PODAR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (CBSE)

Practice Sheet
Grade: X Topic: Ch 2. Federalism
Subject: Social Science Answer Scheme Maximum Marks: 25

Question 1
(a) What is meant by ‘coming together’ federations? [1]
When independent states come together on their own
to form a bigger unit, they are known as ‘coming
together federations’. All constituent states usually
have equal power and are strong vis-à-vis the federal
government.
Textbook Page No. 15

(b) What is ‘federalism’? [1]

Federalism is a system of government in which the
power is divided between a central authority and
various constituent units of the country.
Textbook Page No. 14

(c) What are Union Territories? [1]

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 but which could not be
merged with any of the existing States. These 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.
Textbook Page No. 17

(d) Name any two subjects included in the Union List. [1]
Union List includes subjects of national importance such
as-
• defence of the country,

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 • foreign affairs,
• banking,
• communications and currency.
Textbook Page No. 16

(e) What is a State List’? [1]

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.
Textbook Page No. 16, 17

(f) What is meant by ‘Jurisdiction’? [1/2015]

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 subjects.
Textbook Page No. 15

Question 2
(a) Write a brief note on the Language policy adopted in India. [3]
The ‘Language Policy’ was the second test for the Indian
federation. The Indian 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. The flexibility shown by Indian
political leaders helped our country avoid any conflict
based on languages.
Textbook Page No. 20

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 (b) How does Jammu & Kashmir enjoy a special status in India? [3]
All states in the Indian union do not have identical
powers. Some states enjoy a special status.
• 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 houses here.
Textbook Page No. 17

(c) Bring out the contrast between Federal and unitary
government.
Federal Government
Under the Federal system
of government, there are
two levels of government,
one at the central level
and the other at the state
level. Both these levels of
government enjoy their
power independent of the
other.
[3/2011]
Unitary Government
Under unitary system of
government, either there is
only one level of
government or the sub-
units are subordinate to the
central government.

In a federal system, a On the other hand in the

State government has Unitary system the State
powers of its own for government does not have
which it is not answerable powers of its own.
to the Central
government.
The Central government The Central government can
cannot order the State pass orders to the provinces
government to do or the local government.
something.
Textbook Page No. 14, 15

Question 3
(a) Explain any four features of the third tier of the [5/2009]
government.
The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of
democracy more powerful and effective in the

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 following way –
• 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.
Textbook Page No.24

(b) Describe any five features of federalism. [5/2008/2

011]
• There are two or more levels (or tiers) of
government.
• Different tiers of government govern the same
citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in
specific matters of legislation, taxation and
administration.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sources of revenue for each level of government are
clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
• The federal system thus has dual objectives: to
safeguard and promote unity of the country, while

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 at the same time.
(Accept any five points)
Textbook Page No. 15

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