1

SAI International School

QUESTION BANK
SESSION-2022-23
CLASS-X
POL.SC- CHAPTER-2 TOPIC- FEDERALISM

SL. SUB-TOPIC / QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS MARK PG.NO

NO /S
(1,3,5)
What is federalism?
1. What was the key change made in the constitution of Belgium? 1 14
Ans. Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of government.
2. Distinguish between Unitary and Federal system of Government. 5 14,15
Unitary system of Federal system of
Government Government-
Under the unitary There are two or more levels
system, either there of government like Central
is only one level of government and state or
government or the regional governments.
sub-units are State governments are no
subordinate to the longer subordinate to the
central Government. central government.
The National Power is divided between a
government has all the central authority and various
powers and can constituent units of the
delegate them to the country.
units or state Both these levels of
governments which governments enjoy their power
could be withdrawn by independent of the other. Both
the Central these governments are
Government. separately answerable to the
Hence state people.
governments are
answerable to and State governments are not
dependent on central answerable to the central
government. government.
The central government The central government cannot
can pass on orders to order the state government to
the provincial or the do something.
local government.
For example- Regional For example- In 1993 the
governments in regional governments in
Belgium in 1950s or Belgium were given
1960s. They had their constitutional powers that
roles and powers. But were no longer dependent on
all these powers were the central government.
given to these
governments and could
be withdrawn
by the Central
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Government.
Other examples- Other example- India, Canada,
France, England and U.S.A., Switzerland and
Japan Australia
3. What is federalism? What are the two levels of government in a federal 1+2=3 14
government?
Ans. Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided
between a central authority and its various constituent units of the country.
i. Usually, a federation has two levels of government. National or
central government-The government for the entire country that is
usually responsible for a few subjects of common national interest.
ii. Provinces or States government - 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.
4. What form of government, Tamil leaders wanted in Sri Lanka during their 1 14
struggle?
Federal form of govt.
5. What does jurisdiction mean? 1 15
Ans: The area over which someone has legal authority. The area may be
defined in terms of geographical boundaries or in terms of certain kinds of
subject.
6. Fill in the blanks: 1 15
a. An ideal federal system has both aspects ----------- and ---------.
7. What are the key features of a federal government? 5 15
Ans.
i. There are two or more levels or tiers of government.
ii. Jurisdiction at each level- Each tier of government has its own
jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation. Administration and
taxation.
iii. Constitutional Amendment:- In case of any change of fundamental
provisions of the constitution, the consent of both the levels of
government is required.
iv. Importance of Judiciary- 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.
v. Financial autonomy: - Sources of revenue for each level of
government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
8. What are the two aspects of an ideal federal system? 1 15
Ans: Mutual trust and agreement to live together.
9. What are the dual objectives and basic aspects of federalism? 3 15
Ans. The dual objectives of federal system are:
i. to safeguard and promote unity of the country,
ii. to accommodate regional diversity.
Basic aspects of federalism
a) Governments at different levels should agree to some rules of
power sharing.
b) They should also trust that each would abide by its part of the
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agreement.
10. What is the main objective of federalism? 1 15
Ans: To safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time
accommodate regional diversity.
11. Which two aspects are crucial for the institutions and practice of 1 15
federalism?
Ans: Mutual trust and agreement to live together.
12. What happens when disputes arise between different levels of government 1 15
in the exercise of their respective powers?
Ans: Center’s decision is final.
13. Distinguish between ‘coming together’ federations and ‘holding together’ 3 15
federations. Mention two countries each for both the types of federations. /
Why the exact balance of power between the centre and the state
government varies from one Federation to another? Explain with two
examples.(routes to the formation of federation)
Ans. Coming together’ federations –
i. Coming together’ federalism involves independent states come
together on their own to form a bigger unit.
ii. In coming together, units try to enhance their security by pooling
their sovereignty and retaining identity.
iii. In this category of federations, all the Constituent States usually
have equalpower and are strong vis-à-vis the federal government.
Examples : USA, Australia, Switzerland
‘Holding together’ federations
i. In ‘holding together’ federations a large country decides to divide
its power between the constituent states and the central government.
ii. Very often different constituent units of the federation have unequal
powers. Some units aregranted special powers.
iii. The central government tends to be more powerful vis-à-vis the
States
Examples: India, Spain and Belgium.
14. Why the exact balance of power between the centre and the state 2+2 15
government varies from one federation to another? Explain with two
examples.
Ans: This balance depends mainly on the historical context in which
the federation was formed. There are two kinds of routes through which
federations have been formed. The first route involves independent States
coming together on their own to form a bigger unit, so that by pooling
sovereignity and retaining identity they
can increase their security. This type of
‘coming together’ federations include the USA, Australia
The second route is where 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 power sharing arrangements in our country)
15. What did the constitution declared India? 1 16,17
Ans: Union of states
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16. Mention any five main features which make India a federal country. / What 5 15
are the constitutional provisions which make India a federal country?
Ans. India fulfills several principles that are essential for a federation. They
are as follows:
i. Three-tier system of government- In the spirit of Federalism, the
constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government
the Central Government, representing the Union of India and the
State governments. A third tier of federalism (local self govt.) was
added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities to the original
two levels of government.
ii. Division of power between two levels of government -As in any
federation, these different tiers enjoy separate jurisdiction. The
Constitution clearly provides a threefold distribution of legislative
powers between the Union Government and the State Governments
in the form of Union List, State List and Concurrent List and
Residuary powers.
iii. Constitution the supreme authority- Consent of both the levels of
government is required for an amendment in the fundamental
provisions of the constitution. The Parliament cannot on its own
change this arrangement. Any change to it has to be first passed by
both the 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.
iv. Importance of judiciary:- In case of any dispute about the division
of powers, the High Courts and the Supreme Court make a decision.
v. Financial autonomy:-The Union and 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.
vi. ‘Holding together’ federations: - Sharing of power between the
Union Government and the State governments is basic to the
structure of the Constitution. All States in the Indian Union do not
have identical powers.

17. Describe the three fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union 3/5 16,17
Government and state Governments of India.
The Union List The State List Concurrent List
It contains subjects of It contains subjects of It contains subjects of
national interests State and local common interest to both the
importance. union and state.
It includes subjects such It includes subjects such It includes subjects such as
as defence of the as police, trade, education, forest,
country, foreign affairs, commerce, agriculture trade unions, marriage,
banking,communication and irrigation adoption and succession
s and currency.
Only the union Only the state Both the centre and the
government can pass government can pass states can make laws on the
laws on those subjects laws on this list. subjects.
If their laws conflict with
each other, the law made by
the Union Government will
prevail.
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It has 100 subjects. It has 61 subjects. It has 52 subjects.

Residuary subjects- are the leftover subjects which do not fall in any one of
the three lists. On the residuary subjects only the union government can
legislate e.g., computer software and internet.
18. What are Residuary subjects (powers)? Which tier of government 3 16,17
according to our constitution can make laws on Residuary subjects?
Ans: subjects that do notfall in any of the three lists like computer software
that came upafter the constitution was made.
According to our constitution, theUnion Government has the power to
legislate on these ‘residuary’ subjects.
19. Which tier of government makes a decision in case of dispute between state 1 17
and center on the issue of division of powers?
Ans: Centre
20. What does List system mean? 1 16
Ans. It is the specific feature of Indian federalism where powers or subjects
are divided through the lists like Union List for the union level and State
List for the state level.
21. *** If agriculture and commerce are state subjects why do we have 1 17
ministers of the same in the Union Cabinet?
Ans Hints- Because of the wider prospect of these subjects regarding inter-
state trade. So a uniform policy has to be legislated.
The agriculture and economic experts are the part of Planning Commission
for policy making.
22. ‘Indian federations are formed by ‘holding together’. Justify with three 3 17
suitable examples. / ‘Most of the federations that are formed by holding
together do not give equal power to its constituent units’. Explain it in the
context of India.
Ans. Most of the federations that are formed by holding together do not
give equal power to its constituent units because comparatively they are
large countries and the central government tends to be more powerful.
All States in the Indian Union do not have identical powers.
i. Some States enjoy a special status.
Example-Jammu and Kashmir has its own Constitution. Many provisions
of the Indian Constitution are not applicable to this State without the
approval of the State Assembly. Indians who are not permanent residents of
this State cannot buy land or house here
ii. There are some units of the Indian Union which enjoy very little
power. These are areas which are too small to become an
independent State.
Example- Union Territories like Chandigarh, or Lakshadweep or the capital
city of Delhi do not have the powers of a State. The Central Government
has special powers in running these areas.
23. ‘There are some units of the Indian Union which enjoy very little power’. 1+2 17
Why? Give two examples. / What are called Union Territories?
Ans: There are some units of the IndianUnion which enjoy very little
power.These are areas which are too small tobecome an independent State
butwhich could not be merged with anyof the existing States. These areas,
likeChandigarh, or Lakshadweep or thecapital city of Delhi, are called
UnionTerritories. These territories do nothave the powers of a State. The
CentralGovernment has special powers inrunning these areas.
24. Which tier of government according to our constitution has special powers 1 17
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in running the administration of Union Territories?

Ans:The Central Government.
25. Which state of India has its own constitution? 1 17
Ans: Jammu and Kashmir
26. On what principle India Union is based? 1 17
Ans: Principles of Federalism
27. Indian Federal system is quasi-federal? Examine the statement. 5 16,17
Ans. The Constitution of India is federal in nature but unitary in spirit.
The common features of a federation such as: 
i. There is a written Constitution which enjoys supremacy.
ii. Rigidity of Constitution - The fundamental provisions of the
constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of
government.
iii. Two levels of government- Central government for the whole
country and government for each state and each Union territory.
iv. Division of powers between central and state governments - The
Union List & the State list
v. Independent Judiciary - Judiciary is not under the control of the
legislature or the executive.
Unitary features like:
i. Integrated judiciary - Decision of higher court is binding on lower
courts. Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the
powers of different levels of government. In case of any dispute
about the division of powers, the High Courts and the Supreme
Court make a decision.
ii. Flexible Constitution, Changes in the constitution require the
consent of both the levels of government. Any change to it has to be
first passed by both the 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.
iii. A strong Centre
This unique combination makes it Quasi-Federal in form.
28. What is the role of judiciary in a federal system? 3 17
Ans: The judiciary plays an important role in overseeing the implementation
of constitutional provisions and procedures. In case of any dispute about the
division of powers, the High Courts and the Supreme Court make a decision.
The Union and 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.
How is federalism practiced?
29. ‘The creation of Linguistic States was the first and a major test for 19
democratic politics in our country’. / Explain how the federation of
linguistic states has strengthened federalism in India.
Ans. The creation of Linguistic States in 1947 was the first and a major test
for democratic politics in our country.
i. Linguistic States was done to ensure that people who spoke the
same language lived in the same
ii. State. Some States were also created to recognize differences based
on culture, ethnicity or geography. These include States like
Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand.
iii. The Central Government resisted linguistic States for some time
 7

because of fear of disintegration of the country.

iv. But the experience has shown that the formation of linguistic States
has actually made the country, more united. It has also made
administration easier.
30. What is language policy? Describe in detail the language policy of India. 3/5 20
Ans. Language policy is the safeguard to protect the languages.
i. The Indian constitution, in 1950, declaredHindi to be the official
language of the union. And the use of English for official purposes
was to to cease 15 years after the constitution came into effect, i.e.,
on 26 January 1965.
ii. The cease of English for official purposes was led to much alarm in
the non Hindi-speaking areas of India. Because, Hindi is the mother
tongue of only about 40 per cent of Indians. Many non- Hindi
speaking States demanded that the use of English continue.
iii. The Central Government responded by agreeing to continue the use
of English along with Hindi for official purposes.
iv. A candidate in an examination conducted for the Central
Government positions may opt to take the examination in any of
these 22 scheduled languages.
v. States too have their own official languages.
vi. Central government promotes Hindi but cannot impose it on any
state.
vii. Our constitution has not made any language the national language
of India.
31. In implementing language policy, Indian federalism shows flexibility. 1 20
Support the statement. ( iii, iv, v, vi, vii)
32. ***India is a country of diverse language. Examine. 3/5 16.20
Ans. In terms of languages, India is perhaps the most diverse country in the
world
i. 1991, the Census of India recorded more than 1500 distinct
languages which people mentioned as their mother tongues.
ii. These languages were grouped together under some major
languages. For example languages like Bhojpuri, Magadhi,
Bundelkhandi, Chhattisgarhi, Rajasthani, Bhili and many others
were grouped together under ‘Hindi’.
iii. After this grouping, the Census found 114 major languages.
iv. Of these 22 languages are called ‘Scheduled Languages’. Others are
called ‘non- Scheduled Languages’.
v. English along with Hindi are to be used as official languages.
vi. States too have their own official languages.
33. Define Coalition government. 1 20
Ans: Since no single party got aclear majority in the Lok Sabha, themajor
national parties had to enterinto an alliance with many partiesincluding several
regional parties toform a government at the Centre.
34. What type of new culture of power sharing developed in India after 1990? 1 20
– beginning of coalition government.
Ans: This period saw the rise of regional political parties in manyStates of the
country. This was also the beginning of the era of COALITION GOVERNMENTSat the
Centre. Since no single party got aclear majority in the Lok Sabha, the major
national parties had to enterinto an alliance with many parties including
several regional parties toform a government at the Centre. This led to a new
 8

culture of powersharing and respect for the autonomy

of State Governments. This trend was supported by a major judgement of
the Supreme Court that made it difficult for the Central Government
to dismiss state governments in an arbitrary manner.
35. ‘Federal power sharing is more effective today than it was in the early 3/5 24
years after the Constitution came into force’. Explain the statement.
Ans. Before 1990
i. For a long time, the same party ruled both at the Centre and in most
of the States.
ii. State governments could not exercise their rights as autonomous
federal units.
iii. The Central Government would often misuse the Constitution to
dismiss the State governments, when the ruling party at the State
level was different from the centre.
iv. All these undermined the spirit of federalism.
After 1990
i. There was rise of regional parties.
ii. Since no single party got a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the
major national parties formed alliances with several regional parties
to form-government at the centre. This led to a new culture of
power sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments.
iii. An era of "coalition governments" at the centre began.
iv. Judgement of the Supreme Court that made it difficult for the
Central Government to dismiss state governments in an arbitrary
manner.
36. 1 21

Which one of the following option best signifies this cartoon?

a. Midday meal program
b. Relationship between centre and states
c. Relationship between people and the state government
d. Demand and reservation
37. 1 21

What does this cartoon represents?

 9

a. Coalition government is a challenge to the leader.

b. Relationship between centre and states
c. Head is enjoying all the power
a. Both a and c
38. Which commission supported the creation of linguistic states in India? 1 19
Ans: State Reorganisation Commission
39. What are the factors contributing to the success of federalism in India? 5 19
Ans: If the federalexperiment has succeeded in India, itis not merely because
of the clearly laidout constitutional provisions. The realsuccess of federalism
in India can beattributed to the nature of democraticpolitics in our country.
This ensuredthat the spirit of federalism, respectfor diversity and desire for
livingtogether became a shared ideal in ourcountry.
 Linguistic State
 Language Policy
 Centre state relation
40. **** How federalism is practiced in our country? 5 19
Ans.
Causes behind the success of federalism:
i. Constitutional provisions.
ii. The nature of democratic politics in our country.
iii. The spirit of federalism,
iv. Respect for diversity
v. And desire for living together.
Major test or experiments for the success of federalism
The creation of Linguistic States - To ensure that people who spoke the
same language lived in the same State. Also to recognize differences based
on culture, ethnicity or geography.
Language policy
i. The use of English along with Hindi for official purposes.
ii. 22 Scheduled Languages recognised by the Constitution.
iii. States too have their own official languages.
iv. No national language of India.
Centre-State relations-
i. Coalition government led to a new culture of power sharing and
respect for the autonomy of State Governments.
ii. Central Government could no more dismiss state governments in an
arbitrary manner after 1992.
Decentralization in India
41. What is decentralization of power? What is the third-tier of government in 1+1+3 24
India called? What is the rationale behind it?
Ans. When power is taken away from Central and State governments and
given to local government, it is called decentralisation.
The third-tier of government in India is called local government.
The rationale for decentralisation of power to local level are;
i. Vastness-India is a very big country. States in India are as large as
independent countries of Europe.
ii. In term of population- Uttar Pradesh is bigger than Russia,
Maharashtra is about as big as Germany.
iii. Diverse nature- Many of the Indian states are internally very
diverse.
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42. Explain the basic ideas behind decentralization in India. / ‘Local 3 24

government is the best way to realise one important principle of
democracy’. Explain the statement.
Ans.
i. To settle problems and issues at the local level.
Local people have better knowledge of problems in their localities.
ii. To spend money and manage things more efficiently by those
people who have better ideas of their places.
It makes possible for the people to directly participate in decision
making.
iii. To inculcate a habit of democratic participation in decision making
at the local level.
43. Explain what steps were taken to decentralize India. / "The constitutional 5 24
amendment in 1992 was a great path towards decentralization'. Discuss. /
Explain the differences between the local govt. before and after the
constitutional amendment in 1992 in India.
Before 1992 After 1992
Panchayats in villages Panchayats in villages and municipalities in
and municipalities in urban areas got their own independent
urban areas were jurisdiction
directly under the
control of state
governments.
Elections to these local It is constitutionally mandatory to hold
governments were not regular elections to local government bodies.
held regularly
Local governments did The State governments are required to share
not have any powers or some powers and revenue with local
resources of their own. 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.
State Election Commission has
been created in each State to conduct
panchayat and municipal elections.
Thus there was very Third-tier of democracy has become more
little decentralisation in powerful and effective.
effective terms.
44. Explain the composition of rural local govt. 5 24,25
Ans. Rural local government is popularly known by the name panchayati
raj.
Constitution envisages a three-tier system of Panchayats, namely
(a) Grama Panchayat at thevillage level- bottom tier
(b) Panchayat Samiti at the block level, - middle tier
(c) Zilla Parishad at the district level.- top tier
Gram Panchayat – It is constituted of one village or a group of villages.
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
 11

population living in that ward or village. It is the decision-making body for

the entire village.
Gram Sabha - 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.
Panchayat samiti – A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form
what is usually called a panchayat samiti or block or mandal.
The members are elected by all the panchyat members in that area.
Zilla Parishad - 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.
45. What are the powers and responsibilities of Panchayats? 3 24,25
Ans: Each village, or a groupof 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
The panchayat works under the overall supervision of the gram sabha.
46. What are the functions of Gramsabha? 3 24,25
Ans: 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.

47. State the composition and function of urban local self government. 5 24,25
Ans:
RURAL:
i. Rural local government is popularly known by the name
panchayati raj. Each village, or a groupof villages in some States, has a
grampanchayat.
ii. This is a council consistingof several ward members, often called
panch, and a president or sarpanch.
iii. They are directly elected by all theadult population living in that
wardor village. It is the decision-makingbody for the entire village.
iv. The panchayat works under the overallsupervision of the gram sabha.
All thevoters in the village are its members.It has to meet at least twice
or thricein a year to approve the annual budgetof the gram panchayat
and to reviewthe performance of the gram panchayat.
v. The local government structure goes right up to the district level. Afew
gram panchayats are groupedtogether to form what is usually calleda
panchayat samiti or block or mandal.
vi. The members of this representative body are elected by all the
panchayat members in that area.
vii. All the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district together constitute
the zilla (district) parishad. Most members of the zilla parishad are
elected.
viii. Members of the Lok Sabhaand MLAs of that district and someother
officials of other district levelbodies are also its members.
ix. Zilla parishad chairperson is the political head of the zilla parishad.
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URBAN:
i. Similarly, local government bodies exist for urban areas as well.
ii. Municipalities are set up in towns.
iii. Big cities are constituted into municipal corporations. Both
municipalities and municipal corporations are controlled
by elected bodies consisting of people’s representatives.
iv. Municipal chairperson is the political head of the municipality.
v. In a municipal corporation such anofficer is called the mayor.
48. 1 25

Which of the following option best signifies this news paper clipping?
What do these newspaper clippings have to say about efforts of
decentralization in India?
a. The three system is often being misused as can be seen regarding
Panchayat posts in Tamil Nadu
b. There are still several difficulties in realizing the objectives of
decentralization.
c. Women are becoming Tradhans’ and are being elected to
Panchayats.
d. All the above
49. The new system of local govt. is the large experiment in democracy 3 24,25
conducted anywhere in the world. Explain.
Ans. i. There are now about 36 lakh elected representatives in the
panchayats and municipalities etc., all over the country. This number is
bigger than the population of many countries in the world.
ii. Constitutional status for local government has helped to deepen
democracy in our country.
iii. It has also increased women’s representation and voice in our
democracy.
50. We in India are still long away from realizing the ideal of self govt. Explain 3 24,25
the reasons.
Ans. i. While elections are held regularly and enthusiastically.
ii. Gram sabhas are not held regularly.
iii. Most state governments have not transferred significant powers to the
local governments.
iv. Nor have they given adequate resources.
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