Everything you need to understand Federalism for your board exams—features, types, three lists, decentralisation, and FAQs.
These notes cover every important concept from NCERT Chapter 2. written in plain, simple language so you can read, understand, and revise fast.
What is Federalism?
Federalism is a form of government in which the federal government and state governments share authority. The two tiers of government operate separately. they oversee the same group of people.
Simple definition
Federalism is one country, two levels of government, and powers written in the Constitution.
India chose to be a federal country because it is big and diverse. Each state has its own language, culture, and needs. The country is united through federalism but each state is allowed to run its own affairs.
Key Features of Federalism
All federal countries have some features in common. Here are the most important ones you need to know for your exam:
Unitary vs Federal Systems
Students often confuse these two. This table makes the difference clear in one look:
| Point | Unitary System | Federal System |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Only one central government | Divided between the center and States |
| States | Follow orders of the center. | Have independent powers |
| Constitution | May not be written | Written and supreme |
| Flexibility | The center changes laws easily | Changes need agreement of both |
| Examples | the UK, France, Japan | the India, USA, and Australia |
Types of Federalism
Federal countries form in two ways. You must know both for your exam.
1. Coming Together Federation
Independent states unite and become one country. They give up some power to a central authority but keep a lot of the power for themselves.
- States are likely to have equal power
- States joined on their own will
- Examples: the USA, Australia, Switzerland
2. Holding Together Federation
A large country splits its power among the states to make it easier to govern. Here the central government is more powerful.
- The center holds more power than states
- Different states can get different powers
- Examples: India, Belgium, Spain
- India follows the “Holding Together” model of federalism.
Why India is called a Federal Country?
India has all the features of a federal system . a written constitution, an independent judiciary, and clearly divided powers. yes, India qualifies as a federal country.
But India also has some features of a unitary system …
For example: in times of emergencies the central government is stronger. Hence, some experts refer to India as a “quasi-federal” country.
Remember for your exam: India is federal in normal times and unitary in emergencies.
Three Lists in the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution divides all subjects into three lists. This is one of the most important exam topics from this chapter.
Union List
- Only the central government makes laws
- 100 subjects
- Defence, Banking, Currency
- Foreign Affairs, Railways
- Atomic Energy
State List
- Only State Governments make laws
- 61 subjects
- Police, Agriculture
- Trade, Irrigation
- Land, Forests (partially)
Concurrent List
- Both Center and States make laws
- 52 subjects
- Education, Marriage
- Forests, Trade Unions
- Central law wins on conflict
Subjects not in any list go to the Central Government. This is called the Residuary Power.
How Federalism Works in India
Writing federal principles in the Constitution is one thing . making them actually work is another. India achieved this through democratic practice, cooperation, and respect for diversity.
Linguistic States
After independence, India reorganized its states according to language. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 created states on the basis of people speaking the same language living together. The step rather broke unity than made it stronger.
Language Policy
India does not have a single national language. Government communication works in the official languages of Hindi and English. The Constitution also provides for 22 scheduled languages.
Centre–State Relations
One side had been running the Center and most of the states for many years.States began to assert more authority as regional parties became more powerful. Today healthy negotiation between the center and states keeps federalism alive.
Decentralisation in India
India established a third level of government, known as local government. The transferring of powers from the Centre and the States to the local bodies is known as Decentralisation.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) gave legal power to local governments all over India.
Panchayati Raj System (Rural)
Villages set up three levels of governance to run their own affairs:
- Gram Panchayat: village level
- Panchayat Samiti or Block Panchayat; block level
- Zilla Parishad ; district level
Municipalities (Urban)
Cities and towns get their own governing bodies:
- Nagar Panchayat: transitional areas (rural turning urban)
- Municipal Council; smaller towns
- Municipal Corporation: large cities like Delhi, Mumbai
Why Decentralisation Matters
- Local people solve local problems faster.
- Women get at least 1/3rd reserved seats
- Democracy is implemented at the local level.
- People take an active role in governance.
Quick Revision — Key Points
- Federalism is the division of power between the federal and state governments.
- India follows a holding-together federation.
- Three lists: Union (100), State (61), Concurrent (52 subjects)
- Residuary power goes to the Central Government
- 73rd and 74th Amendments created local governments in 1992
- Panchayati Raj works in rural areas; Municipalities in urban areas
- India has 22 scheduled languages no national language
- Centre-State disputes to be settled by Supreme Court
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These questions are asked in exams. Read through them once before your exam.