37 Questions
What do we call the Indian government? Is it Union, Federal, or Central?
Union
What is federalism?
Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.
What are some key features of federalism? (Select all that apply)
Different tiers of government govern the same citizens
What are the dual objectives of the federal system?
The dual objectives of the federal system are to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while accommodating regional diversity.
What are the two crucial aspects for the institutions and practice of federalism?
Mutual trust and agreement are crucial aspects for the institutions and practice of federalism.
What is one of the routes for a large country to divide its power between constituent States and the national government?
Consent of both levels of government
What are the sources of revenue for each level of government in a federation?
Levying taxes
States in the Indian Union do not enjoy equal power status.
True
Match the following lists with their corresponding descriptions in the Indian Constitution:
Union List = Subjects of national importance State List = Subjects of State and local importance Concurrent List = Subjects of common interest to both Union and State Governments
List the categories under which news items related to government policies or decisions should be classified.
Central Government, State Government, Relationship between Central and State Governments
If the Government of Rajasthan was opposed to the Central Government's nuclear policy, could it prevent the Government of India from conducting nuclear tests?
No
Does the state government need to take permission from the Union Government before introducing new textbooks if the Union Government disagrees with the content?
No
Can the Prime Minister of India pass an order for Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa to obey a certain policy regarding their state police?
No
What is necessary for the success of federalism in India is constitutional provisions and _____?
democratic politics
Which of the following is recognized as the official language of India according to the text?
Hindi
How many languages were recorded in the Census of India held in 2011?
1300
Which language is the mother tongue of the majority of the Indian population?
Hindi
What proportion of speakers speak Hindi as their mother tongue?
43.63%
In India, decentralized local governments had significant power before the amendment in 1992.
False
What is the third-tier of government in India, known as?
Local government
What is the basic idea behind decentralisation in India?
Empowering local self-government
What is the popular name for rural local government in India?
Panchayati Raj
Match the following roles with their corresponding positions in local government:
Chairperson of Zilla Parishad = Political head of district Mayor = Political head of municipality Sarpanch = President of Gram Panchayat
What is the purpose of the gram sabha in India's local government system?
To review the performance of the gram panchayat
Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.
Student's answer may vary, but examples of federal countries could include the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, etc.
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.
Student's answer may vary. Example of a similar feature: Division of powers between states and central government. Example of a different feature: Language-based regional divisions.
What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
In a federal form of government, power is divided between central and regional units. In a unitary form, power is centralized. Example: India has a federal structure with separate state and central governments, while the UK follows a unitary system with power concentrated in the central government.
State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
Student's answer may vary. Example differences: Increased reservation for women in local bodies, Strengthening of financial resources for local governments.
Since the United States is a ______ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ______ vis-à-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.
Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world. One feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium are: _______________
not provided
What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
The main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one is the distribution of power. In a federal government, power is divided between different levels of government, while in a unitary government, power is centralized with the national government. For example, the United States is a federal government where states have significant powers, while countries like France have a unitary system where power is concentrated at the national level.
State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
not provided
Fill in the blanks: Since the United States is a ___ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ___ vis-à-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.
perpetual, sovereign, federal, Union
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.
not provided
The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.
Match the following levels of government in India with their corresponding roles:
Union of India = Prime Minister State = Governor Municipal Corporation = Mayor Gram Panchayat = Sarpanch
Consider the following two statements: 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. Which of the statements given above are correct?
A and B only
Study Notes
What is Federalism?
- Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.
- It has two levels of government: one for the entire country and the other at the level of provinces or states.
- Both levels of governments enjoy their power independent of each other.
Key Features of Federalism
- There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
- Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation, and administration.
- The jurisdictions of the respective levels of government are specified in the constitution.
- The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government.
- Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and act as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government.
- Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
Examples of Federal Systems
- The United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Australia have federal systems.
- In Belgium, regional governments existed even earlier, and their powers were given constitutional guarantees in 1993, shifting from a unitary to a federal form of government.
- Sri Lanka, on the other hand, continues to be a unitary system, with Tamil leaders wanting it to become a federal system.
Federalism in India
- India is a federal country with a three-tier system of government: the Union Government, State Governments, and local governments in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities.
- The Constitution provides a three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments.
- There are three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List, which distribute powers and responsibilities between the Union Government and the State Governments.
Misconceptions about Federalism
-
It is not about reserving seats for different caste groups, nor is it suitable only for big countries.
-
Federalism is a system of power-sharing that ensures unity and diversity can coexist.### Government and Federalism
-
The Union Government has the power to make laws on certain subjects, and in case of conflict, Union Government laws prevail.
-
Some areas, like Chandigarh and Delhi, are called Union Territories, which are directly governed by the Central Government.
-
The Indian Constitution provides for the sharing of power between the Union Government and State Governments.
Special Powers of States
- Some States, like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram, have special powers under certain provisions of the Indian Constitution.
- These special powers are related to the protection of land rights of indigenous peoples, their culture, and preferential employment in government services.
Federalism in India
- Federalism in India is practised through constitutional provisions, democratic politics, respect for diversity, and the desire for living together.
- The creation of linguistic States was a major test for democratic politics in India.
- The formation of linguistic States has actually made the country more united and administration easier.
Language Policy
- Hindi was identified as the official language, but India's Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language.
- There are 22 other languages recognized as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution.
- States too have their own official languages, and much of the government work takes place in the official language of the concerned State.
Centre-State Relations
- Centre-State relations are crucial in a federal system like India's.
- The Central Government and State Governments have to work together to implement policies and programmes.
- In the past, the Central Government would often misuse the Constitution to dismiss State Governments controlled by rival parties.
Coalition Government
- A coalition government is formed when at least two political parties come together to form a government.
- This led to a new culture of power sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments.
- The trend was supported by a major judgement of the Supreme Court that made it difficult for the Central Government to dismiss State Governments in an arbitrary manner.### India's Linguistic Diversity
- India has 121 major languages, with 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and referred to as 'Scheduled Languages'
- The remaining languages are called 'non-Scheduled Languages'
- Hindi is the largest language, spoken by 43.63% of the population, but not the mother tongue of the majority of Indians
- Only 0.02% of Indians have English as their mother tongue, but 11% know it as a second or third language
Federalism in India
- India is a federal country with a two-tier system of government: Central and State governments
- The need for decentralisation was recognised in the Indian Constitution
- Decentralisation involves the transfer of power from Central and State governments to local governments
- Local governments are called Panchayats in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas
- The 73rd Amendment in 1992 made it constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies
Local Government in India
- Each village or group of villages has a Gram Panchayat, which is the decision-making body for the village
- The Gram Sabha consists of all voters in the village and meets at least twice a year to approve the annual budget and review the performance of the Gram Panchayat
- A few Gram Panchayats are grouped together to form a Panchayat Samiti or block
- The Zilla Parishad is the district-level local government body
- Municipalities exist in urban areas, with Municipal Corporations in bigger cities
Decentralisation and Democracy
- Decentralisation helps to deepen democracy by giving people a greater role in decision-making
- The Constitutional status of local governments has helped to increase women's representation and voice in democracy
This quiz covers the formation of political alliances and the use of languages in Indian government. It also touches on the role of national and regional parties in Indian politics.
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