NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2 federalism

The democratic system needs power distribution between different government levels because it constitutes one of its essential components. The chapter will introduce you to federalism as it exists in India. The chapter will conclude with your complete understanding of the local government system, which represents the third tier of Indian federalism.

We have created straightforward notes that make it easy to understand Federalism from Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2. The notes provide students an easy method to study because they explain all vital concepts in a straightforward manner. The Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 notes are available for download as a PDF which you can access and use anytime without needing internet access.

Political Science Chapter 2 Class 10 – Quick Overview on Federalism

What Is Federalism

Federalism is a system of government where power is shared between one central authority and different smaller units in the country. A federal system has two main levels of government. Each level has its own powers and works independently.

• The first level is the national government that manages subjects important for the entire country.
• The second level is the state government that handles most of the daily administration of its own state.

Difference Between Unitary System and Federal System

Unitary System	Federal System
There is only one level of government or the sub units work under the central government.	There are two or more levels of government.
The central government can give orders to the provincial or local government.	The central government cannot give direct orders to the state government.
The central government is supreme and local units only use powers given by the centre.	State governments have their own powers and are not answerable to the central government in those areas.

Key Features of Federalism

In a federal system, the country is governed at more than one level. The three government levels serve the same citizens yet possess distinct powers to create laws and collect taxes and manage their operations. The Constitution establishes protection for all government powers, which prevents any single authority from altering these powers without consent from other authorities. Any major change needs agreement from both levels.

Courts play an important role by explaining the Constitution and settling disputes about power between different governments. Each level of government also has its own sources of income so that it can work independently.

The main goals of federalism are to keep the nation united and to respect the cultural and regional diversity within the country. With ToppersSky, Class 10 Social Science students can understand these features easily through animation learning that includes 2D animation videos, 3D animation videos, chapter notes, mind map, book solutions, important notes and Q Sky for better clarity.

Different Routes Through Which Federations Can Be Formed

Federations can be created in two main ways. For federalism to work well, there must be trust between different levels of government and a willingness to stay united.

The first method is called coming together. In this system, several independent states join voluntarily to form a stronger and larger unit. By doing this, they share power but also keep some independence. Examples of countries that formed federations in this way include the United States of America, Switzerland, and Australia.

The second method is called holding together. Here, a large country divides its power between the national government and smaller regional governments. The government uses this system to control diverse social groups while maintaining national unity. India, Spain and Belgium are examples of countries that operate under this type of federal system.

What Makes India a Federal Country?

India is called a federal country because all the main features of federalism are clearly included in the Constitution. The Indian Constitution divides law–making powers into three parts. These powers are shared between the Union Government and the State Governments through three lists.

• The Union List contains subjects that are important for the entire country. These include defence, foreign affairs, banking, communication and currency. Only the Union Government can make laws on these topics.
• The State List includes subjects that are important for individual states, such as police, trade, agriculture, commerce and irrigation. Only the State Governments can make laws on these matters.
• The Concurrent List contains subjects that both the Union Government and State Governments can handle. These topics include education, forests, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession. If laws made by the Union and a State conflict, the Union law is followed.

How Is Federalism Practised?

The effective working of federalism in India exists because the country has established a robust system of democracy. The country practices federalism through three main methods of implementation which operate as its primary systems of governance.

Linguistic States

The creation of linguistic states was the first major challenge for India’s democratic system. Between 1947 and 2017, several old states were reorganised, and many new ones were formed. Their boundaries, areas and names were changed to reflect the cultural and linguistic identities of people. States created on the basis of a common language are known as linguistic states.

Language Policy

The second important element of Indian federalism is its language policy. Hindi was adopted as the official language of the country. In addition to Hindi, the Constitution recognises 21 other Scheduled Languages. Each state can also choose its own official language, and government work is carried out in that language within the state.

Centre–State Relations

Strengthening Centre–State relations is another key aspect of practising federalism. When no single political party wins a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, major national parties may form alliances with regional parties to create a government at the Centre. This encourages cooperation, power-sharing, and greater respect for the authority of State Governments.

Decentralisation in India

Decentralisation involves transferring governmental authority from Central and State Governments to local government bodies. The system functions better when local communities handle their issues because local communities possess the ability to make direct decisions.
A major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992, when the Constitution was amended to strengthen the third tier of democracy. The key features of this system are:

• Regular elections for local government bodies are now constitutionally required.
• Seats in these elected bodies, along with leadership positions, are reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
• At least one-third of all seats are reserved for women.
• Every State has its own State Election Commission to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
• State governments share specific powers and financial resources with local bodies, but different States have different levels of sharing these resources. 

Panchayati Raj System

The Panchayati Raj system serves as the primary system for rural governance throughout India. A Gram Panchayat exists for every village or multiple villages that function as one entity. The council consists of ward members called panch together with a president who holds the title of sarpanch. Village residents choose their representatives by direct vote.

Gram Panchayat serves as the main decision-making body for the village. The Gram Panchayat operates under the control by the Gram Sabha which consists of all village residents. The Gram Sabha conducts meetings which happen at least once or twice each year to check the Gram Panchayat’s budget and assess its yearly operational results.

Multiple Gram Panchayats need to join to create a Panchayat Samiti which states may designate as or Block or Mandal. They are the members who make up Panchayat Samiti are chosen by the the Gram Panchayats within that region.

The Zilla Parishad consists of all Panchayat Samitis and Mandals which exist throughout a district. Members of the Lok Sabha, MLAs from the district, and officials from various district-level bodies are also part of the Zilla Parishad. 

Municipalities

Just like Gram Panchayats work in rural areas, urban areas are managed by Municipalities. In larger cities, these bodies are known as Municipal Corporations. Both Municipalities and Municipal Corporations are run by elected representatives chosen by the people. The political head of a Municipality is called the Municipal Chairperson, while the head of a Municipal Corporation is known as the Mayor.

This modern system of urban local government is one of the biggest democratic practices in the world. Giving constitutional importance to local government has strengthened democracy in India. It has also ensured greater participation and representation of women in decision-making.
We have compiled History Geography Political Science and Economics notes in one place for Class 10. You can access them easily on the ToppersSky app, where you can study with animation learning 2D animation videos and 3D animation videos. Keep learning with ToppersSky and stay updated with simple chapter notes mind map book solutions important notes Q Sky and practice set designed to help every Class 10 student understand concepts better.

Conclusion

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2 help students clearly understand how federalism works in India. This chapter explains how power is shared from the national level to the state level and finally to the local level through Panchayati Raj and Municipalities.

With the help of ToppersSky, Class 10 students can revise these concepts easily through animation learning that includes 2D animation videos 3D animation videos chapter notes mind map book solutions important notes Q Sky and practice set. These tools make learning faster and simpler and help students build a strong understanding of Political Science Chapter 2 Federalism. Keep learning with confidence and continue exploring every chapter in an easy way with ToppersSky.

FAQs

1. What is federalism in simple words?

Federalism is a system where power is shared between a central government and state governments so both can make decisions for the people.

2. Why is India called a federal country?

India is called a federal country because the Constitution clearly divides powers into the Union List State List and Concurrent List for smooth working of the government.

3. What is the importance of decentralisation in federalism?

Decentralisation helps local governments solve local problems more effectively and encourages people to take part in decision making.

4. What are linguistic states?

Linguistic states are states created on the basis of language so people with the same language and culture can live and work together more comfortably.