federal.

In which type of federation do constituent states typically have unequal powers?

Holding together' federations.

Identify the level of government responsible for 'Agriculture and Irrigation' in India.

The State Government

Identify the level of government responsible for 'Banking and Communications' in India.

The Union (Central) Government.

Which list includes 'Trade Unions' and 'Adoption'?

The Concurrent List.

Why is it impossible for Indians who are not permanent residents of certain states under Article 371 to buy land there?

To protect the land rights and culture of indigenous peoples in those specific states.

What is the role of 'Gram Panchayats' in the Indian federal structure?

They serve as the local government body at the village level, forming the third tier of federalism.

How does the distribution of legislative power in India reflect its 'holding together' nature?

Through the asymmetric distribution of power where the Union Government holds authority over national subjects and residuary powers.

What historical event preceded India's journey as an independent, federal nation?

A painful and bloody partition.

Which body oversees the implementation of constitutional provisions and resolves jurisdictional disputes in India?

The Judiciary (High Courts and the Supreme Court)

State a key difference between the USA and India regarding the power of constituent states.

In the USA (coming together), states have equal and strong powers; in India (holding together), powers are often unequal and the Center is stronger.

What is the significance of the 2011 Census finding 121 major languages in India?

It highlights that India is perhaps the most linguistically diverse country in the world.

Why did the Prime Minister of India lack the authority to unilaterally order Chief Ministers on police policy regarding Naxalites?

Because 'Police' is a subject on the State List, giving State Governments exclusive jurisdiction.

In the era of coalition governments, how is power-sharing different at the Centre?

Major national parties must align with regional parties, leading to a culture that respects the autonomy of State Governments.

What is the constitutional status of the 'third tier' of government in India?

It was formally added through constitutional amendments to include Panchayats and Municipalities with their own jurisdictions.

Under the 'holding together' model, why might some units be granted 'special powers'?

Due to peculiar social, historical, or geographical circumstances of those specific constituent units.

True or False: The Union Government can pass orders to the State Government on State List subjects.

False; in a federal system, the State government has powers of its own and is not answerable to the Central government for them.

How does the 'Coming Together' model increase the security of small states?

By pooling sovereignty into a larger, more powerful unit while maintaining their individual identities.

What determines the 'exact balance of power' between central and state governments in different federations?

The historical context in which the federation was formed.