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GAJERA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, SURAT
STD – X
SUBJECT :- SOCIAL SCIENCE. (CIVICS)
TOPIC – FEDERALISM
Date:- 11/04/2020
• Federalism
o ▪ Unitary governments:- ▪ Some of the key features of
federalism :
o What makes India a federal country? o How is federalism
practised?
▪ Linguistic States ▪ Language policy ▪ Centre-State
relations
o Decentralisation in India ▪ Municipalities and Municipal
corporations
FEDERALISM
• Federalism is a system of government in which the power is
divided between a
central authority and various constituent units of the
country.
• Usually, a federation has two levels of government. One is the
government for the
entire country that is usually responsible for a few subjects of
common national
interest. The others are governments at the level of provinces
or states that look
after much of the day-to-day administering of their state.
• Both these levels of governments enjoy their power independent
of the other.
UNITARY GOVERNMENTS:-
• Under the unitary system, either there is only one level of
government or the sub-
units are subordinate to the central government.
• The central government can pass on orders to the provincial or
the local
government. But in a federal system, the central government
cannot order the state
government to do something.
https://cbseclass10.com/federalism-class10-notes/#Federalismhttps://cbseclass10.com/federalism-class10-notes/#Unitary_governmentshttps://cbseclass10.com/federalism-class10-notes/#Some_of_the_key_features_of_federalismhttps://cbseclass10.com/federalism-class10-notes/#What_makes_India_a_federal_countryhttps://cbseclass10.com/federalism-class10-notes/#How_is_federalism_practisedhttps://cbseclass10.com/federalism-class10-notes/#Linguistic_Stateshttps://cbseclass10.com/federalism-class10-notes/#Language_policyhttps://cbseclass10.com/federalism-class10-notes/#Centre-State_relationshttps://cbseclass10.com/federalism-class10-notes/#Decentralisation_in_Indiahttps://cbseclass10.com/federalism-class10-notes/#Municipalities_and_Municipal_corporations
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SOME OF THE KEY FEATURES OF FEDERALISM :
1. There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
2. Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but
each tier has its
ownJURISDICTION in specific matters of legislation, taxation and
administration.
3. The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of
government are specified in
the constitution. So the existence and authority of each tier of
government is
constitutionally guaranteed.
4. The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be
unilaterally changed by
one level of government. Such changes require the consent of
both the levels of
government.
5. Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the
powers of different
levels of government. The highest court acts as an umpire if
disputes arise between
different levels of government in the exercise of their
respective powers.
6. Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly
specified to ensure its
financial autonomy.
7. The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and
promote unity of
the country, while at the same time accommodate regional
diversity. Therefore, two
aspects are crucial for the institutions and practice of
federalism.
There are two kinds of routes through which federations have
been formed:
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‘Coming together’ federations: this route involves independent
States coming
together on their own to form a bigger unit, so that by pooling
sovereignty and
retaining identity they can increase their security. This type
of ‘coming together’
federationsinclude the USA, Switzerland and Australia.
‘Holding together’ federations: In this route a large country
decides to divide its
power between the constituent States and the national
government. India, Spain and
Belgium are examples of this kind of ‘holding together’
federations.
WHAT MAKES INDIA A FEDERAL COUNTRY?
The Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of
government, the Union
Government or what we call the Central Government, representing
the Union of
India and the State governments.
Later, a third tier of federalism was added in the form of
Panchayats and
Municipalities. As in any federation, these different tiers
enjoy separate jurisdiction.
The Constitution clearly provided a three-fold distribution of
legislative powers
between the Union Government and the State Governments. Thus, it
contains three
lists:
Later, a third tier of federalism was added in the form of
Panchayats and
Municipalities. As in any federation, these different tiers
enjoy separate jurisdiction.
The Constitution clearly provided a three-fold distribution of
legislative powers
between the Union Government and the State Governments. Thus, it
contains three
lists:
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• Union List includes subjects of national importance such as
defence of the country,
foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. They are
included in this list
because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the
country. The
Union Government alone can make laws relating to the subjects
mentioned in the
Union List.
• State List contains subjects of State and local importance
such as police, trade,
commerce, agriculture and irrigation. The State Governments
alone can make laws
relating to the subjects mentioned in the State List.
• Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both
the Union
Government as well as the State Governments, such as education,
forest, trade
unions, marriage, adoption and succession. Both the Union as
well as the State
Governments can make laws on the subjects mentioned in this
list. If their laws
conflict with each other, the law made by the Union Government
will prevail.
Union Territories:- Areas, like Chandigarh, or Lakshadweep or
the capital city of
Delhi, are called Union Territories. These territories do not
have the powers of a
State. The Central Government has special powers in running
these areas.
In case of any dispute about the division of powers, the High
Courts and the
Supreme Court make a decision
HOW IS FEDERALISM PRACTISED?
Let us look at some of the major ways Federalism practiced in
india:-
LINGUISTIC STATES
In 1947, the boundaries of several old States of India were
changed in order to
create new States. This was done to ensure that people who spoke
the same
language lived in the same State.
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Some States were created not on the basis of language but to
recognise differences
based on culture, ethnicity or geography. These include States
like Nagaland,
Uttarakhand and Jharkhand.
experience has shown that the formation of linguistic States has
actually made the
country, more united. It has also made administration
easier.
LANGUAGE POLICY
Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to
any one language.
Hindi was identified as the official language. But Hindi is the
mother tongue of only
about 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore, there were many
safeguards to protect
other languages.
Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised as
Scheduled Languages by
the Constitution. A candidate in an examination conducted for
the
Central Government positions may opt to take the examination in
any of these
languages.
States too have their own official languages. Much of the
government work takes
place in the official language of the concerned State.
CENTRE-STATE RELATIONS
COALITION GOVERNMENTS :- 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 programme.
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DECENTRALISATION IN INDIA
Decentralisation: When power is taken away from Central and
State governments
and given to local government, it is called
decentralisation.
Panchayats in villages and municipalities in urban areas were
set up in all the States.
A major step towards decentra-lisation was taken in 1992. The
Constitution was
amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and
effective.
• Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections
to local government
bodies.
• Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive
heads of these institutions
for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward
Classes.
• At least one-third of all positions are reserved for
women.
• An independent institution called the State Election
Commission has been created in
each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
• The State governments are required to share some powers and
revenue with local
government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to
State.
Rural local government is popularly known by the name panchayati
raj. Each village,
or a group of villages in some States, has a gram panchayat.
This is a council
consisting of several ward members, often called panch, and a
president or
sarpanch. They are directly elected by all the adult population
living in that ward or
village.
It is the decision-making body for the entire village. The
panchayat works under the
overall supervision of the gram sabha. All the voters in the
village are its members.
It has to meet at least twice or thrice in a year to approve the
annual budget of the
gram panchayat and to review the performance of the gram
panchayat.
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It is the decision-making body for the entire village. The
panchayat works under the
overall supervision of the gram sabha. All the voters in the
village are its members.
It has to meet at least twice or thrice in a year to approve the
annual budget of the
gram panchayat and to review the performance of the gram
panchayat.
The local government structure goes right up to the district
level. A few gram
panchayats are grouped together to form what is usually called a
panchayat samiti
or block or mandal.
The members of this representative body are elected by all the
panchyat members
in that area. All the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district
together constitute
the zilla (district) parishad. Most members of the zilla
parishad are elected.
Members of the Lok Sabha and MLAs of that district and some
other officials of
other district level bodies are also its members. Zilla parishad
chairperson is the
political head of the zilla parishad.
The members of this representative body are elected by all the
panchyat members
in that area. All the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district
together constitute
the zilla (district) parishad. Most members of the zilla
parishad are elected.
Members of the Lok Sabha and MLAs of that district and some
other officials of
other district level bodies are also its members. Zilla parishad
chairperson is the
political head of the zilla parishad.
MUNICIPALITIES AND MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS
• local government bodies exist for urban areas as well.
Municipalities are set up in
towns. Big cities are constituted into municipal
corporation.
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• Both municipalities and municipal corporations are controlled
by elected bodies
consisting of people’s representatives.
• Municipal chairperson is the political head of the
municipality. In a municipal
corporation such an officer is called the mayor.
WHAT IS FEDERALISM Very Short Answers:- 1.How is a federal
government organized? Ans. Power is divided between a central
authority and various constituent units of the country. 2.”Indian
Constitution has a unitary bias.” Support the statement with one
example. Ans. The power sharing arrangement between the union and
the state given in the Constitution of India clearly distributes
power between the two. In this sense, it is federal. But, the
system becomes unitary when the residuary power rests with the
union. 3.How is federal government different from unitary
government? Give one difference. Ans. Under the unitary system, the
central government can pass on orders to the provincial or the
local governments but in a federal system, central government
cannot order the state governments to do something. 4.What is other
factors besides politics that keep the federations united? Ans.
Respect for diversity and desire for living together. 5.Define
federalism. Ans. Federalism is a system of government in which the
power is divided between a central authority and various
constituent units of the country. Short Answers:- 1.What is
federalism? Explain any three features of federalism. Ans.
Federalism: Federalism is a system of government in which the power
is divided between a central authority and various constituent
units of the country. The main features of federalism are as under:
(i)There are two or more levels of government. (ii) Different tiers
of government govern the some citizens, but each tier has its o
jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and
administration. (iii) The jurisdictions of the respective levels or
tiers of government are specified constitution. (iv) Sources of
revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to
ensure .i financial autonomy.
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2.”Holding together federations” do not give equal power to its
constituent units. Explain the statement with the help of examples
in context to India. Ans. (1) All states in the Indian Union do not
have identical powers. (2) For example, Jammu and Kashmir enjoys a
special status and has its own Constitution. (3) Many provisions of
the Indian Constitution do not apply here. (4) Indians who are not
the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir, cannot buy land or
house here. (5) Smaller units called Union Territories do not have
the powers of a state. The Central Government has special powers in
running these areas. 3.Distinguish between unitary form of
government and federal form of government.
Or Compare Federal and Unitary System of government.
4.Distinguish between Coming Together Federations and Holding
Together Federations with examples. India comes under which type of
federation?
Or Differentiate between ‘Coming Together Federation’ and
‘Holding Together Federation’ with examples.
Or Highlight three major distinctions between the federations of
‘coming together’ type and ‘holding together’ type.
Or Compare the federations of ‘coming together’ type and
‘holding together’ type.
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Ans.
5.India comes under which type of federation and why? Ans. (1)
India comes under ‘holding together’ federations. (2)(i) It decides
to divide its power between the’ constituent States and the
national government. (ii) The Central Government tends to be more
powerful vis-à-vis the States. (iii) Very often different
constituent units of the federation have unequal powers. (iv) Some
units are granted special powers. Long Answers:- 1.States in India
often ask for more autonomy or more power. Should they be given
more power or not? Support your answer with two arguments. Ans. (1)
Indian Constitution divides the power of governance between Union
and State which is more or less based on federal structure of the
government. This division of power is more inclined towards union
government seeing the tradition of the Indian political history.
(2) The demand for more autonomy is one of the most controversial
issues of the Indian federalism, although federalism is an
important feature of the constitutional structure of the Indian
democracy. States should be given more power or more autonomy for
the following reasons : (i) The centre is strong in Indian
political system. The centre has been given monopoly on almost all
the subjects except for few, on which states have reserved say due
to some local importance. (ii) The centre has, yet, power to give
directions to the states in certain matters. The states have to
depend upon the centre for financial assistance. (iii) Misuse of
central government’s control over state and misuse and
ineffectiveness of the office of Governor. (iv) Unbalanced growth
of different states is due to some policy defects. Provisions can
be introduced to effective planning of states and centre through a
non-political, independent buddy. 2. Explain any five features of
the federalism. Ans. The features of federalism are as follows:
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(1) There are two or more levels of government. Different tiers
govern the same citizen, i but each has its own jurisdiction in
specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration. (2)
The jurisdictions of the respective levels of government are
specified in the Constitution. So, their existence and authority is
constitutionally guaranteed. (3) The fundamental provisions of the
Constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of
government. Such changes require the consent of both the levels of
government. (4) Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution
and the powers of different levels of government. The highest court
decides if disputes arise between different levels of government in
the exercise of their respective powers. (5) Sources of revenue for
each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its
financial autonomy.
WHAT MAKES INDIA A FEDERAL COUNTRY Very Short Answers:- 1.In
which list of the Indian Constitution does a railway come? Why?
Ans. Union List because it is a subject of national importance and
requires a uniform policy throughout the country. 2.How do the
central and state governments enjoy their power in federal system?
Ans. The jurisdictions of the central and state governments are
specified in the Constitution. 3.How much majority in the
parliament is required to amend any part of the Indian Constitution
? Ans. Any change to it has to be first passed by both the Houses
of Parliament with at least two-third majority. 4.In which list of
the Indian Constitution does education come? Why? Ans. Concurrent
List. Both the Union as well as the State Governments can make law
on the subject. 5.Which level of government of India manages
subject of union territories? Ans. The Central Government 6.Which
administrative authority of India manages subjects of union
territories? Ans. The Central Government 7.What is meant by
residuary subjects? Ans. The subjects which are not mentioned in
Union, State and Concurrent Lists are called as residuary subjects.
The Union Government has the power to legislate on them.
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8.Which institution decides in case of any dispute about the
division of powers between centre and state? Ans. The Judiciary
9.In which list of the Indian Constitution do cyber laws come? Ans.
Residuary List 10.Which level of government in India can make laws
on the subjects included in the Concurrent List? Ans. Concurrent
List includes subjects of common interest to both the Union
Government as well as the State Governments. 11.Which state in
India enjoys a special status under the Indian Constitution? Ans.
Jammu and Kashmir 12.Who is the guardian of Constitution of India ?
Ans. Supreme Court Long Answers:- 1.Why has federalism succeeded in
India? Which three policies adopted by India have ensured this
success?
Or Explain the factors that make federal government in India so
attractive. Ans. (1) Federalism has succeeded in India because of
the nature of the democratic politics of the country. This ensures
that the spirit of federalism, respect for diversity and desire for
living together have become a shared ideal in our country. (2)(i)
There is a clear demarcation of power and revenues between the
different levels of government. (ii) The Indian Constitution
clearly allocates power to different levels of government —the
three lists of power. (iii) The Supreme Court has been given the
power to solve federal disputes. Sources of revenue are clearly
demarcated. (iv) There is a mutual trust and agreement between the
government at different levels. 2.Which five provisions of the
Indian Constitution make India a full-fledged
federation?Explain.
Or Highlight the steps taken by Government of India towards
making it a successful federation.
Or Which five provisions of the Indian Constitution make India a
federation? Explain
Or
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Examine the factors that have strengthened Indian federalism.
Ans. India can definitely be said to be a federation because it
incorporates all features of federalism. (1)’ India has three
levels of government. (2) There is clear demarcation of power and
revenues between the different levels of government. (3) Indian
Constitution clearly allocates powers to different levels of
government — the three lists of powers. (4) No unilateral changes
in fundamental section are possible to be made by any one level of
government. (5) The Supreme Court has been given the power to solve
federal disputes. Sources of revenue are clearly demarcated. (6)
There is mutual trust and agreement between the governments at
different levels. 3.Explain how the federal experiment has been
successful in the matter of formation of states in India. Ans. (1)
The federal experiment has been successful in matter of formation
of states in India because of the nature of the democratic politics
of the country. (2) Earlier, when the demand for the formation of
linguistic states was raised, some national leaders feared that it
would lead to the disintegration of the country. (3) But the
experience has shown that the formation of linguistic states has
actually made the country, more united. (4) It has also made
administration easier. (5) (i) Linguistic States : After
independence, the boundaries of many old states of India were
changed in order to create new states to ensure that people who
spoke the same language, lived in one state. For example,
Gujarati-speaking Gujarat and Marathi-speaking Maharashtra. (ii)
Cultural States: Some states were created to recognize differences
of culture, ethnicity and geography, e.g., Nagaland, Jharkhand and
Uttarakhand. 4.Explain the power sharing among government at
different levels.
Or How are legislative powers divided between Union Government
and State Governments of India ? Explain giving examples.
Or Explain Union List and State List.
Or
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Describe the three-fold distribution of legislative powers
between the Union Government and State Governments of India.
Or How are legislative powers divided between Union Government
and State Governments? Explain with examples. (1)Union List, (2)
State List, and (3) Concurrent List. Ans. The powers of government
have been divided into three lists: (1) Union List: It contains 97
subjects like defense, foreign affairs, railways, post anti-
telegraphs, foreign trade and currency and coinage, etc. The Union
Government alone can make laws on subjects mentioned in this list.
(2) State List: It includes 66 subjects like police and jails,
agriculture, public health, local government, trade and commerce,
liquor, etc. The State Governments alone can make laws on subjects
mentioned in this list. (3) Concurrent List: It includes 47
subjects like education, forests and trade union, marriage and
divorce, etc. Both the Union Government as well as the State
Governments can make laws on subjects mentioned in this list. In
case of conflict, the law made by the Union Government will
prevail. Residuary powers lie with the Centre. In such cases, only
Parliament has the power to make laws on these subjects. 5.How is
federal power sharing more effective today than in the early years?
Explain. Ans. (1) For a long time, the same party ruled both at the
Centre and in most of the States. As and when the ruling party at
the State level was different, the party(is) that ruled at the
Centre tried to undermine the power of the States. (2) The Centre
would often misuse the Constitution to dismiss the State
governments that were controlled by rival parties. This undermined
the spirit of federalism. (i) In recent times: due to coalition
governments at the Centre, a new culture of power sharing and
respect for autonomy of State Governments was developed. (ii) Also,
a major judgment of the Supreme Court made it difficult for the
Centre to dismiss state governments arbitrarily. Thus, federal
power sharing in India is more effective today. 6.Mention any five
main features which make India a federal country.
Or What are the salient features of federalism in India? Ans.
Following are the features that make India a federal country: (1)
The power sharing arrangement between the Union and the State given
in the Constitution of India clearly distributes between the
two.
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(2) Some of the powers of the State Governments have been
further transferred to the Panchayats. It means India exercises
distribution of power at different levels. (3) Both the Union and
States have their separate subjects under Union and State L It
shows federal nature of the country. (4) Both Union and States have
their own financial institutions, sources and distribute of
revenue. In this way, it is federal. (5) The provision of High
Courts for the States and the Supreme Court for the nation a whole
is a federal feature.
HOW IS FEDERALISM PRACTISED Very Short Answers:- 1.Which era is
the beginning of the coalition governments at the Centre in India?
Ans. 1990s was the beginning of the era of the coalition
governments at the Centre in India. 2.What other factors besides
politics keep the federations united? Ans. To safeguard and promote
unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional
diversity. 3.What status has been given to Hindi by the
Constitution of India? Ans. Official language 4.How many languages
are recognized as Scheduled Languages by the Indian Constitution?
Ans. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as
Scheduled Languages by the Indian Constitution. 5.Much of the
official work in Indian States is done in which language? Ans. Much
of the official work in Indian States is done in the official
language of the concerned States. 6.Why was States Reorganization
Commission formed? Ans. States Reorganization Commission was formed
because when the demand for the formation of states on the basis of
language raised, some national leaders feared that it would lead to
the disintegration of country 7.Name two states which were created
to recognize differences based on culture, ethnicity or geography.
Ans. Nagaland, Uttarakahand. 8.What is a coalition government? Ans.
Coalition government refers to 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 programmed.
9.In which year the boundaries of several old states of India were
changed to create new states? Ans. In 1947
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10.Who is called head of the state at the state level? Ans. The
Governor. Long Answers:- 1.Why has the government of India not
imposed any particular language as an official language for the
whole nation? Explain. Ans. (1) Our Constitution did not give the
status of national language to any one language. (2) Hindi was
identified as the official language as Hindi is the mother tongue
of only about 40 per cent of Indians. (3) Besides Hindi, there are
21 other languages recognized as Scheduled Languages by the
Constitution. (4) A candidate in an examination conducted for the
Central Government positions may opt to take the examination in any
of these languages. (5) States too have their own official
languages. Much of the government work takes place in the official
language of the concerned State. (6) The Central Government
responded by agreeing to continue the use of English along with
Hindi for official purposes. (7) The flexibility shown by Indian
political leaders helped our country avoid the kind of situation
that Sri Lanka finds itself in. 2.How is federalism practiced in
India?
Or How has federalism helped in India? Give your own assessment.
Ans. (1) In India, the creation of linguistic states was the first
and the major test for democracy and federal system. The linguistic
division was done to ensure the people who spoke the same language
lived in the same state. (2) Some states like Nagaland, Uttarakhand
and Jharkhand were created to recognize the differences based on
culture, ethnicity and geography. (3) The second way India
practices federalism is that our Constitution did not give the
status of national language to any one language. Hindi was
identified as the official language and till now 21 languages have
been recognized as the scheduled languages. (4) Restructuring of
the Centre-State relation is one more way in which federalism has
been strengthened in practice. (5) In the present day political
scenario, the State Governments are practicing their powers more
independently. 3.Critically analyze the Centre-State relations
prior to 1990 and after. Ans. (1) Prior to 1990, except for once,
the Congress ruled at the Centre for about 40 years. These were the
years when the single party made the government. (2) The government
at the Centre ruled the States with biased views. It supported
those states which had a government formed by the same party.
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(3) The rise of regional politics in many States has changed the
Centre-State relations significantly after 1990. This was also the
beginning of the era of coalition governments at the Centre. (4)
Since, no single party got a clear majority in the Look Sabah,
major national parties had to enter into an alliance with many
small regional parties. Hence, regional parties do take care of
their states. (5) This led to a new culture of power sharing and
respect for the autonomy of State Government. It became difficult
for the Central government to dismiss state governments in an
arbitrary manner. 4.Why did the makers of our Constitution declare
India to be a ‘Union of States’? Why were some sub-political units
of India given a special status?
Or Why did the makers of our Constitution declare India to be a
‘Union of States’? Ans. (1) India became a ‘Union of States’
because it consisted of both British ruled territories as well as
many princely states. (2)Some sub-political units of India have a
special status: (i) All British ruled regions have the same status.
(ii) All princely states that have voluntarily joined have the same
status as British ruled territory. (iii) French and Portuguese
ruled territories were given the status of Union Territory. (iv)
Jammu & Kashmir joined India on special condition. 5.Write any
four characteristics of language policy of India.
Or How has the linguistic policy of Indian Government promoted
peace and integration in the country? Ans. The characteristics of
language policy in India are as follows: (1)Our Constitution did
not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi
was identified as the official language but there were many
safeguards to protect other languages. (2) Besides Hindi, there are
21 other languages recognized as Scheduled Languages by the
Constitution. (3) States too have their own official languages.
Much of the government’s work takes place in the official language
of the concerned State. (4) The Central government responded by
agreeing to continue the use of English along with Hindi for
official purposes. (5) Promotion of Hindi continues to be the
official policy of the Government of India. But, the Central
Government can’t impose Hindi on States where people speak
different languages.
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DECENTRALISATION IN INDIA Very Short Answers:- 1. Name the
representative body formed by a few Gram Panchayats. Ans. A
Panchayat Semite or Block or Manual. 2.Which local body has a
‘Mayor’ as its head? Ans. Municipal Corporation. 3.What is another
popular name of Rural local government in India? Ans. Panchayati
Raj 4.What proportion of seats are reserved for the women in the
Indian local self-government? Ans. One-third seats are reserved for
women in the Indian local self-government. 5.Name the independent
institution that has been created in each State to conduct
panchayat and municipal elections in India. Ans. State Election
Commission 6.Which local body looks after the basic civic amenities
in big cities? Ans. Municipal Corporations 7.What is the official
post for the chairperson of a Municipal Corporation? Ans. The mayor
8.What was the main objective of the Constitutional Amendment made
in 1992 in India? Ans. The main objective of the Constitutional
Amendment made in 1992 in India to make the third-tier of democracy
more powerful and effective. 9.Which local body has a ‘Mayor’ as
its head? Ans. Municipal Corporation. 10.What is another popular
name of Rural local government in India? Ans. Panchayati Raj
11.What proportion of seats are reserved for the women in the
Indian local self-government? Ans. One-third seats are reserved for
women in the Indian local self-government. 12.Name the independent
institution that has been created in each State to conduct
panchayat and municipal elections in India. Ans. State Election
Commission 13.Which local body looks after the basic civic
amenities in big cities? Ans. Municipal Corporations 14.What is the
official post for the chairperson of a Municipal Corporation? Ans.
The mayor 15.What was the main objective of the Constitutional
Amendment made in 1992 in India?
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Ans. The main objective of the Constitutional Amendment made in
1992 in India to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and
effective. Short Answers:- 1.Which features of Panchayati Raj do
you like the most and why? Explain. Ans. (1) In Panchayati Raj
System, I like the most Gram Panchayat (2) Gram Panchayat is a
council consisting of several ward members often called Pinch and a
President or Serpent. (3) They are directly elected by all the
adult population living in that ward or village. (4) It is a
decision-making body for the entire village. (5) The panchayat
works under the overall supervision of the Gram Sabah. It has to
meet at least twice or three times in a year to approve the annual
budget of the Gram Panchayat and to review of it. 2.Why is
decentralization favored in democracy Identify any two reasons.
Ans. (1) When power is taken away from Central and State
Governments and given to local government, it is called
decentralization. 2.(i) The basic idea behind decentralization is
that there are a large number of problems and issues which are best
settled at the local level. People have better knowledge of
problems in their localities. (ii) They also have better ideas on
where to spend money and how to manage things more efficiently.
(iii) Besides, at the local level it is possible for the people to
directly participate in decision making. This helps to inculcate a
habit of democratic participation. 3.Explain any five steps taken
towards strengthening of the third tier of democracy in India. Ans.
(1) It has been made constitutionally mandatory to hold regular
elections to local government bodies. (2) Seats have been reserved
in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions
for the SCs, STs and OBCs to ensure their participation. (3) Also,
one-third of all positions are reserved for women. (4) An
independent institution called the State Election Commission has
been created in each State to conduct Panchayat and Municipal
elections. (5) The State Governments are required to share some
powers and revenues with local government bodies. The nature of
power sharing varies from State to State. 4.What is a Gram Sabah?
Describe any four functions of a Gram Sabah. Ans. (1) Gram Sabah: A
body comprising of all adult members of a village or a group of
villages. Functions of Gram Sabah are as under: (i)It elects the
members of the Gram Panchayat.
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(ii) The Gram Sabah supervises the work of the village
panchayat. (iii) It approves the annual budget of the panchayat.
(iv) It reviews the performance of the Gram Panchayat. 5.Assess the
need for local government.
Or Explain the importance of local self government for
establishing grassroots democracy. Ans. Need for local government:
(1) There are a number of problems and issues that are best settled
at the local level, because people have a better knowledge of the
problems in their localities. (2) The local people are aware of
their needs and can give priorities to them. (3) It helps to
initiate the process of direct decision-making. (4) It helps to
inculcate the habit of democratic participation. (5) Local
government is the best way to realize one important principle of
democracy, namely local self-government. Long Answers: 1.In
Panchayati Raj system 1/3rd of the seats have been reserved for
women. Do you feel that the same should be done for State
Legislatures and Parliament? Support your answer with arguments.
Ans. (1) In favor : (i) Many feminists and women’s movement feel
that unless women control power, their problems will not get
adequate attention. One way to ensure this is to have more women as
elected representatives. (ii) One way to solve this problem is to
make it legally binding to have a fair proportion of women in the
elected bodies. This is what the Panchayati Raj has done in India.
One-third of seats in local government bodies — in panchayats and
municipalities — are now reserved for women. (iii) Women’s
organizations and activists have been demanding a similar
reservation of et least one-third of seats in the Lok Sabah and
State Assemblies for women. A bill with this proposal has been
pending before the Parliament for more than a decade. (iv) Aims at
eliminating gender inequality and discrimination against women,
through political empowerment of women. In against : (i) Quota is
not an answer to women’s problems and quota results in
discrimination on the basis of gender, violation of the democratic
right of people to choose their representatives and violation of
the democratic right of people to contestations. (ii) The
reservation will only help elite women who are proxy of powerful
men; women candidates may not get party ticket to contest from
unreserved constituency etc. Therefore, there is no need for
reservation for women in the Legislatures.
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(iii) Political parties should be made responsible to ensure
distribution of tickets in such a manner that the various social
and economic strata of society, especially marginalized and
disadvantaged groups, get adequate representation. 2.’Local
governments have made a significant impact on Indian democracy. But
at the same time, there are many difficulties before them.’
Evaluate. Ans. (1) Constitutional status for local government has
helped to deepen democracy in our country. It has also increased
women’s representation and voice in our democracy. (2)At the same
time, there are many difficulties: (i) While elections are held
regularly and enthusiastically, Gram Sabah’s are not held
regularly. (ii) Most state governments have not transferred
significant powers to the local governments. Although 73rd and 74th
amendment provided comprehensive list for area of function
enumerated in schedule 11 and 12 in Constitution of India, most of
these items are overlapping with the functions of the state list.
Therefore, they have very less scope to be meaningful. (iii) Nor
have they given adequate resources. Local government has no source
of revenue except for the grants from State and Centre, which has
political base rather than requirement. Local governments are
allowed to collect taxes, but due to inadequate man power, lack of
digitization, and awareness, they fail to collect tax and generate
revenue. (iv) We are thus still a long way from realizing the
ideals of self-government. 3.Explain any five features of
Panchayati Raj system.
Or Mention any three features of ‘Three tier rural governments.
Ans. Rural local government is popularly known by the name
Panchayati Raj. The features of the Panchayati Raj system are as
follows: There is a three tier local self government: (i) Gram
Panchayat : Each village, or a group of villages in some States,
has a gram panchayat. (ii) Panchayat smite : A few gram panchayats
are grouped together to form what is usually called a panchayat
smite or block or manual. (iii) Zillah Paris had : MI the panchayat
sanities or manuals in a district together constitute the villa
(district) perished. (2) It is constitutionally mandatory to hold
regular elections to local government bodies. (3) Seats are
reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these
institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other
Backward Classes. At least one-third of all positions are reserved
for women. (4) An independent institution called the State Election
Commission has been created in each State to conduct panchayat and
municipal elections.
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(5) The State Governments are required to share some powers and
revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies
from State to State. 4.Which Constitutional Amendment made the
third tier of government in India more effective and powerful?
Describe any four constitutional steps taken in this amendment to
empower local governments.
Or Describe the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 regarding the
decentralization of power. Or Explain the major steps taken towards
decentralization for making the third-tier of government more
powerful. Ans. (1) The Constitutional Amendments of 1992 empowered
the third tier of government to India and made it more effective
and powerful. (2) Following are the constitutional steps taken in
this Amendment to empower local governments: (i) Before 1992, the
local governments were under the control of state government. After
the Amendment, these bodies got a constitutional status. (ii) Prior
to this Amendment, elections to the local bodies were not held
regularly. DJ now, it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular
elections. (iii) Before 1992, local governments did not have any
powers or resources of their own, Now, the state governments are
required to share some powers and revenues with the local
government bodies. (iv) There was no reservation for women in all
states in the local bodies before 1992, but now at least one-third
seats are reserved for women. 5.Explain any five advantages of
decentralization of power. Or Why is decentralization of powers
considered good for democracy? Explain. Ans. (1) When power is
taken away from Central and State Governments and given to local
government, it is called decentralization of power. It modifies the
concept of democracy through the idea of local self-government.
(2)(i) It fulfils the needs of power-sharing in a vast and
diversified country like India, which cannot be run only through
federal governments. In this way, it modifies the concept of
democracy. (ii) It helps in settlement of large number of problems
and issues at the local level because local people have better
knowledge of problems in their localities. They also have better
ideas and efficient management.
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(iii) It makes possible for people to directly participate in
decision-making process related to their own issues. In this way,
it helps to inculcate the habit of democratic participation among
people. (iv) It provides the best way to realize one important
principle of democracy, namely local self government. 6.What is the
rationale for decentralization of power? Describe the functions of
Rural Local Government.
Or What is the rationale for decentralization of power? Explain
the structure of Rural Local Government in India. Ans. (I) (i) The
rationale behind decentralization is to ensure community
participation 1 for proper growth and development of the community
itself. It is aimed to ensure social, S economic and political
development of the community. (ii) It is also oriented to ensure no
or less interferences in the local affairs by the Union and State
executive bodies. It has been executed to make village, ‘Little
Republic’. (2) Following are the functions of the rural local
government: (i) Supply of water for domestic use. (ii) maintaining
public health and sanitation. (iii) Construction and repairing of
public roads. (iv) Lighting on roads and public places. (v)
Construction, repairing and maintaining public buildings, grazing
lands, forest, public wells and tanks in good conditions. 7.Explain
any four provisions that have been made towards decentralization in
India after the constitutional amendment in 1992.
Or Explain five changes towards decentralization brought in the
Constitution after the amendments made in 1992.
Or Explain any five provisions of the Constitutional Amendment
of 1992 that strengthened the third tier of government in India.
Ans. The third-tier of our country has been made more effective and
powerful by the constitutional amendment of 1992 which empowers
local government through following Provisions: (1) It is
constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local
government bodies. (2) Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and
the executive heads of these institutions for the Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes to ensure their
Participation.
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(3) Also, one-third of all positions are reserved for women. (4)
An independent institution called the State Election Commission has
been created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal
elections. (5) The State Governments are required to share some
powers and revenue with local Government bodies. The nature of
sharing varies from State to State. 8.State any two achievements
and any two problems of the Panchayati Raj system in India. Ans.
(1) The Panchayati Raj system of India is the largest experiment in
democracy conducted anywhere in the world. Its achievements are as
follows: (i)The constitutional status for local government has
helped to deepen roots of democracy in India. (ii) It has also
increased representation and voice of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled
Tribes and women in Indian democracy through measures of
reservation. (2) At the same time, there are many difficulties: (i)
While elections are held regularly and enthusiastically, Gram
Sabah’s are not held regularly. (ii) Most State Governments have
not transferred significant powers to the local governments. Nor
have they given adequate resources. India is, thus, still long away
from realizing the ideals of self-government. 9.Explain the
importance of local-self government in the light of
decentralization.
Or What is meant by decentralization of power? What is the basic
idea behind decentralization? Explain. Ans. (1) (i) When power is
taken away from Central and State Governments and given to local
government, it is called decentralization of powers. It is the
distribution of power between different levels of government. (ii)
Decentralization makes possible for people to directly participate
in decision-making process. It provides the best way to realize one
important principle of democracy, namely local self-government.
(2)Importance of local self-government: (i) There are a large
number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local
level. (ii) People have better knowledge of problems in their
localities. (iii) They also have better ideas about where to spend
money and how to manage things more efficiently. (iv) It also helps
to inculcate the habit of democratic participation among people.
10’India has a large cultural, regional and religious diversity,
but there is unity among people.’ What factors are responsible for
this? Elaborate.
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Ans. The real success of federalism in India can be attributed
to the nature of democratic politics in our country. This ensured
that the spirit of federalism, respect for diversity and desire for
living together became shared ideals in our country. (1) The spirit
of federalism: The Constitution clearly provided a threefold
distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and
the State Governments. (2) Respect for diversity: The creation of
Linguistic States was the first and a major test for democratic
politics in our country. This was done to ensure that people who
spoke the same language lived in the same State. Some States were
created not on the basis of language but to recognize differences
based on culture, ethnicity or geography. (3) Desire for living
together: Country decides to divide its power between the
constituent States and the national government. The Constitution
declared India as a Union of States-Although, it did not use the
word federation. In India, we have ‘holding together’ federation.
In this second category, the Central Government tends to be more
powerful vies-a-vies the State to keep the country united which has
large cultural, regional and religious diversities. (4) Absence of
National language: Our Constitution did not give the status of
national language to any one language. Hindi was identified as the
official language. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages
recognized as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution as safeguard
to protect other languages. Much of the government work takes place
in the official language of the concerned State. (5) Independent
Judiciary: The judiciary plays an important role in overseeing the
implementation of constitutes anal provisions and procedures.
FEDERALISMUNITARY GOVERNMENTS:-SOME OF THE KEY FEATURES OF
FEDERALISM :WHAT MAKES INDIA A FEDERAL COUNTRY?HOW IS FEDERALISM
PRACTISED?LINGUISTIC STATESLANGUAGE POLICYCENTRE-STATE
RELATIONS
DECENTRALISATION IN INDIAMUNICIPALITIES AND MUNICIPAL
CORPORATIONS