Federalism
How is power divided between a country and its regions? This Class 10 Civics chapter explains federalism — its key features, how India shares powers between the Centre and the States through three lists, and how decentralisation brings government down to the village and town level.
Learning objectives
- Define federalism and its features.
- Describe the division of powers in India.
- Explain linguistic states and language policy.
- Understand decentralisation and local government.
Key concepts
What is federalism
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. There are two or more levels of government — usually a national government and state or regional governments — each governing the same citizens but with its own area of responsibility laid down in the constitution.
Features of federalism
A federal system has several features: two or more levels of government; each level has its own jurisdiction in specified matters; the existence and powers of each level are guaranteed by the constitution; courts settle disputes between levels; and the levels have separate sources of revenue. This makes the division of power stable and binding.
Division of powers in India
The Indian Constitution divides subjects into three lists. The Union List (e.g. defence, foreign affairs, currency) is for the central government; the State List (e.g. police, agriculture) is for state governments; the Concurrent List (e.g. education, forests) is for both. Subjects not in any list are residuary powers, which rest with the Centre.
Linguistic states and decentralisation
After independence, India reorganised states on the basis of language, creating linguistic states that helped unity. India also adopted a flexible language policy. Decentralisation took a major step in 1992 when local self-government — panchayats in villages and municipalities in towns — was given constitutional status, creating a third tier of government closer to the people.
Key definitions
- Federalism
- A system dividing power between a central authority and regional units.
- Union List
- Subjects on which only the central government can make laws.
- Concurrent List
- Subjects on which both the Centre and the states can legislate.
- Decentralisation
- Transferring power from central and state governments to local bodies.
Solved examples
Q1. Which list contains subjects like defence and foreign affairs?
Solution: The Union List.
Q2. With whom do residuary powers lie in India?
Solution: With the central government (the Union).
Q3. What did the 1992 amendment achieve?
Solution: It gave constitutional status to local self-government (the third tier).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing the Union, State and Concurrent Lists.
- Thinking residuary powers lie with the states (they lie with the Centre).
- Believing federalism means only two levels (India has three after 1992).
- Mixing up federalism with a unitary system.
Federalism — MCQ Quiz
10 questions with instant feedback. Use number keys 1–4 to answer.
Federalism divides power between the centre and the:
Practice questions
Short answer
What is federalism?
A system dividing power between a central authority and regional units.
Name the three lists in the Indian Constitution.
Union List, State List and Concurrent List.
What is decentralisation?
Transferring power from central and state governments to local bodies.
Long answer
What are the main features of a federal system of government?
A federal system has several defining features. There are two or more levels of government, usually a national government and regional or state governments, all governing the same citizens. Each level of government has its own jurisdiction in clearly specified matters of legislation, taxation and administration. The existence and powers of each level are guaranteed by the constitution, so one level cannot simply abolish another. Where disputes arise between levels about their powers, the courts have the authority to settle them by interpreting the constitution. Finally, each level of government has its own sources of revenue to ensure its financial autonomy. Together these features make the sharing of power between the levels stable and protected by law.
How is power divided between the Centre and the States in India?
The Indian Constitution divides powers between the Union (central) government and the State governments by placing subjects into three lists. The Union List contains subjects of national importance, such as defence, foreign affairs, banking and currency, on which only the central government can make laws. The State List contains subjects of state and local importance, such as police, trade and agriculture, on which state governments make laws. The Concurrent List contains subjects on which both the Centre and the States can legislate, such as education and forests; if their laws conflict, the central law prevails. Subjects that do not fall in any list are called residuary subjects, and the power to legislate on them rests with the central government.
HOTS (Higher Order Thinking)
Why did the creation of linguistic states strengthen rather than weaken India's unity?
By letting people govern and be educated in their own language, it satisfied regional aspirations and reduced grievances, making people feel respected within the union rather than wanting to leave it.
Why is the third tier of government important for ordinary people?
Because panchayats and municipalities bring decision-making to the village and town level, letting local people participate directly and solve their everyday problems.
Quick revision
Revision notes
- Federalism: power divided between centre and states; 2+ levels.
- Features: own jurisdictions, constitutional guarantee, courts settle disputes, separate revenue.
- Three lists: Union, State, Concurrent; residuary powers → Centre.
- Linguistic states; 1992 amendment → local self-government (3rd tier).
Key takeaways
- Federalism shares power across levels of government.
- India uses three lists to divide subjects.
- Decentralisation created a third tier in 1992.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Concurrent List?
Subjects on which both the Centre and the states can make laws, like education.
Who has residuary powers in India?
The central government.
What are the local bodies in towns called?
Municipalities (and municipal corporations).