The second chapter in Political Science textbook 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. It is one of the major forms of power-sharing in modem democracies.
Key features of federalism are:
- Two or more levels of government.
- Different levels of government govern the same citizens where each level has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
- Existence and authority is constitutionally governed in each level of government.
- The fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be unilaterally changed. Such changes require the consent of both the levels of government.
- Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution. The highest court acts as the umpire if any dispute arises between different levels of governments.
- Sources of revenue for each level of government are specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
- Federal system has dual objectives to safeguard and promote unity of the country and to accommodate regional diversity.
The topics discussed in this chapter are as follows:
- What is federalism?
- Difference between Unitary System and Federal System
- Key Features of Federalism
- Different Routes Through Which Federations Can be Formed
- What Makes India a Federal Country?
- How is Federalism Practised?
- Decentralisation in India
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NCERT Solutions for Chapter 2: Federalism
Also Check
Chapter 1: Power sharing
Chapter 3: Democracy and Diversity
Chapter 4: Gender, Religion and Caste
Chapter 5: Popular Struggles and Movements
Chapter 6: Political Parties
Chapter 7: Outcomes of Democracy
Chapter 8: Challenges to Democracy
Check out Frequently Asked Questions for Chapter 2: Federalism
In 1993, what change in the form of government took place in Belgium?
In 1993, Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of government because the regional governments were given constitutional powers. The regional governments were no longer dependent on the central government.
What is jurisdiction?
Jurisdiction is the area over which some one has legal authority. The area may be defined in terms of geographical boundaries or in terms of certain kinds of subjects.
Which government can make law on subjects included in the concurrent list?
Both the Union and the State Governments can make law on the subjects included in the concurrent list.
What is a coalition government?
A government formed by the coming together of at least two political parties. Usually partners in a coalition form a political alliance and adopt a common programmer.
What is decentralisation?
When power is taken away from the central and state government and given to local government, it is called decentralisation.