Introduction to Federalism in India
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Questions and Answers

What is the main concern that led to the creation of a strong central government in India?

The main concern was to ensure unity and prevent disintegration of the country.

How did the framers of the Indian Constitution view the role of the central government in addressing social problems?

They believed that the central government should play a leading role in tackling poverty, illiteracy, and wealth inequalities by collaborating with the states.

Identify two examples of powers that the central government holds in the Indian Constitution.

The central government has the power to legislate on matters related to cyber laws and has the ultimate authority to determine the existence and territorial integrity of a state.

What is the central argument presented in the text regarding the structure of the Indian Constitution?

<p>The text argues that the Indian Constitution establishes a federal system with a strong central government to address the country's unique challenges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical event or context contributed to the need for a strong central government in India?

<p>The existence of over 500 princely states after independence required the integration of these entities into existing states or the creation of new states, necessitating a powerful central authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What power does the central government have over State bills?

<p>The central government can delay, examine, and veto State bills.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the central government legislate on matters from the State list?

<p>The central government can legislate on matters from the State list if the move is ratified by the Rajya Sabha.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the executive powers of the center and the States?

<p>The text states that the executive powers of the center are superior to the executive powers of the States.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 257 (1) of the Constitution state about the executive powers of the States and the Union?

<p>Article 257 (1) states that the executive power of the States shall not impede or prejudice the executive power of the Union and that the Union can give directions to the States.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do all-India services contribute to the central government's influence on State administration?

<p>All-India services, such as the IAS and IPS, serve in the administration of the States, making State officers under the control of the central government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some powers that the Indian Parliament has over states regarding boundaries, names, and unification?

<p>The Indian Parliament has the power to alter the boundaries of states, change their names, form new states by separating territory from existing states, and unite two or more states.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a declared emergency on the power structure within the Indian federal system?

<p>A declared emergency in India leads to centralization of power, granting the Parliament the authority to legislate on state matters and effectively transforming the federal system into a more centralized one.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the central government in India exert financial influence over the states?

<p>The central government controls revenue-generating items, has a significant role in planning and resource allocation, distributes grants and loans to states, and holds a dominant position in funding, leading to potential dependence from the state governments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the implementation of planning in India contributed to centralized economic power.

<p>India's adoption of a centralized planning approach after independence led to a greater role for the central government in economic decision-making, with the Planning Commission controlling and overseeing resource management in the states.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe one power that the Governor of a state has during normal circumstances that can influence the state government.

<p>The Governor can reserve a bill passed by the state legislature, preventing it from becoming law until it receives the President's assent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivator for the creation of linguistic states in India following the country's independence?

<p>The demand for linguistic states in India after independence stemmed from the national movement's desire for democracy and the recognition of distinct regional identities based on shared language, culture, and region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the States Reorganization Commission established in December 1953?

<p>The States Reorganization Commission was established to assess and recommend the creation of linguistic states, particularly for major linguistic groups in India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify two states that were created out of pre-existing states in India during the 1960s.

<p>Two states created during the 1960s from existing states were Gujarat and Maharashtra in 1960, and Punjab and Haryana in 1966.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the ongoing process of creating new states relate to the concept of democracy?

<p>The ongoing process of creating new states in India reflects the democratic principle of respecting and recognizing diverse regional identities. It demonstrates the willingness of the country to adapt its administrative structure to better serve its people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text claim that the creation of new states is still an ongoing process?

<p>The text implies that the creation of new states is an ongoing process because India continues to explore its federal structure and adjust it based on the evolving needs of its diverse populace.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Central Government's Veto Power

The ability of the central government to delay or reject State legislation.

Rajya Sabha Ratification

Approval from the Rajya Sabha is needed for central legislation on State list matters.

Executive Power Hierarchy

The central government's executive powers are superior to those of the States.

Article 257 (1)

This article states that State executive power must not hinder the Union's executive power.

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All-India Services

Common services like IAS and IPS officers who serve under central control.

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Formation of New State

Parliament can create a new State by separating or uniting territories.

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Emergency Provisions

Under emergency, Parliament centralizes power and can legislate on State subjects.

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Central Government Revenue

Central government controls key revenue sources, impacting State financial dependency.

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Planning Commission Role

Coordinates and supervises economic resource management for States post-independence.

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Governor's Powers

Governor can recommend State government dismissal and reserve bills for President's assent.

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Residuary Powers

Include matters not specified in any Lists and are legislated by the Union Legislature.

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Strong Central Government

The Indian Constitution establishes a powerful central authority to manage diverse social issues.

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Federalism

A system where power is divided between a central authority and state governments.

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Integration of Princely States

The process of combining over 500 princely states into the new Indian state following independence.

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Socio-economic Problems

Challenges like poverty and illiteracy that require coordinated government efforts to address.

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Demands for New States

A movement to create new states based on linguistic and cultural identities in India.

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States Reorganisation Commission

A commission established in 1953 to recommend the formation of new states based on languages.

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Linguistic States

States formed in India that are primarily based on the languages spoken by the population.

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Reorganisation of States in 1956

Major reorganization of Indian states reflecting linguistic identities took place in 1956.

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Creation of Gujarat and Maharashtra

Gujarat and Maharashtra were formed as separate states in 1960.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Federalism

  • Federalism is a system of governance dividing powers between a central and regional government.
  • India's political map has evolved significantly since independence in 1947.
  • Changes in state boundaries, names, and the number of states reflect the reorganization of governance.
  • This chapter explores the principles of federalism in India, focusing on the Indian Constitution's provisions, center-state relations, and specific regional considerations.

What is Federalism?

  • Federalism involves a division of authority between a central government and regional units.
  • Different countries have implemented federal systems in various ways, reflecting their specific historical contexts.
  • Federalism is recognized as an institutional mechanism for accommodating different power structures, or regional interests, within a broader framework.
  • Countries like the USSR, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia experienced political upheaval due to issues surrounding excessive centralization or regional differences.

Federalism in India

  • The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system.
  • It recognizes both national and regional identities.
  • This system of governance distributes power between the central and regional (state) governments.
  • The Constitution defines specific responsibilities for each level of government.

Division of Powers

  • The Indian Constitution establishes three lists of government powers: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
  • The Union List includes subjects like defense, foreign affairs, and currency, which are under the control of the central government.
  • The State List includes subjects like police, public health, and local government, which are under the control of state governments.
  • The Concurrent List includes subjects like education, criminal law, and trade union, where both central and state governments have jurisdiction.
  • The distribution of powers between central and state governments is a key aspect of India's federal structure.

Residuary Powers

  • The Union government has the power to legislate on any matter not specifically mentioned in the lists.
  • This ensures flexibility in dealing with unforeseen legislative needs.

Federalism and the Indian Constitution

  • The Indian Constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of both the central and state governments.
  • The Constitution aims for a balance between national unity and regional diversity.
  • Federalism aims to safeguard diverse interests within a unified country.
  • The constitution emphasizes unity in diversity.

Demands for Autonomy

  • Many states have historically sought increased autonomy.
  • Reasons include cultural, linguistic, and regional variations.
  • Conflicts over resource allocation, jurisdiction, and governance are common.
  • Demands for autonomy, or devolution of power, persist as a feature of the federal system.

Centre-State Relations

  • Disputes between the center and state governments are a part of the continuing dialogue surrounding federalism.
  • The Indian Constitution aims to balance powers between levels of government.
  • Judicial interpretation, political negotiations, and cooperation are critical in managing differences between the center and states.

Special Provisions for States

  • The Indian Constitution has specific provisions for certain states based on their particular historical or social contexts.
  • Special provisions frequently involve safeguards to protect the interests of minority or indigenous groups.
  • Examples include special provisions for Jammu and Kashmir, and special regional considerations.

Role of the Governor

  • The Governor is appointed by the central government but wields significant power.
  • This power can lead to conflicts between the center and state governments.
  • The governor's role in state governance is frequently debated.
  • The governor's role is often viewed as a potential point of tension or intervention by the central government in state affairs.

Conclusion

  • Federalism in India is a complex system of governance.
  • The system reflects both national unity and regional diversity and autonomy.

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Description

This quiz delves into the principles of federalism, focusing on India's governance structure post-independence. Explore the division of powers between central and regional governments and understand how the Indian Constitution shapes these dynamics. Analyze the historical evolution of political boundaries and the impact of federalism on state relations.

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