comp politics exam 5

What is a federal system?

A system where power is shared between a central government and regional governments (states/provinces), and both levels have real authority.

What is a unitary system?

A system where all power is concentrated in the central government, and local governments only have power if the center gives it to them.

Key difference between federal and unitary systems?

Federal = power divided; Unitary = power centralized.

What institutional solution did India adopt to manage language diversity after independence?

It reorganized states based on language (linguistic federalism) so people speaking the same language lived in the same state.

Why did India reorganize states by language?

To reduce conflict and make governing easier in a very diverse country.

What major event caused religious violence after independence in India?

The Partition of India in 1947.

How did India address religious violence after independence?

By adopting secularism, meaning the government does not favor any religion and protects religious freedom.

Which groups benefit from reserved seats in India’s parliament?

Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

Why are seats reserved for SC and ST groups?

To help groups that faced historical discrimination gain political representation.

What is congruent federalism?

A system where states are similar in culture, ethnicity, or language.

What is incongruent federalism?

A system where states are very different from each other (ethnically, linguistically, etc.).

Is India congruent or incongruent?

Incongruent, because it has many different languages and cultures.

What is symmetric federalism?

A system where all states have equal powers.

What is asymmetric federalism?

A system where some states have more autonomy or special powers than others.

Does India have symmetric or asymmetric federalism?

Asymmetric, because some regions have special powers.

What is holding-together federalism?

When a single country decentralizes power to stay united, usually because it is diverse.

Example of holding-together federalism?

India.

What is coming-together federalism?

When independent states join together to form a larger country for mutual benefit.

Example of coming-together federalism?

The United States.

What is demos-enabling federalism?

Federalism that allows groups to express and maintain their identity.

What is demos-constraining federalism?

Federalism that limits majority power to protect minority groups.

What is malapportionment?

When electoral districts have unequal populations but equal representation, making representation unfair.

What is constitutionalism?

The idea that government power is limited by a constitution.

What is a codified constitution?

A constitution written in a single formal document.

Example of a codified constitution?

The United States.

What is an uncodified constitution?

A constitution not in one single document, but based on laws, traditions, and court decisions.

Example of an uncodified constitution?

The United Kingdom.

What is judicial review?

The power of courts to decide whether laws are constitutional.

Example of a body that uses judicial review?

The U.S. Supreme Court.

What is constitutional review?

The broader process of checking laws against the constitution (includes judicial review and other systems).

Difference between judicial review and constitutional review?

Judicial review is one type of constitutional review done by courts.

What is a bicameral legislature?

A legislature with two chambers (houses).

Example of a bicameral legislature?

The U.S. Congress (House of Representatives and Senate).

What is a unicameral legislature?

A legislature with one chamber.

Main difference between bicameral and unicameral legislatures?

Bicameral = two chambers; Unicameral = one chamber.

4 main types of ethnic diversity in india

language, religion, caste, and tribe

most successful type in india

language

language

india used language to separate states (Tamil Nadu, Punjab, etc). reduced conflict because groups got autonomy

religion in india

india stayed secular (no religion). allowed religious freedom + personal laws (religious conflict, especially hindu-muslim, still exists).

caste in india

had partial success. used affirmative action (reservations) for lower castes. gave political and economic opportunities, but inequality still exists

tribe in india

mixed results. special protections and autonomous areas. some success, but still conflict in other regions.

big takeaway india article

federalism works best when groups are geographically concentrated