✅ Answer:
🗳️ Federalism is a system of government in which the powers are divided between the central and state governments based on a constitutional arrangement.
(Federalism एक ऐसी शासन प्रणाली है जिसमें सत्ता का बंटवारा केंद्र और राज्यों के बीच संविधान के अनुसार किया जाता है।)
📍 This system is based on territorial distribution of powers —
(यानी, भौगोलिक आधार पर शक्तियों का बँटवारा होता है।)
🌍 Federalism is essential for countries with diversity in terms of culture, religion, language, etc.
(यह प्रणाली उन देशों के लिए बहुत ज़रूरी होती है जहाँ पर लोग अलग-अलग संस्कृति, धर्म और भाषा के होते हैं।)
🎯 It helps ensure the full development of all sections of society by giving them proper representation and power.
(यह समाज के सभी वर्गों के पूर्ण विकास के लिए ज़रूरी है क्योंकि यह उन्हें सही प्रतिनिधित्व और अधिकार देता है।)
❓ Question 3: Write five essential features of a federal government.
✅ Answer:
Here are the five key features of a federal government:
📜 Written Constitution
Clearly defines the powers of both central and state governments. (लिखित संविधान)
👑 Supremacy of the Constitution
The Constitution is the highest law — everyone must follow it. (संविधान सर्वोच्च होता है)
🏛️ Bicameral Legislature
Two houses at the centre (e.g. Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) for balanced representation.
(दो सदनों वाली संसद)
⚖️ Independent & Impartial Judiciary
Judiciary works without interference and protects the Constitution.(स्वतंत्र और निष्पक्ष न्यायपालिका)
🏢 Double Government System
Power is divided between the Union and State governments.(दोहरी सरकार)
❓ Question 5: What are the demerits of the Federal Government?
❌ Answer: Demerits of a Federal Government
Here are the major disadvantages:
🧱 Parochialism
It promotes narrow regional thinking and weakens national unity.(क्षेत्रीय संकीर्णता)
⚔️ Inter-State Competition
Unhealthy competition may arise between states over resources and policies.(राज्यों में आपसी टकराव)
🚪 Secessionist Trends
Some regions may demand separation due to strong regional identities.(अलगाव की प्रवृत्ति)
⚠️ Harm to National Integration
It may lead to lack of coordination and harm the unity of the country.(राष्ट्रीय एकता को नुकसान)
⏳ Delayed Decisions
Multiple levels of government can slow down the decision-making process.(निर्णय लेने में देरी)
💸 Costly System
Maintaining two levels of government increases administrative expenses.(महंगा शासकीय ढांचा)
❓ Question 6: Write four federal features of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: Federal Features of the Indian Constitution
Here are four key federal features of the Indian Constitution:
📜 Written and Rigid Constitution
The Indian Constitution is written and can’t be easily amended.(कठिनाई से बदला जा सकता है)
👑 Supremacy of the Constitution
The Constitution is the highest authority — all powers function under it.(संविधान सर्वोच्च है)
🔀 Division of Powers
Powers are divided between the Centre and States through three lists: Union, State, and Concurrent.(केंद्र और राज्यों के बीच शक्तियों का बँटवारा)
🏛️ Bicameral Legislature at the Centre
Parliament has two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.(दो सदनों वाली संसद)
⚖️ Independent Judiciary
The judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, is free and impartial.(स्वतंत्र और निष्पक्ष न्यायपालिका)
❓ Question 7: Why is the Federal system of Government necessary for India?
Answer:
India is a country with a plural society 🌏 — people belong to different castes, religions, languages, regions, dialects, and diverse geography.
(भारत में जाति, धर्म, भाषा, क्षेत्र और भौगोलिक विविधता है)
🧬 To ensure the fuller development of such a diverse population, a federal system is essential.
🧩 Federalism helps maintain unity in diversity 🕊️ by allowing local self-governance and respecting regional identities.
✅ Therefore, a federal system is necessary for India to promote harmony, equality, and balanced development across all states.
❓ Question 8: What is the nature of Indian federation?
Answer:
Though India follows the structural features of federalism 🏛️ (like division of powers, written constitution, etc.), the word "federation" is not used anywhere in the Constitution.
📖 According to Article 1 of the Indian Constitution:
“India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
🧩 The term "Union of States" clearly shows the nature of Indian federalism —
it means that the Centre is not formed by the states, but rather, states are created by the Centre.
(यानी केंद्र राज्यों से बना नहीं है, बल्कि राज्य केंद्र द्वारा बनाए जाते हैं।)
⚖️ This reflects that India has a strong centre with federal features — a system often described as quasi-federal (अर्ध-संघात्मक).
❓ Question 9: How are the powers divided between the Centre and the States?
🔀 Answer:
The Indian Constitution divides powers between the Centre and States through three lists mentioned in the Seventh Schedule:
📘 Union List – 97 subjects
Subjects of national importance like defense, foreign affairs, railways, etc.(केंद्र सरकार के अधिकार क्षेत्र में)
📗 State List – 66 subjects
Matters of local or state importance like police, health, agriculture, etc.(राज्य सरकार के अधिकार क्षेत्र में)
📙 Concurrent List – 47 subjects
Both Centre and States can make laws (e.g. education, forests, trade unions).
If conflict occurs, Central law prevails.(दोनों का अधिकार, लेकिन केंद्र का कानून प्राथमिक)
🗂️ Residuary Powers
Subjects not mentioned in any list belong to the Centre by default.(जैसे – साइबर सुरक्षा, स्पेस टेक्नोलॉजी)
❓ Question 13: What is the role of the Governor in the State?
🧑⚖️ Answer:
The Governor plays a dual role in the state government:
👑 1. Nominal Executive Head
He acts as the constitutional head of the state, just like the President at the central level.
(राज्य का प्रतीकात्मक प्रमुख)
🏛️ 2. Agent of the Centre
The Governor also acts as a representative of the Central Government in the state.
He ensures that:
✔️ National interests are protected.
✔️ Central laws and policies are properly implemented in the state.
✔️ Central government property in the state is safe.
