The Indian government can be called Union, Federal, or Central.
Federalism: A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units.
A federation usually has two levels of government:
One for the entire country (responsible for common national interests).
The other at the level of provinces or states (responsible for day-to-day administration).
Both levels of government enjoy power independently.
Contrasting Federalism with Unitary Systems
Unitary System: A system where the national government has all the power.
Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal system in 1993 by reducing the power of the Central Government and giving constitutional powers to regional governments.
In a unitary system, the central government can order provincial or local governments.
In a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government; both are separately answerable to the people.
Key Features of Federalism
Two or More Levels (or Tiers) of Government:
Jurisdiction: Each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation, and administration, governing the same citizens.
Constitutional Guarantee: The jurisdictions of the respective levels are specified in the constitution, guaranteeing the existence and authority of each tier.
Constitutional Amendment: Fundamental provisions cannot be unilaterally changed; consent of both levels of government is required.
Role of Courts: Courts interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels, with the highest court acting as an umpire in disputes.
Financial Autonomy: Sources of revenue for each level are clearly specified.
Objectives and Aspects of Federalism
Dual Objectives:
Safeguard and promote the unity of the country.
Accommodate regional diversity.
Crucial Aspects:
Agreement among different levels of government on rules of power-sharing.
Mutual trust that each level will abide by the agreement.
An ideal federal system embodies mutual trust and the agreement to live together.
Balance of Power
The balance of power between central and state governments varies based on the historical context.
Routes to Forming Federations
Coming Together Federations:
Independent states unite to form a bigger unit, pooling sovereignty while retaining identity to increase security.
Examples: USA, Switzerland, and Australia.
Constituent states usually have equal power and are strong relative to the federal government.
Holding Together Federations:
A large country decides to divide power between constituent states and the national government.
Examples: India, Spain, and Belgium.
The Central Government tends to be more powerful, and constituent units may have unequal powers, with some granted special powers.
India as a Federal Country
India is a vast country with many languages, religions, and regions, necessitating power-sharing arrangements.
The Constitution declared India as a Union of States.
The Indian Union is based on the principles of federalism, even though the term