JAC Class 10 Social Science Important Questions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

JAC Board Class 10th Social Science Important Questions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
Which form of power sharing is most commonly referred to as federalism?
(a) Horizontal division of power
(b) Vertical division of power
(c) Division of power among various comnjunities
(d) Sharing of power among political parties
Answer:
(b) Vertical division of power

Question 2.
Which period saw the rise of regional political’parties in many States of the country?
(a) Period after 1990
(b) Period after 2000
(c) Period after 1980
(d) Period after 1970
Answer:
(a) Period after 1990

JAC Class 10 Social Science Important Questions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

Question 3.
Which are the basic objectives of a federal system?
(a) To safeguard and promote unity of the country
(b) To accommodate regional diversity
(c) To share powers among different communities
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer:
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Question 4.
What are the kinds of routes through which federations have been formed?
(a) One route involves independent States coming together on their own to form a bigger unit.
(b) The second route is where a large country decides to divide its powers between the States and the national government.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of these
Answer:
(c) Both (a) and (b)

Question 5.
In which Schedule of the Indian Constitution are the 22 scheduled languages included?
(a) Tenth schedule
(b) Eighth schedule
(c) Twelfth schedule
(d) Ninth schedule
Answer:
(b) Eighth schedule

Question 6.
Which of the following is incorrect regarding a unitary government?
(a) There is either only one level of government or the sub-units are subordinate to the Central government.
(b) The Central government can pass on orders to the provincial government.
(c) A State government is conservable to Central government.
(d) The powers of State governments are guaranteed by the Constitution.
Answer:
(d) The powers of State governments are guaranteed by the Constitution.

Question 7.
Which body conducts the elections to panchayats and municipalities?
(a) Election Commission
(b) State Election Commission
(c) State High Court
(d) Parliament
Answer:
(b) State Election Commission

JAC Class 10 Social Science Important Questions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

Question 8.
What is true regarding sources of revenue in a federal system?
(a) States have no financial powers or independent sources of revenue.
(b) States are dependent on revenue or funds on the Central government.
(c) Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
(d) States have no financial autonomy.
Answer:
(c) Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.

Question 9.
When was the use of English for official purposes stopped?
(a) 1956
(b) 1958
(c) 1960
(d) 1965
Answer:
(d) 1965

Question 10.
What is the third tier of government known as?
(a) Village Panchayats
(b) State Government
(c) Local Self-government
(d) Zila Parishad
Answer:
(c) Local Self – government

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Define federalism.
Answer:
Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.

Question 2.
How is a federal government organized?
Answer:
Power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.

Question 3.
What are the other factors besides politics that keep the federations united?
Answer:
Respect for diversity and desire for living together.

Question 4.
In which list of the Indian Constitution does a railway come? Why?
Answer:
It comes under Union List because it is a subject of national importance and requires a uniform policy throughout the country.

JAC Class 10 Social Science Important Questions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

Question 5.
How much majority in the parliament is required to amend any part of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
Any change to it has to be first passed by both the Houses of Parliament with at least a two-third majority.

Question 6.
What is meant by residuary subjects?
Answer:
The subjects which are not mentioned in Union, State and Concurrent Lists are called residuary subjects. The Union Government has the power to legislate on them.

Question 7.
Which level of government in India can make laws on the subjects included in the Concurrent List?
Answer:
Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both Union Government as well as the State Governments.

Question 8.
In a federalism, who resolves the disputes between different levels of the government?
Answer:
The highest court (e.g., Supreme Court in the case of India) acts as an umpire in case disputes arise between different levels of government.

Question 9.
Give an important feature of ‘holding together’ federation. Which are the countries where it exists?
Answer:
In this federation, the Central government tends to be more powerful vis-a-vis the States. ‘Holding together’ federations exist in India, Spain and Belgium.

JAC Class 10 Social Science Important Questions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

Question 10.
What is a coalition government?
Answer:
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 programme.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What makes India a Federal Country?
Answer:

  1. India is a nation with many languages, religions and regions. It emerged as an independent nation after a long and painful partition.
  2. Several princely states became a part of the country soon after independence. India was declared as a Union of States by the Constitution.
  3. The Indian Union is based on the principle of federalism.
  4. The Constitution earlier provided a two – tieir system of government the Union government (Central government) representing the Union of India and the State governments. Later Panchayats and Municipalities were added as a third tier of federalism.
  5. All these different forms of government enjoy separate jurisdiction.

Question 2.
When did Belgium shift from a unitary to a federal form of government? Why?
Answer:

  1. In 1993, Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of government.
  2. It happened because the regional government were given constitutional powers and they were no longer dependent on the central government.

Question 3.
What do you mean by a unitary political system? Does Sri Lanka have a federal political system? What is the major demand of Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka?
Answer:

  1. In a unitary political system, the national government has all the powers in its hands.
  2. No Sri Lanka has a unitary political system.
  3. Tamil leaders want Sri Lanka to become a truly federal system.

Question 4.
How has the special status of Jammu and Kashmir changed?
Answer:

  1. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 was passed by the Indian parliament in August 2019.
  2. The Bill proposed bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
  3. The centre also revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by withdrawing Article 370 of the Indian constitution.
  4. Jammu and Kashmir will have its legislative assembly, and Ladakh will be directly governed by the centre.

Question 5.
Write a brief note on the language policy adopted in India.
Answer:

  1. The ‘Language policy’ was the second test for Indian federation. No language was given the status of National language by our Constitution.
  2. Hindi was identified as the official language. But only about 40 per cent of Indians have Hindi as their mother tongue.
  3. 21 other languages besides Hindi, are recognised 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 flexibility shown by Indian political leaders helped our country avoid any conflict based on languages.

Question 6.
Write a brief note on village councils.
Answer:

  1. Village councils looked after the affairs of the village, police and judicial powers and were the lines of contact with higher authorities on matters affecting the villages.
  2. Custom and religion elevated them to a sacred position of authority.
  3. These councils were the pivot of administration, the centre of social life, and, a focus of social solidarity.

Question 7.
What is a Gram Sabha? Describe any four functions of a Gram Sabha.
Answer:
Gram Sabha:
A body comprising all adult members of a village or a group of villages. Functions of Gram Sabha are as under:

  1. It elects the members of the Gram Panchayat.
  2. The Gram Sabha supervises the work of the village Panchayat.
  3. It apprqves the annual budget of the Panchayat.
  4. It reviews the performance of the Gram Panchayat.

Question 8.
Why is decentralization favoured in democracy? Identify any two reasons.
Answer:
(i) When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local government, it is called decentralization.

(ii) (1) 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.
(2) They also have better ideas on where to spend money and how to manage things more efficiently.
(3) 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.

Question 9.
Compare the federations of coming together type and holding together type.

Coming Together Federation Holding Together Federation
(i) Independent States come together on their own to form a bigger unit. (i) A large country decides to divide its power between the constituent units and the national government.
(ii) All constituent States usually have equal power and the States enjoy certain amount of autonomy. (ii) Central government tends to be more powerful.
(iii) The main aim of this federation is to pool their sovereignty and maintain their separate identity to increase their security. (iii) In this type of federation, there is an absence of pooling sovereignty and maintaining identity.
(iv) Some examples are U.S.A., Australia and Switzerland. (iv) Some examples are India, Belgium and Spain.

Question 10.
Indian Constitution has a unitary bias. Support the statement with one example.
Answer:
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.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What are the duties of Central and State governments?
Answer:

  1. The duties of the Union or Central government include subjects of national
    foreign affairs banking communications and currency.
  2. This is because a uniform policy on these . matters will be maintained throughout
    the country. All the laws pertaining to the above duties must be given only by the Union government.
  3. The duties of the State governments include subjects of the State and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation. All the laws pertaining to the above duties must be given only by the State governments.
  4. Some aspects have to be taken care of, by both, the Union government as well as the State goyemments. These are education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession. Both governments can make laws on these subjects.
  5. If their laws conflict with each other, the law made by the Union Government will prevail.

Question 2.
Explain the power sharing, among government at different levels.
Answer:
The powers of government have been divided into three lists:
1. Union List:
It contains 97 subjects like defense, foreign affairs, railways, post and 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 Union government as well as State governments can make laws on subjects mentioned in this list. In case of conflict, the law made by the Union government will prevail.

4. Residuary subjects:
Powers lie with the Centre. In such cases, only Parliament has the power to make laws on these subjects like computer software.

Question 3.
Critically analyze the Centre – State relations prior to 1990 and after.

  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.
  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 Lok Sabha, 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.

Question 4.
‘India has a large cultural, regional and religious diversity, but there is unity among people.’ What factors are responsible for this? Elaborate.
Answer:
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.

(i) The spirit of federalism:
The Constitution clearly provided a three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union government and the State governments.

(ii) 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.

(iii) 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 vis-a-vis the State to keep the country united which has large cultural, regional and religious diversities.

(iv) 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.

(v) Independent Judiciary:
The judiciary plays an important role in overseeing the implementation of constitutional provisions and procedures.

JAC Class 10 Social Science Important Questions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

Question 5.
In Panchayati Raj system l/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.
Answer:
1. In favour:
(i) Many feminists and women’s movement feel that unless women control power their problems will not get adequate attention. This can be ensured with more women as elected representatives.

(ii) This problem can be solved 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 at least one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women. A reservation 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.

2. In against:
(i) Question uota 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.

(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 constituencies etc. Therefore, there is no need for reservations for women in the Legislatures.

(iii) Political parties should be made responsible to ensure distribution of tickets to various social and economic strata of society  especially marginalized and disadvantaged groups, get adequate representation.

Question 6.
Explain the working of Local Self Government in India in rural areas?
OR
Briefly explain the levels of rural local government in India.
OR
How has Panchayat Raj system been organized?
Answer:
Rural local government is known as Panchayati Raj
(i) Village Level:

  1. Each village or a group of villagers in some states has a gram panchayat. This is a council consisting of several ward members, called panch and a president or sarpanch.
    They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or village
  2. The Panchayat works under the overall supervision of the gram sabha. All the voters in the village are its members:
    • It is the decision – making body for the entire village.
    • It has to meet at least twice or thrice in a year to approve the annual budget of the gram panchayat.
    • to review the performance of the gram panchayat.

(ii) Block Level

  1. A few gram panchayats are grouped togejher into panchayat samiti or block or mandal.
  2. All the panchayat members in that area elect the members of this representative body.

(iii) District Level

  1. All the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district together constitute the Zilla (district) parishad.
  2. Most members of the Zilla parishad are elected.
  3. Members of the Lok Sabha, MLA’s of that district and other officials of other district level bodies are also its members.
  4. Zilla parishad chairperson is the political head of the Zilla parishad.

Question 7.
What is gram sabha?
Answer:

  1. It is the village parliament (legislature). The panchayat under the supervision of the gram sabha.
  2. All the voters in the village are its members.
  3. It has to meet at least twice or thrice a year to approve the annual budget of the gram panchayat and to review the performance of the gram panchayat.

Question 8.
Explain the working of Local Self Government in India in rural areas?
OR
How are local bodies organized in urban areas?
Answer:
Local government bodies for urban areas:

  1. Municipalities are set up towns
  2. Big cities are constituted into Municipal Corporation.
  3. Elected bodies consisting of people’s representatives control both municipalities and municipal corporations.
  4. Municipal chairperson is the political head of the Municipality.
  5. In a municipal corporation such an officer is called the mayor.

Activity Based Questions

Question 1.
Prepare a linguistic map of India.
JAC Class 10 Social Science Important Questions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism 1

JAC Class 10 Social Science Important Questions

JAC Class 10 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

JAC Board Class 10th Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

JAC Class 10th Civics Federalism InText Questions and Answers

Page 14

Question 1.
I am confused. What do we call the Indian government? Is it Union, Federal or Central?
Answer:
India is made up of States by ‘holding together,’ so, without any confusion we should call it a federal State and the government at the centre is called the Central government.

Page 15

Question 2.
If federalism works only in big countries, why did Belgium adopt it?
Answer:
Belgium adopted federalism because even though it is a small country, it has diverse population with multilingual groups. .These linguistic groups have their owp intersects which might lead to social conflict. Therefore, it was thought that, possible social conflict and political instability could be avoided by the federal system pf power sharing.

Page 16

Question 3.
Some Nepalese citizens were discussing the proposals on the adoption of federalism in their new Constitution. This is what some of them said:
Khag Raj:
I don’t like federalism. It would lead to reservation of seats for different caste groups as in India.
Sarita: Ours is not a very big country. We don’t needfederalism.
Babu Lai:
I am hopeful that Terai areas will get more autonomy if they get their own state government.
Ram Ganesh:
I like federalism because it will mean that powers that were earlier enjoyed by the king will now be exercised by our elected representatives. If you were participating in this conversation what would be your response to each of these? Which of these reflect a wrong understanding of what federalism is? What makes India a federal country?
Answer:
(i) Response to Khag Raj:
No, It is not true. Different caste groups are given their rights, which they have been kept deprived of for years. Federalism truly serves the purpose when it believes in mutual trust. This is the spirit of democracy.

1.Response to Sarita:
No Sarita, Nepal is also a diverse country consisting of group of people having different interests. For example, Belgium was a small country, but had social conflict. This could only be resolved by making a federation. So a federal system is required that takes care of its people equally.

2. Response to Babu Lai:
No, I do not agree as do not think only about the Terai area. There are other areas as well which need more autonomy. We should contribute to the development of the nation equally.

3. Response to Ram Ganesh:
Yes I agree. When power is concentrated in one hand, it harms the will of the common people. In a democracy, people rule themselves through institution of self-governance. The decentralization of power will ensure due respect to diverse groups and views that exist in the society, and everyone will have a voice in the shaping of public policy.

(ii) Of these Khag Raj and Sarita have a wrong understanding of what federalism is.

(iii) In India there are three levels of government The Central, State and local governments. They have their own jurisdictions. There is a Constitution which declares their powers and duties. There is an apex court under an independent judiciary which can resolve disputes among them. All the State  governments have their own sources of income. Income is also shared with the Central government. All these features make India a federal country.

JAC Class 10 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

Question 4.
Isn’t that strange? Did our Constitution makers not know about federalism? Or did they wish to avoid talking about it?
Answer:
It is not strange. Our Constitution makers were aware of the concept of federalism. But, intentionally, they did not talk about it. This was because our democracy was passing through a ascent stage where they had to take steps to consolidate different free princely States.

If they had been given more autonomy, we might have faced many divisions of our country. They supposed that with maturity of democracy, proper changes would be brought in the Constitution to make the nation more federal. So they left this issue to the people and future leaders to decide about.

Page 17

Question 5.
If agriculture and commerce are state subjects, why do we have ministers of agriculture and commerce in the Union cabinet?
Answer:
This is because the States have to deal with each other in commerce and agricultural commodities. There are chances when a State will act arbitrarily. In that condition problems will arise regarding price control, tax, etc. The country has to deal with other nations in these subjects. So, a separate ministry for agriculture and commerce is necessary in the Union Cabinet.

Page 18

Question 6.
Pokharan, the place where India conducted its nuclear tests, lies in Rajasthan. Suppose the Government of Rajasthan was opposed to the Central Government’s nuclear policy could it prevent the Government of India from conducting the nuclear tests?
Answer:
No the government of Rajasthan could not prevent the government of India from conducting the nuclear tests.

Question 7.
Suppose the Government of Sikkim plans to introduce new textbooks in its schools. But the Union Government does not like the style and content of the new textbooks. In that case, does the state government need to take permission from the Union Government before these textbooks can be launched?
Answer:
Yes in this case the government of Sikkim will take permission from the Union government because education is a subject of Concurrent list on which both State and Union governments can make laws and in case of any conflict of law, only the Union law prevails.

JAC Class 10 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

Question 8.
Suppose the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha have different policies on how their state police should respond to the naxalites. Can the Prime Minister of India intervene and pass an order that all the Chief Ministers will have to obey?
Answer:
No, police is a State subject on which only the States can make laws.

Page 20

Question 9.
Why Hindi? Why not Bangla or Telugu?
Answer:
The government of India, in its Constitution declares Hindi and English as our official languages. But, being a federal government it cannot impose its will on the people who speak a language other than Hindi. Hindi is the official language but only 40% of its population speaks Hindi. This is the flexibility shown by the Union government that States have their own official languages. We respect the language and culture of each other. So, people are free to speak in the language of their choices. Each State has its official language.

Page 2

Question 10.
Here are two cartoons showing the relationship between Centre and States. Should the State go to the Centre with a begging bowl? How can the leader of a coalition keep the partners of government satisfied?
JAC Class 10 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism 1
The state plead for more powers
JAC Class 10 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism 2
Perils of Running a Coalition Government
Answer:
Yes, the state should go to the centre not with a begging bowl, not for more powers but for some privileges and financial preferences and security. The leader of a coalition keep the partners of government satisfied by giving some or other powers and privileges to every partner according to the proportions of their participation in the government.

Question 11.
Are you suggesting that regionalism is good for our democracy? Are you serious?
Answer:
In no way regionalism can be good for our democracy. In a country like ours, we have multicoloured cultures, languages and traditions, India’s glory lies in its diversity but it does not mean that one region or State is supported and the other is kept deprived. We grow and develop when each region grows and develops. We should develop with the spirit of mutual trust and living together. Hence, I am serious while saying that there is no place for regionalism in our democracy.

Page 25

Question 12.
Prime Minister runs the country. Chief Minister runs the state. Logically, then, the Chairperson of Zila Parishad should run the district. Why does the D.M. or Collector administer the district?
Answer:
The president of Zila Parishad is the political head. All the decisions are made under his leadership. In fact, the DM is the administrative head, who executes the decisions of the Parishad. This is, an example of sharing of power between legislative and executive. So, it is correct that the DM administers the district.

Question 13.
What do these newspaper clippings have to say about efforts of decentralisation in India?
JAC Class 10 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism 3
Answer:

  1. The first clipping of ‘Tamil Nadu’ (TN) shows the misuse of three-tier- system.
  2. The second clipping on mandatory rule of Nayaya Panchayat
  3. The third clipping regarding states oppose direct funding reflects to utilize the proper “channels of Decentralisation”.
  4. The fourth and fifth clipping shows the “Women Empowerment” at the grassroots level.

JAC Class 10th Civics Federalism Textbook Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India:
Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa.
Answer:
JAC Class 10 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism 4

Question 2.
Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.
Answer:
Federal countries other than India
JAC Class 10 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism 5

Question 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.
Answer:

  1. Similar Feature: Both Belgium and India have a three-tier government.
  2. Different Feature: In Belgium there is a community government as the third tier, while we have a local self-government (not based on races/castes) in India as the third tier of the government.

Question 4.
What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
Answer:
In a federal form of government, the Central government shares its powers with the various constituent units of the country. For example, in India, power is divided between the government at the Centre and the various State governments. In a unitary form of government, all the power is exercised by only one government. For example, in Sri Lanka, the National government has all powers.

JAC Class 10 Social Science Solutions Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

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

Local government before the Constitutional amendment in 1992 Local government after the Constitutional amendment in 1992
(i) Elections were not held regularly. (i) It is mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
(ii) Local governments did not have any power or resources of their own. (ii) The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies.

Question 6.
Fill in the blanks:
1. Since the United States is a………… type of federation.
Answer:
coming together

2. All the constituent States have equal powers and States are……… vis-a-vis the federal government.
Answer:
strong

3. But India is a……… type of federation and some States have more power than others.
Answer:
holding together

4. In India, the ….. government has more powers.
Answer:
Central

Question 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 consQuestion lidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
Answer:
The argument by Sangeeta is more appropriate. Language is not just a tool for communication but a part of the culture and mindset which takes hundreds of years to evolve. People are sentimentally attached to their language. The language policy of India is an attempt to instill a sense of respect of others culture and this has definitely helped in strengthening national unity.

Question 8.
The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
(a) National government gives some powers to the provincial government.
(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.
Answer:
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

Question 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
Answer:

Union List Defence, Banking, Communications
State List Police, Agriculture, Trade
Concurrent List Education, Forests, Marriage

Question 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

Answer:
(d) Local Governments –  Residuary Powers

Question 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

 

1 2 3 4
(a) D A B C
(b) B C D A
(c) A C D B
(d) C D A B

Answer:
(c) A,C,D, and B

Question 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.
(C). Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
(D). India is no longer a federation because some powers of the States have been devolved to the local government bodies. 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
Answer:
(c) A and B only

JAC Class 10 Social Science Solutions

JAC Class 10 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

JAC Board Class 10 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

→ Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.

  • 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 other level includes the governments at the level of provinces or states that look after much of the day-to-day administering of their states.
  • Both these levels of governments enjoy their power independent of the other.

→ Key features of federalism:
(a) There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
(b) Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own JURISDICTION in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
(c) 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.
(d) The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both levels of government.
(e) Courts have the local 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.
(f) Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
(g) The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity.

JAC Class 10 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

→ Types of Federation:

  • Coming Together Federations: Independent states come together on their own to form a bigger unit, so that by pooling sovereignty and retaining identity they can increase their security, e.g., the USA, Switzerland, and Australia. All the constituent States usually have equal powers vis-a-vis the federal government.
  • Holding Together Federations: A large country decides to divide its power between the constituent States and the national government. Very often, different constituent units of the federation have unequal powers. Some units are granted special powers.
    Federalism in India

→ The Indian Union is based on the principles of federalism. The Constitution has clearly provided a threefold distribution of legislative powers between the Union government and the State governments.
Thus, it contains three lists:
(a) 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.

(b) 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.

(c) Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both Union government and State governments, such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession. Both Union and 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.

(d) The Union government has the power to make laws for the subjects that are not included in any of the three lists. These are termed as ‘residuary subjects’.

  • All States in the Indian Union do not have identical powers. Some States enjoy a special status. Many provisions of the Indian Constitutioh are not applicable to some states without the approval of the State Assembly. Special provisions exist for Assam and the hill states of North-East India.
  • Union Territories do not have the powers of a State. The Central government has special powers of governing the Union Territories.
  • The power sharing arrangement provided by the Constitution is difficult to change.
  • Any change to it has to be first passed by both Houses of Parliament with at least two- thirds majority. Then it has to be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the total States.

→ Role of Judiciary:

  • It plays an important role in overseeing the implementation of constitutional provisions and procedures. In case of any dispute between the Centre and the States regarding the division of powers, the High Courts and the Supreme Court have the right of adjudication.
  • The Union and the State governments have the power to raise resources by levying taxes in order to carry on the government and the responsibilities assigned to each of them.

→ Linguistic States

  • New States were created on linguistic basis in 1947 for recognizing the linguistic and cultural differences of various parts of the country.
  • The formation of linguistic States has united the country and has made administration easier.

→ Language Policy

  • 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.
  • Examinations for the Central government posts may be taken by the candidates in any of the scheduled languages.
  • Each State has its own official language.
  • According to the Constitution, English as an official language was supposed to be discontinued in 1965. However, due to opposition by non-Hindi speaking States, both English and Hindi are being continued for official purposes.

JAC Class 10 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

→ Centre-State Relations

  • The Central government in India has the power to dissolve any State government on the grounds of inefficiency and impose the 1 President’s rule in that State.
  • Before 1990, the Central government often misused the Constitution to dismiss the State governments that were controlled by the rival parties.
  • After 1990, the era of coalition governments at the Centre started. The major National Parties had to enter into alliances with many regional parties to form the government.
    This led to a new culture of power sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments.

→ Decentralisation in India

  • When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local government, it is called decentralisation. The basic idea behind decentralisation is to solve a large number of problems and issues at the local level.
  • People have better knowledge of problems in their localities. They also have better ideas on where to spend money and how to manage things more efficiently.
  • 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. Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy, viz., local self-government.
  • A major step towards decentralization was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective.
  • Now it’s 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 its performance. 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 Panchayat 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. Local government bodies exist for urban areas as well. Municipalities are set up in towns. Big cities are constituted into municipal corporations.
  • Both municipalities and municipal corporations are controlled by the 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 Mayor.
  • Constitutional status for local government has helped to deepen democracy in our country.
  • Most State governments have not transferred significant powers to the local governments. Nor have they given adequate resources. We are thus still a long way from realising the ideal of self-government.

JAC Class 10 Social Science Notes