Federalism and Division of Power:
Learn about federalism in India and globally, how it strengthens unity,
promotes diversity, and ensures balanced governance.

Chapter 2 Federalism

Class 10 NCERT Civics: Democratic Politics-II

Updated for 2024-2025 Exams

 

Q.1 Locate the following States on a blank
outline political map of India: Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, and Goa.

Ans. …

Q.2 Identify and shade three federal
countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.

Ans. (The countries could be the United
States, Canada, and Australia.)

Q.3 Point out one feature in the practice
of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different
from that of Belgium.

Ans.

• Similar feature: Both India and Belgium have a
  system where powers are divided between different levels of government.
• Different feature: Unlike Belgium, India does not
  have a “community government” that represents specific
  linguistic groups.

Q.4 What is the main difference between a
federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.

Ans. In a federal system, power is divided
between different levels of government (central and state), and each level has
its own jurisdiction. For example, in India, both the Union and state
governments have specific powers defined in the Constitution. In a unitary system,
power is concentrated in the central government, as seen in countries like Sri
Lanka.

Q.5 State any two differences between the
local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.

Ans.

1. Before the 1992 amendment, local
   governments did not have regular elections. After the amendment, regular
   elections for local bodies became mandatory.
2. Before the amendment, local
   governments had no significant powers or revenue sources. After the
   amendment, they were granted more autonomy and the power to raise
   revenues.

Q.6 Fill in the blanks:

Since the
United States is a ________ type of federation, all the constituent States have
equal powers, and States are _______ vis-à-vis the federal government. But
India is a ________ type of federation, and some States have more power than
others. In India, the ________ government has more powers.

Ans. Since the United States is a coming
together type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers,
and States are strong vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a holding
together type of federation, and some States have more power than others.
In India, the Central government has more powers.

Q.7 Here are three reactions to the
language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support
any of these positions.

• Sangeeta: The policy of
  accommodation has strengthened national unity.
• Arman: Language-based States have
  divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
• Harish: This policy has only
  helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.

Ans. Sangeeta’s position is valid. The
policy of linguistic accommodation has helped maintain peace and unity in a
linguistically diverse country like India. For example, states like Tamil Nadu
can use their own language for governance, preventing language-based conflicts.

Q.8 The distinguishing feature of a
federal government is:

(a) National
government gives some powers to the provincial governments.
(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

Ans. (d) Governmental power is divided
between different levels of government.

Q.9 A few subjects in various Lists of the
Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State, and
Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.

• A. Defence
• B. Police
• C. Agriculture
• D. Education
• E. Banking
• F. Forests
• G. Communications
• H. Trade
• I. Marriages

Ans.

Union List	State List	Concurrent List
A. Defence	B. Police	D. Education
E. Banking	C. Agriculture	F. Forests
G. Communications	H. Trade	I. Marriages

Q.10 Examine the following pairs that give
the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level
to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following
pairs is not correctly matched?

(a) State
government – State List
(b) Central government – Union List
(c) Central and State governments – Concurrent List
(d) Local governments – Residuary powers

Ans. (d) Local governments – Residuary
powers (This is incorrect as residuary powers lie with the Central government.)

Q.11 Match List I with List II and select
the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

List I	List II
1. Union of India	A. Prime Minister
2. State	B. Sarpanch
3. Municipal Corporation	C. Governor
4. Gram Panchayat	D. Mayor

Ans. 1-A, 2-C, 3-D, 4-B

Q.12 Consider the following two statements.
A. In a federation, the powers of the federal and provincial governments are
clearly demarcated.
B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments
are specified in the Constitution, and they have exclusive jurisdiction on
their respective subjects.

Which of the
statements given above are correct?

(a) A, B, and C
(b) A, C, and D
(c) A and B only
(d) B and C only

Ans. (c) A and B only