Introduction to Federalism

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements best describes federalism?

Federalism mandates that regional governments cannot legislate independently.

Federalism divides power between a central authority and various constituent units. (correct)

Federalism is limited to countries with large populations only.

Federalism is a system where a single central government holds all power.

What major constitutional change occurred in Belgium in 1993?

Regional governments were constitutionally empowered independent of the central government. (correct)

The regional governments lost all of their power.

The central government was given more power over regional governments.

Belgium transitioned from a federal system to a unitary system.

Which of the following countries is considered an exception to the trend of large countries having federal systems?

Sri Lanka (correct)

India

Canada

Brazil

In a federal system, what is usually the responsibility of the central government?

To oversee a limited number of subjects of common national interest. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a federal system from a unitary system?

Federal systems allow for significant regional autonomy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an outcome of Sri Lanka's governmental structure?

Demands from Tamil leaders for a federal structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which countries exemplify federal political systems according to the content?

Germany and the United States of America Signup and view all the answers

How does power distribution function in a federal system?

Each level of government operates independently of the other. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant outcome of creating linguistic States in India after 1947?

It made the country more united. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a reason for the creation of new States in India?

Economic disparities Signup and view all the answers

Which language is recognized as the official language of India, but is the mother tongue of only about 40% of Indians?

Hindi Signup and view all the answers

How many Scheduled Languages are recognized by the Indian Constitution?

22 Signup and view all the answers

What major political change occurred in India after 1990?

Rise of regional political parties. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the Central Government take in response to the demand for English to remain an official language?

It agreed to continue English along with Hindi. Signup and view all the answers

What key feature differentiates a coalition government?

It forms from the alliance of multiple parties. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the relationship between Centre and State governments is accurate?

States have their own autonomy and rights. Signup and view all the answers

Which Constitutional provision was aimed at ensuring the linguistic diversity of India?

Identifying multiple Scheduled Languages. Signup and view all the answers

What fear did national leaders have regarding the formation of States based on language?

It could cause threats to national unity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'federalism' refer to in the context of Indian governance?

Equal power distribution between national and state governments. Signup and view all the answers

In what manner did the Supreme Court influence Centre-State relations?

It limited the Centre's arbitrary powers over States. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Indian population identifies Hindi as their mother tongue?

40% Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of how linguistic diversity is organized in India?

Grouping similar languages into major languages. Signup and view all the answers

Which subjects can only be legislated by the Union Government?

Defence and foreign affairs Signup and view all the answers

What power do the State Governments have in relation to the State List?

They can legislate exclusively on those subjects. Signup and view all the answers

In case of conflicting laws between Union and State on subjects in the Concurrent List, which law prevails?

The law made by the Union Government Signup and view all the answers

What role does the judiciary play in the federal structure?

It oversees the implementation of constitutional provisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following states enjoys special provisions under Article 371?

Nagaland Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes residuary subjects in the context of Indian federalism?

Subjects not listed in any list. Signup and view all the answers

Which body must approve changes to the power-sharing arrangement between the Union and State Governments?

Both Houses of Parliament and half of State legislatures Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a new subject not mentioned in the lists arises?

The Union Government can legislate on it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of linguistic States in the context of Indian federalism?

They represent a major test for democratic politics. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Union Territory?

Territories with minimal self-governance and managed by the Union Government. Signup and view all the answers

Can the Prime Minister intervene in state police policies?

No, states have complete autonomy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following subjects is NOT included in the Concurrent List?

Defence Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to change the federal structure in India?

It needs extensive consensus among various political entities. Signup and view all the answers

Which is an essential aspect of the success of federalism in India?

Democratic politics and respect for diversity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Eighth Schedule in the Indian Constitution?

It includes all Scheduled Languages of India. Signup and view all the answers

Why is decentralization deemed necessary in India?

To improve the efficiency of dealing with local problems. Signup and view all the answers

Which term is used to refer to the rural local government in India?

Gram Panchayat. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of positions in local government is reserved for women under the Constitution?

33% Signup and view all the answers

What key change was introduced in the Constitution in 1992 regarding local government?

Mandatory elections and powers for local government bodies. Signup and view all the answers

Which body is responsible for conducting elections to panchayats and municipalities?

The State Election Commission. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the gram sabha play in rural governance?

It supervises the gram panchayat. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is inaccurate regarding the representation in local governments?

Women are fully excluded from the elected bodies. Signup and view all the answers

How is the governance structure arranged from village level upwards?

Gram panchayat → Panchayat samiti → Zilla parishad Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following states is described as being larger than entire countries in Europe?

Uttar Pradesh Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of federal power sharing in India?

Additional governmental tiers are necessary for effective administration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Hindi as a language in India is true?

Hindi has less than 44% native speakers as of 2011. Signup and view all the answers

What institutional change supports local government elections in India?

Amendment to recognize local elections constitutionally. Signup and view all the answers

Why do people prefer local governments for decision making?

Local knowledge leads to better management of local problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key characteristic that differentiates federal systems from unitary systems?

Two or more levels of government govern the same citizens. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the nature of power-sharing in a federal system?

Power-sharing arrangements can differ significantly based on historical contexts. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following countries would you find a 'coming together' federation?

Switzerland Signup and view all the answers

Which feature ensures the financial independence of each level of government in a federal system?

Revenue sources are defined in the constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about federalism as reflected in the discussion among Nepalese citizens?

Federalism is unnecessary in smaller countries. Signup and view all the answers

How does the federal system accommodate regional diversity?

By granting distinct legal jurisdictions to different tiers. Signup and view all the answers

What role do courts play in a federal system?

They interpret the constitution and resolve disputes between government levels. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change was introduced to India's federal structure post-independence?

A third tier of local governance was added. Signup and view all the answers

Why are some federal systems described as 'holding together' federations?

They divide power from a larger entity to constituent states. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary consideration for the framers of the Indian Constitution regarding federalism?

To prevent changes in the fundamental provisions by any government level. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of federalism can lead to unequal power distribution among constituent units?

Special powers granted to certain states. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the jurisdiction in the context of federalism?

The specific legal authority over geographic or subject boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for changes to the fundamental provisions of a federal constitution?

Consent from both levels of government. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of the federal division of powers in a country like India?

State governments can exercise authority independently on local matters. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Federalism

Federalism is a system where power is divided between a central authority and smaller units (states, provinces).
Typically, a federation has two levels of government: central and regional.
The central government handles national matters, while regional bodies manage daily state affairs.
Each level of government is independent of the other.
Federalism aims to balance national unity with regional diversity.
Power-sharing agreements and mutual trust are key to a successful federal system.
The balance of power varies across federations, influenced by historical contexts.
Federations can form in two ways: "coming together" (independent states uniting) and "holding together" (a larger country dividing power).
In "coming together" federations, constituent states often have equal power.
"Holding together" federations—India, Spain, Belgium—usually have a more powerful central government with unequal state powers.
Some states may have special powers based on historical or societal differences.
Federalism contrasts with unitary systems, where a single government level controls all or most powers.

Indian Government Type

India's government is a "Union of States," based on federal principles, though not explicitly called a federation.
It has two main levels: Union (Central) and State governments.
A third tier, Panchyats and Municipalities, was later added.
Powers are divided into three lists: Union, State, and Concurrent.
Union List: National importance (defence, foreign affairs).
State List: State and local matters (police, trade, agriculture).
Concurrent List: Shared interest (education, forests, trade unions).
The Union government's laws usually take precedence over conflicting state laws in the Concurrent list.
The Union has power over "residuary" subjects not covered in the three lists.
Some states have special provisions (Article 371) due to unique historical and social factors.
Union Territories are areas under the direct control of the Central Government.

Key Features of Indian Federalism

Multiple levels of government.
Different tiers govern the same citizens with specific jurisdictions over legislation, taxation, and administration.
Jurisdictions are constitutionally defined and guaranteed.
Constitutional amendments require consent from both levels of government.
Courts interpret the constitution and settle disputes between government levels.
Revenue sources for each level are clearly defined to maintain financial autonomy.

Success of Indian Federalism

The creation of linguistic states has unified the country and made administration simpler.
India maintains a cautious language policy, preserving Hindi and recognizing other languages.
Centre-State relations have improved with the rise of regional political parties and coalition governments, fostering respect for state autonomy.
This new era respects the different state's autonomy.
The Supreme Court has made it more challenging for the Central Government to arbitrarily dismiss state governments.

Decentralization in India

India's size and internal diversity necessitate a third tier of government—local government.
The rationale for decentralization is local knowledge of issues and efficient resource management.
The Constitution originally had local bodies under the control of state governments.
Amendments in 1992 strengthened local governments with constitutional provisions:
- Regular elections
- Reserved seats for marginalized groups (SC, ST, OBC).
- Women's reservation.
- Creation of state election commissions.
- Power-sharing and revenue allocation between states and local governments.

Challenges and Perspectives

Some people fear that federalism leads to reservations like in India's caste system.
Others argue it isn't necessary for smaller countries.
The need for autonomy for certain regions is also recognized.
Federalism can maintain unity while acknowledging regional diversity.

Linguistic Diversity

India has over 1,300 distinct languages, categorized into major languages and subgroups.
The 2011 Census recognized 121 major languages, 22 of which are scheduled languages.
No single language is the majority mother tongue.
The largest language (Hindi) is spoken by around 44% of the population.

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Description

This quiz delves into the concept of federalism, a system that divides power between a central authority and regional units. It explores the dynamics of governmental structures, the balance of power in different federations, and the processes that lead to the formation of federations. Test your understanding of this essential political system and its implications for governance.