Introduction to Federalism

A system of government where power is shared between a central authority and smaller political units (states or provinces).

A form of government where power is divided between a central government and regional governments.

A government system where all or most power is held by a central authority.

In a federation, there are two main levels: a national government and regional governments (like states or provinces).

India's government is a federation.

In a federal system, both the national and regional governments have independent power, often over different areas.

Powers given to regional governments through the constitution, independent of the central government.

Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of government by giving regional governments greater constitutional power.

To unite the country and accommodate regional variations/diversity.

Mutual agreement between the central and state governments on dividing power.

Essential element in a functioning federal system where governments trust each other.

The distribution of authority between the central and state governments.

Federations created by independent states joining together.

Federations created by a large country dividing its power among regional states.

A system where a single central government holds all the power, and sub-units are subordinate to it.

The area over which someone or a government has legal authority.

Multiple layers/tiers of governing bodies in a federal system.

Protection of each level/tier of government's existing authority and independence within a federation.

Changing the constitution.

Courts act as an umpire to handle disagreements between government levels.

Independent financial sources for each government tier to manage finances and services.

India's structure based on the principles of federalism.

Languages recognized and officially included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Languages not included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The variety of languages spoken in a region or country.

The first language a person learns, usually from their family and early childhood.

The transfer of power and responsibility from central government to local government.

The third tier of government in India, responsible for governing specific localities.

To resolve local issues more effectively, empower communities, and foster democratic participation.

The system of rural local government in India, with three tiers: Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zilla Parishad.

The village-level local government in India, elected by the villagers.

A meeting of all adult voters in a village, responsible for reviewing the Gram Panchayat's performance.

The block-level local government in India, formed by groups of Gram Panchayats and elected by their members.

The district-level local government in India, composed of elected members and representatives.

Elected bodies responsible for managing urban areas in India.

Local government bodies that manage larger cities in India.

The elected chairperson or president of the Zilla Parishad, responsible for leading the district council.

The process of redrawing state boundaries in India after independence to ensure people speaking the same language lived in the same state.

States formed based on the common language spoken by the majority of the population.

States formed based on differences in culture, ethnicity, or geography, rather than language.

India's constitution doesn't assign a national language, but recognizes Hindi as the official language, with protections for other languages.

English continued to be used for official purposes despite plans to phase it out in 1965 due to resistance from non-Hindi speaking states.

The Indian government promotes Hindi as the official language, but cannot force it on states with different languages.

The relationship between the central government and the states, where power is shared and balanced.

In the early years, the same party often ruled both the center and states, limiting state autonomy.

After 1990, regional parties gained strength, leading to coalition governments and increased state power.

A government formed by an alliance of two or more political parties to gain a majority.

Currently, power sharing between the center and states is more effective due to increased state autonomy and a culture of cooperation.

The Supreme Court has played a role in strengthening federalism by limiting the central government's power to dismiss state governments.

India has great linguistic diversity, with over 1300 recorded languages, many grouped under major languages.

The Census of India identified 121 major languages after grouping related languages together.

Subjects of national importance like defense, foreign affairs, and currency, where the Union Government has exclusive law-making power.

Subjects of state and local importance like police, trade, and agriculture, where the State Governments have exclusive law-making power.

Subjects of common interest to both Union and State Governments like education and forests. Both can make laws, but Union law overrides in conflict.

Subjects not listed in the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists. The Union Government has the power to legislate on these.

Some states, like Assam and Nagaland, have special provisions due to historical or social circumstances, granting them more power over certain issues like land rights.

Areas too small to be independent states but not merged with existing ones. They have less power than states.

It's difficult. Requires two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament AND ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.

Courts act as an umpire, resolving disputes about power division between the Union and State Governments.

Even if agriculture and commerce are state subjects, the Union Government has an overall interest and can provide policy direction.

No, the Union has overall authority on subjects within its jurisdiction, even if a state government disagrees.

Yes, education is a state subject. The Union Government cannot dictate curriculum.

Generally, no. Police is a state subject, but the Prime Minister can act in exceptional cases.

India's federalism has succeeded not just because of strong rules, but also due to a shared democratic spirit and respect for diversity.