Class 10 • Civics • Democratic Politics-II
Federalism Class 10 Questions & Answers
Complete NCERT-aligned revision with very short, short and long answer questions covering the full Federalism chapter.
30Very Short Q&A
29Short Q&A
20Long Q&A
Chapter coverage: meaning and features of federalism, coming-together and holding-together federations, India's constitutional division of powers, Union/State/Concurrent Lists, linguistic States, language policy, Centre-State relations, coalition politics, regional parties, decentralisation, Panchayati Raj, Gram Sabha, municipalities and the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.
How to use this page: Start with the very short answers for quick recall, use the short answers for 2–3 mark preparation, and practise the long answers for detailed CBSE-style writing. Answers are written in original, student-friendly language while following the chapter's concepts and structure.
SECTION 1
Very Short Answer Questions
30 quick-recall questions for definitions, facts and one- or two-line answers.
1
What is federalism?
Answer: Federalism is a system in which power is divided between a central government and constituent units such as States.
2
What is the main idea of federalism?
Answer: The main idea is the constitutional division of power among different levels of government.
3
What is a federal government?
Answer: A government in which powers are constitutionally divided between different levels of government.
4
What is a unitary government?
Answer: A system in which sub-units are subordinate to the central government.
5
What is jurisdiction?
Answer: Jurisdiction is the area or field over which a government has legal authority.
6
What is a coming-together federation?
Answer: It is a federation formed when independent States come together to create a larger unit.
7
Give one example of a coming-together federation.
Answer: The United States of America is an example.
8
What is a holding-together federation?
Answer: It is a federation formed when a large country divides power between the central government and constituent units.
9
Give one example of a holding-together federation.
Answer: India is an example.
10
How many tiers did India originally have?
Answer: India originally had two tiers: the Union Government and the State Governments.
11
What is the third tier of Indian federalism?
Answer: The third tier consists of local governments such as Panchayats and Municipalities.
12
What are the three legislative lists in India?
Answer: The Union List, State List and Concurrent List.
13
What is the Union List?
Answer: It contains subjects of national importance on which the Union Government legislates.
14
What is the State List?
Answer: It contains subjects mainly concerning States and local importance.
15
What is the Concurrent List?
Answer: It contains subjects on which both the Union and State Governments can make laws.
16
What are residuary subjects?
Answer: Subjects not included in the Union, State or Concurrent Lists.
17
Who legislates on residuary subjects in India?
Answer: The Union Government.
18
What is decentralisation?
Answer: Decentralisation means transferring power and responsibility from higher levels to lower levels of government.
19
What is a linguistic State?
Answer: A State formed largely on the basis of a common language.
20
What is language policy?
Answer: It is the approach a government adopts for managing the use and status of different languages.
21
Does India have a national language?
Answer: No. The Constitution does not declare any language as India's national language.
22
What is India's official language for Union purposes?
Answer: Hindi is the official language of the Union, with English continuing for official purposes under the legal framework.
23
What are regional parties?
Answer: Political parties whose influence is mainly concentrated in one State or region.
24
What is a coalition government?
Answer: A government formed by two or more political parties working together.
25
What is Panchayati Raj?
Answer: The system of rural local self-government in India.
26
What is a Gram Sabha?
Answer: The assembly of all registered voters in a village or group of villages covered by a Panchayat area.
27
What is a Gram Panchayat?
Answer: The elected local government at the village level.
28
What is a Zila Parishad?
Answer: A local government body at the district level in the Panchayati Raj system.
29
What is a municipality?
Answer: An elected urban local government body.
30
Which Constitutional Amendments strengthened local government?
Answer: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments of 1992.
SECTION 2
Short Answer Questions
29 exam-oriented questions designed for concise explanation and comparison.
31
Explain any two key features of federalism.
Answer: First, there are two or more levels of government. Second, the powers of each level are constitutionally specified. Each level has authority in its own sphere.
32
Why is constitutional division of power important in a federation?
Answer: It prevents one level of government from taking away the powers of another level unilaterally and gives each level a secure sphere of authority.
33
How is federalism different from a unitary system?
Answer: In a federal system, constitutional powers are divided among levels of government. In a unitary system, sub-units are generally subordinate to the central government.
34
Distinguish between coming-together and holding-together federations.
Answer: In coming-together federations, independent States join to form a larger federation and constituent units often have strong powers. In holding-together federations, a large country divides power between the centre and constituent units, with the centre often relatively stronger.
35
Why is an independent judiciary important in a federal system?
Answer: Disputes may arise over the division of powers. An independent judiciary interprets the Constitution and acts as an umpire between different levels of government.
36
Why should each level of government have its own sources of revenue?
Answer: Financial resources give each level the ability to perform its responsibilities and maintain meaningful autonomy.
37
Why is mutual trust important for federalism?
Answer: Federalism requires governments and citizens to accept diversity and cooperate. Mutual trust helps different units work together while retaining their constitutional powers.
38
Why does India call itself a 'Union of States'?
Answer: The Constitution describes India as a Union of States. It reflects a federation in which the Union and States have constitutionally assigned powers, while the Union is comparatively strong.
39
What were the two original tiers of Indian federalism?
Answer: The original structure had the Union Government at the national level and State Governments at the State level. Local government was later strengthened as the third tier.
40
Why are defence and foreign affairs placed in the Union List?
Answer: They require a common policy for the country as a whole and therefore are handled at the Union level.
41
Give two examples of Union List subjects.
Answer: Defence and foreign affairs are examples. Currency and communications are other examples from the chapter.
42
Give two examples of State List subjects.
Answer: Police and agriculture are examples. Irrigation and trade within the State are also associated with State-level responsibilities.
43
Give two examples of Concurrent List subjects.
Answer: Education and marriage are examples. Forests and trade unions are also included in the Concurrent List.
44
What happens when a Union law and a State law conflict on a Concurrent List subject?
Answer: As a general rule, the Union law prevails in case of conflict, subject to the constitutional provisions governing such matters.
45
Why were linguistic States created in India?
Answer: States were reorganised to recognise linguistic identities and accommodate regional diversity. This helped people feel represented without weakening national unity.
46
How did the creation of linguistic States strengthen India?
Answer: It recognised people's linguistic identities and reduced the fear that regional cultures would be ignored. This helped make the Union more acceptable to diverse groups.
47
What is special about India's language policy?
Answer: India has avoided imposing a single national language. Hindi is the official language of the Union, English continues for official purposes, and the Constitution recognises multiple scheduled languages.
48
Why did the use of English continue after 1965?
Answer: Non-Hindi-speaking States were concerned about the possible dominance of Hindi. English therefore continued for official purposes to avoid conflict and accommodate linguistic diversity.
49
How did regional parties strengthen federalism?
Answer: Regional parties raised State and regional interests in national politics. Their participation increased the importance of consultation and negotiation between the Union and States.
50
What changed in Centre-State relations after 1990?
Answer: The rise of coalition governments at the Centre gave regional parties greater influence. This encouraged more bargaining and cooperation between the Union and States.
51
Why is decentralisation necessary?
Answer: Local people understand local needs better and can participate directly in decisions affecting their communities. Decentralisation therefore makes government more responsive and democratic.
52
What happened through the 73rd and 74th Amendments?
Answer: Local governments received constitutional recognition. Regular elections, reservations, independent election arrangements and provisions for sharing financial resources strengthened the third tier.
53
What is the role of the Gram Sabha?
Answer: It provides a forum in which village voters can participate in local decision-making and hold the Panchayat accountable.
54
How is rural local government organised?
Answer: At the village level there is a Gram Panchayat; at the intermediate level there may be a Panchayat Samiti; and at the district level there is a Zila Parishad, subject to the State's structure.
55
How is urban local government organised?
Answer: Urban areas have local bodies such as municipalities and municipal corporations, depending on the size and nature of the urban settlement.
56
Why are seats reserved in local governments?
Answer: Reservation aims to improve representation of historically disadvantaged groups and increase women's participation in local decision-making.
57
What is the importance of regular local elections?
Answer: Regular elections make local representatives accountable to citizens and help local governments function as democratic institutions.
58
What is meant by power-sharing in federalism?
Answer: Power is shared vertically among different levels of government, with each level exercising authority in its constitutionally assigned sphere.
59
How does federalism help national unity?
Answer: It allows regional diversity to be accommodated within a common political framework. By sharing power, it reduces the pressure for excessive centralisation and helps diverse groups participate in national life.
SECTION 3
Long Answer Questions
20 detailed questions for 4–5 mark preparation and structured answer writing.
60
Explain the meaning and major features of federalism.
Answer: Federalism is a form of power-sharing in which power is divided between a general government for the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Its major features include two or more tiers of government, clearly specified constitutional jurisdictions, constitutional protection of the division of powers, an independent judiciary to settle disputes, financial arrangements that support each level, and a spirit of mutual trust and agreement to live together. The purpose is to combine national unity with accommodation of regional diversity.
61
Distinguish between coming-together and holding-together federations with examples.
Answer: A coming-together federation is created when independent States decide to join together and form a larger political unit. The constituent units generally have strong powers and tend to have a relatively equal status. The USA, Switzerland and Australia are examples. A holding-together federation is formed when a large country divides power between the central government and its constituent units. The central government may be stronger than the States. India, Spain and Belgium are examples discussed in the chapter.
62
Explain how the Constitution makes India a federal country.
Answer: The Constitution provides for different levels of government and distributes legislative powers among them. It contains the Union, State and Concurrent Lists, protects the jurisdictions of the different levels, provides an independent judiciary to interpret the Constitution, and lays down financial arrangements. India originally had two tiers, Union and State, and later added a third tier of local government. These constitutional arrangements form the federal structure of India.
63
Explain the three-fold distribution of legislative powers in India.
Answer: The Union List contains subjects of national importance such as defence, foreign affairs, currency and communications, on which the Union Government makes laws. The State List contains matters of State and local importance such as police and agriculture. The Concurrent List contains matters of common interest such as education and marriage, on which both Union and State Governments can legislate. Residuary subjects, which are not included in the three lists, are handled by the Union Government.
64
Why is the Indian federal system sometimes described as having a strong Union?
Answer: India is a holding-together federation, so the Constitution gives the Union significant powers. Residuary powers belong to the Union, and the Union has an important role in matters of national importance. In certain constitutional circumstances the Union can also influence the functioning of States. However, the States have constitutionally protected areas of authority, so India remains a federal system rather than a unitary one.
65
Discuss the importance of linguistic reorganisation of States in India.
Answer: After Independence, there were demands for States to be reorganised according to language. Initially, national leaders feared that linguistic reorganisation might weaken the country. However, the creation of linguistic States proved that recognising regional identities could strengthen rather than weaken national unity. People felt more secure when their language and culture received political recognition. Linguistic reorganisation therefore became an important example of how Indian federalism accommodates diversity.
66
Explain India's language policy and its role in strengthening federalism.
Answer: The Constitution did not declare any language to be India's national language. Hindi was identified as the official language of the Union, while English continued for official purposes under the legal arrangements. The Constitution also recognises multiple scheduled languages. The Union has generally avoided forcing Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking States. This flexible approach has helped reduce linguistic conflict and has supported India's unity in diversity.
67
How have Centre-State relations changed with the rise of coalition politics?
Answer: For many years, one major party dominated national and State politics, so the same party often controlled both levels. This reduced political conflict between the Union and States but also meant that State governments could face strong central influence. Since the 1990s, coalition governments became common at the Centre, and regional parties gained greater importance. National parties increasingly needed support from regional parties. This encouraged negotiation, bargaining and consultation and strengthened the practical working of federalism.
68
Explain the role of regional parties in strengthening federalism.
Answer: Regional parties represent the interests of particular States or regions. When they became important partners in national coalition governments, they gained greater influence over national decisions. They brought regional concerns into national politics and encouraged the Union to consult State-level interests. Their rise therefore made Centre-State relations more negotiated and contributed to the practical strengthening of federalism.
69
What is decentralisation? Why was it introduced in India?
Answer: Decentralisation means transferring power from higher levels of government to lower levels. It was introduced to bring government closer to the people and allow citizens to participate in decisions about local issues. Local governments can respond to needs such as sanitation, roads, water and community development more directly. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments gave constitutional recognition to rural and urban local bodies and strengthened the third tier of government.
70
Explain the main provisions that strengthened local government after 1992.
Answer: The Constitution gave local governments constitutional status through the 73rd and 74th Amendments. Regular elections became a constitutional requirement, and seats were reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, with at least one-third of seats reserved for women. State Election Commissions were created for local elections. States were also expected to provide a framework for sharing financial resources through State Finance Commissions. These measures made local bodies more stable and democratic.
71
Describe the three levels of Panchayati Raj.
Answer: At the village level, the Gram Panchayat performs local functions. At the intermediate level, a Panchayat Samiti or equivalent body coordinates development across a group of villages where that tier exists. At the district level, the Zila Parishad performs district-level functions and coordination. The Gram Sabha provides direct participation by the village electorate. The exact institutional names and details can vary under State laws.
72
Explain the importance of the Gram Sabha in local democracy.
Answer: The Gram Sabha consists of all registered voters in the village or group of villages covered by the Panchayat area. It gives ordinary citizens a direct forum to discuss local matters, question representatives and participate in local decisions. It can therefore improve transparency and accountability and make decentralisation more participatory.
73
Compare rural and urban local government in India.
Answer: Rural local government operates through the Panchayati Raj system, including Gram Panchayats and higher Panchayat bodies. Urban local government operates through municipalities and municipal corporations. Both are intended to deal with local issues and provide citizens with a closer level of democratic representation. Their detailed powers and functions are shaped by constitutional provisions and State laws.
74
How does decentralisation deepen democracy?
Answer: Decentralisation creates opportunities for citizens to participate beyond national and State elections. Local representatives deal with problems that directly affect daily life. Reservations broaden representation, while Gram Sabhas and local elections provide mechanisms of participation and accountability. By bringing decision-making closer to citizens, decentralisation can make democracy more responsive and inclusive.
75
How does federalism accommodate diversity while maintaining unity?
Answer: Federalism does not require every region to be identical. It permits different levels of government to address different needs while remaining within one constitutional framework. In India, linguistic States, the flexible language policy, regional political representation and decentralisation have helped accommodate diversity. At the same time, national institutions and Union-level powers maintain the unity of the country.
76
Why is federalism considered a form of power-sharing?
Answer: Federalism distributes political authority vertically. Instead of concentrating all powers in one central authority, it assigns responsibilities to the Union, State and local levels. Each level has a defined sphere of action. This arrangement allows different communities and regions to participate in governance while sharing a common political system.
77
What factors have made federalism successful in India?
Answer: Several factors have strengthened Indian federalism: constitutional division of powers, linguistic reorganisation of States, a relatively flexible language policy, the rise of regional parties, coalition politics, and constitutional recognition of local governments. Federalism has worked not merely because of written provisions but also because political actors increasingly accepted the need for negotiation and accommodation.
78
Explain the relationship between federalism and decentralisation in India.
Answer: Federalism begins with power-sharing among higher levels such as the Union and States. Decentralisation extends this principle downward by giving local governments constitutional recognition and responsibilities. Thus, decentralisation creates a third tier and brings decision-making closer to citizens. Together, the two processes spread political power across the country rather than concentrating it at the national level.
79
Write a comprehensive note on Federalism in India.
Answer: Federalism is a system of power-sharing among different levels of government. India is a holding-together federation in which the Constitution divides powers between the Union and States and provides for a third tier of local government. Legislative subjects are divided through the Union, State and Concurrent Lists, while residuary powers belong to the Union. India's federal practice has been strengthened through linguistic reorganisation of States, a language policy based on accommodation, changing Centre-State relations and the rise of regional parties and coalition governments. The 73rd and 74th Amendments strengthened Panchayats and Municipalities. Overall, Indian federalism seeks to balance national unity with regional diversity and democratic participation.
FINAL REVISION
Federalism: Key Points to Remember
Remember these core ideas:
• Federalism is vertical power-sharing among levels of government.
• India is a holding-together federation with a comparatively strong Union.
• Legislative powers are divided through the Union, State and Concurrent Lists.
• Residuary powers belong to the Union Government.
• Linguistic reorganisation and language accommodation strengthened Indian unity.
• Regional parties and coalition politics strengthened the practical working of federalism.
• Decentralisation created a stronger third tier through Panchayats and Municipalities.
• The 73rd and 74th Amendments gave constitutional recognition to rural and urban local government.
• Federalism is vertical power-sharing among levels of government.
• India is a holding-together federation with a comparatively strong Union.
• Legislative powers are divided through the Union, State and Concurrent Lists.
• Residuary powers belong to the Union Government.
• Linguistic reorganisation and language accommodation strengthened Indian unity.
• Regional parties and coalition politics strengthened the practical working of federalism.
• Decentralisation created a stronger third tier through Panchayats and Municipalities.
• The 73rd and 74th Amendments gave constitutional recognition to rural and urban local government.
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