Federalism - Class 11 Political Science - Chapter 7 - Notes, NCERT Solutions & Extra Questions
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From the list of following events which ones would you identify with the functioning of federalism? Why?
$\sqrt{ }$ The Centre on Tuesday announced Sixth Schedule status to GNLF-led Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, which would ensure greater autonomy to the governing body in the Hill district of West Bengal. A tripartite Memorandum of Settlement was signed in New Delhi between the Centre, West Bengal government and the Subhas Ghising-led Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) after two days of hectic deliberations.
$\sqrt{ }$ Government for action plan for rain-hit States: Centre has asked the rain-ravaged States to submit detailed plans for reconstruction to enable it to respond to their demands for extra relief expeditiously.
$\sqrt{ }$ New Commissioner for Delhi: The Capital is getting a new municipal commissioner. Confirming this, present MCD Commissioner Rakesh Mehta said he has received his transfer orders and that he is likely to be replaced by IAS officer Ashok Kumar, who is serving as the Chief Secretary in Arunachal Pradesh. Mehta, a 1975 batch IAS officer, has been heading the MCD for about three-and-a-half years.
$\sqrt{ }$ CU Status for Manipur University: Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a Bill to convert the Manipur University into a Central University with the Human Resource Development Minister promising such institutions in the North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim as well.
$\sqrt{ }$ Funds released: The Centre has released Rs. 553 lakh to Arunachal Pradesh under its rural water supply scheme. The first instalment was of Rs. 466.81 lakh.
$\sqrt{ }$ We'll teach the Biharis how to live in Mumbai: Around 100 Shiv Sainiks stormed J. J. Hospital, disrupted daily operations, raised slogans and threatened to take matters into their own hands if no action was taken against non-Maharashtrian students.
$\sqrt{ }$ Demand for dismissal of Government: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in a representation submitted to State Governor recently, has demanded dismissal of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government for its alleged financial mismanagement and embezzlement of public money.
$\sqrt{ }$ NDA government asks naxalites to surrender arms: Amid a walkout by opposition RJD and its allies Congress and CPI (M), the Bihar government today appealed to the naxalites to shun the path of violence and reaffirmed its pledge to root out unemployment to usher in a new era of development in Bihar.
Identifying the events related to the functioning of federalism requires understanding how each event reflects the distribution of power and autonomy between central and state governments. Here’s the analysis:
$\sqrt{ }$ The Centre on Tuesday announced Sixth Schedule status to GNLF-led Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, which would ensure greater autonomy to the governing body in the Hill district of West Bengal. A tripartite Memorandum of Settlement was signed in New Delhi between the Centre, West Bengal government and the Subhas Ghising-led Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) after two days of hectic deliberations.
Relevance: This is a classic example of federalism in action, where the central government, a state government, and a regional political entity work together to grant greater autonomy to a specific area within a state.
$\sqrt{ }$ Government for action plan for rain-hit States: Centre has asked the rain-ravaged States to submit detailed plans for reconstruction to enable it to respond to their demands for extra relief expeditiously.
Relevance: This reflects cooperative federalism where the central government seeks to coordinate with state governments to assist with disaster management and reconstruction efforts.
$\sqrt{ }$ New Commissioner for Delhi: The Capital is getting a new municipal commissioner. Confirming this, present MCD Commissioner Rakesh Mehta said he has received his transfer orders and that he is likely to be replaced by IAS officer Ashok Kumar, who is serving as the Chief Secretary in Arunachal Pradesh. Mehta, a 1975 batch IAS officer, has been heading the MCD for about three-and-a-half years.
Relevance: This event is about administrative changes in the municipal corporation and does not directly deal with the federal structure or relations between the central and state governments.
$\sqrt{ }$ CU Status for Manipur University: Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a Bill to convert the Manipur University into a Central University with the Human Resource Development Minister promising such institutions in the North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim as well.
Relevance: This represents the central government's role in higher education and how it can centralize institutions to provide direct governance and funding, which is a function of federalism.
$\sqrt{ }$ Funds released: The Centre has released Rs. 553 lakh to Arunachal Pradesh under its rural water supply scheme. The first instalment was of Rs. 466.81 lakh.
Relevance: This is an example of the financial relationship between the centre and the states, showing federal support for state-specific programs.
$\sqrt{ }$ We'll teach the Biharis how to live in Mumbai: Around 100 Shiv Sainiks stormed J. J. Hospital, disrupted daily operations, raised slogans and threatened to take matters into their own hands if no action was taken against non-Maharashtrian students.
Relevance: This incident reflects inter-state tensions but not directly the functioning of federalism as it pertains more to social issues than governance structures.
$\sqrt{ }$ Demand for dismissal of Government: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in a representation submitted to State Governor recently, has demanded dismissal of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government for its alleged financial mismanagement and embezzlement of public money.
Relevance: This involves federal principles as it deals with the state government's accountability to the central authority.
$\sqrt{ }$ NDA government asks naxalites to surrender arms: Amid a walkout by opposition RJD and its allies Congress and CPI (M), the Bihar government today appealed to the naxalites to shun the path of violence and reaffirmed its pledge to root out unemployment to usher in a new era of development in Bihar.
Relevance: This highlights law and order issues which can involve both state and central jurisdictions, reflecting federal cooperation in maintaining national security and peace.
In summary, the bold points highlight events related to financial distribution, administrative autonomy, central and state cooperation, and law and order, all of which are significant aspects of federalism.
Think which of the following statements would be correct. State why.
$\sqrt{ }$ Federalism enhances the possibility of people from different regions to interact without the fear of one's culture being imposed upon them by others.
$\sqrt{ }$ Federal system will hinder easier economic transaction between two different regions that have distinct types of resources.
$\sqrt{ }$ A federal system will ensure that the powers of those at the centre will remain limited.
$\sqrt{ }$ Federalism enhances the possibility of people from different regions to interact without the fear of one's culture being imposed upon them by others.
Correct. This statement is correct because federalism allows regional governments to have autonomy over their internal matters, including cultural and linguistic practices. This arrangement fosters respect and preservation of diverse cultural identities within a nation and enables people from different regions to interact without the fear of cultural imposition. It celebrates diversity and ensures that no single culture dominates the national identity.
$\sqrt{ }$ Federal system will hinder easier economic transaction between two different regions that have distinct types of resources.
Incorrect. This statement is incorrect because a federal system usually facilitates economic transactions between regions by providing a framework within which states can cooperate economically while maintaining autonomy. Federalism often creates a unified economic policy that can streamline and ease transactions between regions with distinct resources, fostering economic integration and collaboration.
$\sqrt{ }$ A federal system will ensure that the powers of those at the centre will remain limited.
Correct (with caveats). This statement is generally correct because federalism, by design, divides powers between central and regional governments, ensuring that not all powers are concentrated at the center. However, the extent to which central power is limited depends on the specific federal structure and the political dynamics within the country. As observed in the Indian context, the central government retains significant powers, which can sometimes override state autonomy.
Based on the first few articles of Belgian constitution - given below - explain how federalism is visualised in that country. Try and write a similar Article for the Constitution of India.
Title I: On Federal Belgium, its components and its territory.
Article 1 : Belgium is a Federal State made up of communities and regions.
Article 2 : Belgium is made up of three communities: The French Community, the Flemish Community and the German Community.
Article 3 : Belgium is made up of three regions: The Walloon region, the Flemish region and the Brussels region.
Article 4 : Belgium has four linguistic regions: The Frenchspeaking region, the Dutch-speaking region, the bilingual region of Brussels Capital and the German-speaking region. Each "commune" (county borough) of the Kingdom is part of one of these linguistic regions.
Article 5 : The Walloon region is made up of the following provinces: The Walloon Brabant, Hainault, Liege, Luxemburg and Namur. The Flemish region is made up of the following provinces: Antwerp, the Flemish Brabant, West Flanders, East Flanders and Limburg.
Based on the first few articles of the Belgian Constitution, federalism in Belgium is visualised through a clear demarcation of communities, regions, and linguistic territories. Here’s a breakdown of how Belgium organises its federal structure:
- Article 1: Belgium is defined as a Federal State constituted by communities and regions.
- Article 2: Belgium comprises three communities: the French Community, the Flemish Community, and the German Community.
- Article 3: Belgium consists of three regions: the Walloon region, the Flemish region, and the Brussels region.
- Article 4: Belgium has four linguistic regions: the French-speaking region, the Dutch-speaking region, the bilingual region of Brussels Capital, and the German-speaking region. Each commune (county borough) is part of one of these linguistic regions.
- Article 5: The Walloon region is made up of the following provinces: Walloon Brabant, Hainault, Liège, Luxembourg, and Namur. The Flemish region comprises Antwerp, Flemish Brabant, West Flanders, East Flanders, and Limburg.
### Proposal for the Indian Constitution
Inspired by the Belgian model, here’s how a similar Article could be written for the Constitution of India:
Title I: On Federal India, its components, and its territories.
Article 1: India is a Federal State composed of States and Union Territories.
Article 2: India is composed of multiple linguistic and cultural communities, reflecting its rich diversity.
Article 3: India is made up of several States and Union Territories, each with clearly demarcated boundaries.
Article 4: India recognises various linguistic regions. Each state or union territory may have one or more official languages specific to its region, promoting cultural and linguistic diversity.
Article 5: The states of India include but are not limited to: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. The Union Territories include: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puducherry, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Article 6: Each state and union territory shall have the authority to govern itself in accordance with its cultural, linguistic, and administrative context, while remaining part of the Indian Union.
Imagine that you were to rewrite the provisions regarding federalism. Write an essay of not more than 300 words making your suggestions about:
a. division of powers among the centre and the States,
b. distribution of financial resources,
c. methods of resolving inter-State disputes and
d. appointment of Governors
Reimagining Federalism in India
Division of Powers: To ensure a robust federal structure, the division of powers between the Centre and the States should be clearly delineated, with a greater emphasis on decentralization. Matters of national importance such as defense, foreign policy, and interstate commerce should remain with the Centre. However, areas like education, healthcare, and local infrastructure should be predominantly under State jurisdiction. The Concurrent List should be pruned to minimize overlap and conflicts, ensuring that States have genuine autonomy in local matters.
Distribution of Financial Resources: The financial relationship between the Centre and the States should be restructured to provide greater fiscal autonomy to the States. A fixed percentage of central taxes should be automatically transferred to the States, reducing dependency on discretionary grants. Additionally, States should have the authority to levy and collect certain taxes to meet their unique financial needs. An independent Finance Commission should periodically review and adjust the revenue-sharing formula to address disparities and promote balanced regional development.
Methods of Resolving inter-State Disputes: Inter-State disputes should be managed through a combination of judicial and cooperative mechanisms. An empowered Inter-State Council, comprising representatives from the Centre and all States, should facilitate dialogue and negotiation. For disputes that persist despite mediation, a specialized federal court dedicated to resolving inter-State conflicts should be established, ensuring timely and impartial adjudication.
Appointment of Governors: The role and appointment process of Governors should be reformed to enhance their impartiality and effectiveness. Governors should be chosen through a consultative process involving both the Centre and the respective State governments. Only individuals with a proven track record of public service, devoid of active political affiliations, should be considered. Moreover, the tenure of Governors should be fixed to prevent arbitrary dismissals and ensure stability in State administration.
Which of the following should be the basis for formation of a State? Why?
a. Common Language
b. Common economic interests
c. Common religion
d. Administrative convenience
A. Common Language should be the primary basis for the formation of a State. Language is a foundational aspect of cultural identity and facilitates effective communication and governance. It enables the State to cater to the educational and administrative needs of its population more efficiently, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among residents. The Indian experience with linguistic states has shown that linguistic coherence within a State can significantly enhance governance and social harmony. While common economic interests, religion, and administrative convenience are important, they can often intersect naturally within linguistic boundaries. Therefore, prioritizing language ensures that governance is both inclusive and effective, promoting long-term stability and development.
Majority of people from the States of north India - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar-speak Hindi. If all these States are combined to form one State, would it be in tune with the idea of federalism? Give arguments.
Combining the Hindi-speaking States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar into one State would not align with the principle of federalism. Federalism promotes decentralization, ensuring that each region governs itself and addresses local issues effectively. Such a merger would reduce administrative efficiency because managing a large, diverse geographical area from a single center can lead to bureaucratic bottlenecks. Furthermore, it might dilute representation by concentrating governance in fewer hands, which contradicts the idea of power-sharing in a federal system. Federalism also aims to accommodate regional identities, and merging these States would overlook their distinct cultural differences, potentially leading to political and social unrest due to perceived loss of regional autonomy.
List four features of the Indian Constitution that give greater power to the central government than the State government.
Here are four features of the Indian Constitution that grant greater power to the central government compared to the State governments:
1. Formation and Alteration of States: The Parliament has the authority to form new States, alter boundaries, or rename States, ensuring central control over the territorial integrity.
2. Emergency Provisions: The Constitution allows for declaring various types of emergencies, centralizing power significantly during such times and allowing Parliament to legislate on State matters.
3. Financial Control: The central government controls major revenue sources. States depend heavily on central grants and financial assistance, leading to central dominance in financial matters.
4. Role of Governors: Appointed by the President, governors have powers such as recommending the dismissal of State governments and reserving bills for Presidential assent, enabling central influence over State administration.
Why are many States unhappy about the role of the Governor?
Many States are unhappy about the role of the Governor due to several reasons:
- Non-Elected Office: Governors are not elected but appointed by the central government, often seen as representatives of central authority rather than impartial figures.
- Partisan Appointments: Many Governors have backgrounds as retired military officers, civil servants, or politicians, raising concerns about their neutrality.
- Perceived Interference: Actions of the Governor are often viewed as interference by the central government in State governance, especially when different parties rule at the centre and the States.
- Article 356 Misuse: The Governor's power to recommend President's rule and suspend or dissolve State assemblies adds to the contentious nature of the role, leading to conflicts and accusations of bias.
President's rule can be imposed in a State if the government is not being run according to the provisions of the Constitution. State whether any of the following conditions are a fit case for imposition of President's rule in the State. Give reasons.
$\sqrt{ }$ two members of the State legislative assembly belonging to the main opposition party have been killed by criminals and the opposition is demanding dismissal of the State government.
$\sqrt{ }$ Kidnapping of young children for ransom is on rise. The number of crimes against women are increasing.
$\sqrt{ }$ No political party has secured majority in the recent elections of the State Legislative Assembly. It is feared that some MLAs from the other parties may be lured to support a political party in return for money.
$\sqrt{ }$ Different political parties are ruling in the State and at the centre and they are bitter opponents of each other.
$\sqrt{ }$ More than 2000 people have been killed in the communal riots.
$\sqrt{ }$ In the water dispute between the two States, one State government refused to follow the decision of the Supreme Court.
President's rule can be justified in the following conditions:
1. More than 2000 people have been killed in the communal riots. This represents a severe breakdown of law and order and indicates that the State government may not be able to handle the situation effectively.
2. In the water dispute between the two States, one State government refused to follow the decision of the Supreme Court. Defying the Supreme Court's decision represents a disregard for constitutional governance, warranting intervention.
Not justifiable:
Kidnapping of young children for ransom is on rise. Increase in crimes does not generally indicate a breakdown of constitutional machinery.
No political party has secured majority in the recent elections of the State Legislative Assembly. This alone is insufficient for President's rule; it can be managed by forming a coalition government.
Two members of the State legislative assembly belonging to the main opposition party have been killed by criminals. Isolated criminal acts, while severe, do not necessarily justify President's rule.
Different political parties are ruling in the State and at the centre and they are bitter opponents of each other. Political opposition is part of democracy and does not warrant President's rule.
What are the demands raised by States in their quest for greater autonomy?
In their quest for greater autonomy, the States have raised several demands:
1. Redistribution of Powers: States demand a revision of the division of powers to transfer more authority and significant functions to them.
2. Financial Autonomy: They seek independent sources of revenue and greater control over financial resources, advocating for substantial financial autonomy.
3. Administrative Powers: States want autonomy in administrative matters, reducing the central government's control over their administrative machinery.
4. Cultural and Linguistic Autonomy: States desire recognition of their unique cultural and linguistic identities, opposing perceived domination by Hindi-speaking regions.
These demands reflect the States' desire for more control and self-governance within the federal structure.
Should some States be governed by special provisions? Does this create resentment among other States? Does this help in forging greater unity among the regions of the country?
Special provisions for certain States are often necessary due to their unique historical, cultural, or socio-economic contexts. These provisions can address specific regional challenges and help integrate marginalized communities, fostering a sense of belonging and cooperation within the larger national framework. However, they can also create resentment among other States that perceive these privileges as unfair or preferential. Balancing such dynamics is crucial. While special provisions may help in forging greater unity by addressing regional disparities and grievances, it's equally important to ensure transparent and equitable treatment across all States to prevent feelings of discrimination or favouritism. Effective communication and inclusive governance practices are key to maintaining national cohesion.
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Understanding Federalism in Class 11 Political Science: An In-Depth Guide
Federalism is a critical concept in political science and essential for understanding the governance system of many countries, including India. This article explores federalism in the context of Class 11 Political Science as per the Indian curriculum, delves into its nuances in the Indian Constitution, and examines its practical implications.
Introduction to Federalism
Definition and Importance of Federalism
Federalism is an institutional mechanism that allocates governance responsibilities between two levels of government - regional (state) and national (central). Each government operates autonomously within its jurisdiction. Federalism is especially important for large and diverse countries as it helps manage regional diversities and facilitates local governance.
Federalism in India
Historical Context
When India gained independence in 1947, the country inherited a complex structure of provinces and princely states organised by the British. Over the years, boundaries and the number of states have changed significantly to accommodate regional and linguistic identities.
Key Features of Indian Federalism
Understanding Indian federalism involves recognising its unique features, which distinguish it from other federal systems like those in the USA or Germany:
- Autonomous Levels of Government: Both the Union and State governments operate autonomously within their jurisdiction.
- Single Citizenship: Unlike some federal countries, India grants only a single citizenship to its people.
- Dual Identity: Individuals identify with both their state (e.g., Tamil or Punjabi) and the nation (Indian).
Federal Provisions in the Indian Constitution
Division of Powers
The Indian Constitution meticulously details the division of powers among different levels of government.
Union List, State List, and Concurrent List
The Constitution divides legislative powers into three lists:
- Union List: Subjects under the exclusive jurisdiction of the central government (e.g., defence, foreign affairs).
- State List: Subjects under the jurisdiction of state governments (e.g., police, public health).
- Concurrent List: Subjects where both the central and state governments can legislate (e.g., education, marriage laws).
Judiciary's Role
An independent judiciary resolves conflicts between the central and state governments, thus maintaining the federal balance.
Strong Central Government
The Indian Constitution creates a strong central government for various reasons:
- Emergency Provisions: During emergencies, the central government can assume greater control.
- Financial Powers: Revenue-generating sources predominantly lie with the central government, making states dependent on central grants.
- Economic Planning: Centralised planning and resource management by bodies like the Planning Commission.
Special Features of Indian Federalism
Special Provisions for States
Certain states in India enjoy differential treatment due to their unique socio-cultural and historical contexts. For example, the north-eastern states have special provisions catering to their indigenous tribal populations.
Role of Governors
Central government-appointed Governors in each state play a significant role, which often becomes a point of contention, especially when different parties rule the centre and states.
Jammu and Kashmir's Special Status
Article 370 granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its constitution. However, this status was revoked in 2019, and J&K was reorganised into two Union Territories.
Federalism in Practice
Centre-State Relations
The dynamic between the centre and states is influenced by India’s political landscape. From the Congress dominance in the 1950s and 60s to the coalition politics of the 1990s, political parties play a vital role in the practical workings of federalism.
Demands for State Autonomy and New States
There have been continual demands for more state autonomy and the creation of new states to accommodate linguistic and cultural identities. This has led to the establishment of new states like Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Telangana.
Conflicts in the Federal System
Interstate Conflicts
Federalism in India also involves managing conflicts between states. These disputes may revolve around border issues and sharing river waters, such as the Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Managing and Resolving Conflicts
Conflicts in a federal system are inevitable, but they are typically resolved through judiciary intervention and political negotiations, often requiring a delicate balance of interests.
Conclusion
Federalism in India is like a rainbow, where different colours coexist to form a harmonious pattern. Effective federalism hinges on a culture of mutual trust, cooperation, and respect for diversity. It exists not just as a constitutional framework but as a living practice shaped by the political processes and the will of the people.
Understanding and appreciating the complexity of federalism is crucial for students of Class 11 Political Science, offering insights into the governance and political structure of India.
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