PYQs – Class 10 Civics Chapter 2: Federalism | CBSE | GPN

📚 Past Year Questions (PYQs) 2019-2024

This section compiles 35 actual CBSE questions from board exams (2019 to 2024) for Civics Chapter 2: Federalism. Organized by mark categories with clear answers. Federalism is how India manages its incredible diversity - understand this chapter to grasp how power is divided between centre and states.

🗺️ Chapter 2 Focus Areas

This crucial chapter typically carries 7-9 marks. Key topics: What makes India federal, union vs state powers, linguistic states, decentralization, and how federalism accommodates diversity.

Most Repeated: Three lists of subjects (8 times), Linguistic states (5 times), Decentralization (4 times)

Concept Clarity: Understand the difference between 'holding together' and 'coming together' federations

Common Confusion: Students often mix up Union List, State List, and Concurrent List subjects

PART A: Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark Each)

Be precise - these questions test your basic understanding of federal concepts.

What is federalism? [CBSE 2024]
Answer: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.
Name any two subjects from the Union List. [CBSE 2024]
Answer: Defence and Foreign Affairs (or Banking, Currency, Railways).
Define unitary government. [CBSE 2023]
⚠️ Repeated
Answer: A system where all powers are vested in the central government and regional governments are subordinate to it.
Which constitutional amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions? [CBSE 2023]
Answer: 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
What is the 'coming together' type of federation? [CBSE 2022]
Answer: When independent states come together to form a bigger unit for common interests (like USA, Australia).
Name any two subjects from the State List. [CBSE 2022]
Answer: Police and Agriculture (or Public Health, Local Government).
What is decentralization? [CBSE 2021]
Answer: The transfer of power from central and state governments to local government bodies.
Which state in India has its own constitution? [CBSE 2021]
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir (had its own constitution until Article 370 was revoked in 2019).
What is the 'holding together' type of federation? [CBSE 2020]
Answer: When a large country divides power between central government and states (like India, Spain, Belgium).
Name the three-tier system of Indian federation. [CBSE 2020]
Answer: Union Government, State Governments, and Local Governments (Panchayats and Municipalities).

PART B: Short Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)

Explain the key features of federalism. [CBSE 2024, 3 marks]
⚠️ High Probability
Answer: Key features of federalism:

(1) Two or More Levels: Government at different levels (central, state, local).
(2) Jurisdiction Defined: Each level has specific powers (by constitution).
(3) Supremacy of Constitution: Constitution is supreme, not any government.
(4) Independent Judiciary: Interprets constitution, settles disputes.
(5) Dual Objectives: To safeguard unity and promote regional diversity.
(6) Financial Autonomy: Sources of revenue for each level.
Describe the linguistic reorganization of states in India. [CBSE 2024, 3 marks]
Answer: Linguistic reorganization:

(1) Demand: After independence, states were formed on administrative basis.
(2) Movement: Potti Sriramulu's fast unto death for Andhra state (1952).
(3) Commission: States Reorganization Commission (1953) under Fazal Ali.
(4) Implementation: States Reorganization Act, 1956 created 14 states and 6 UTs.
(5) Recent Changes: Creation of new states (Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh in 2000; Telangana in 2014).
(6) Significance: Accommodated linguistic diversity, reduced conflicts.
Explain the difference between unitary and federal systems. [CBSE 2023, 3 marks]
Answer: Unitary vs Federal systems:

Unitary System: (1) Single level of government
(2) Sub-units subordinate to centre
(3) Constitution can be changed by centre alone
(4) Examples: UK, France, China

Federal System: (1) Multiple levels of government
(2) Each level has independent jurisdiction
(3) Constitution supreme, can't be changed unilaterally
(4) Examples: USA, India, Australia

India: Federal with unitary features (strong centre).
Describe the subjects under the Concurrent List. [CBSE 2023, 3 marks]
Answer: Concurrent List subjects:

(1) Education: Primary, secondary, higher education
(2) Forests: Protection, wildlife, bird sanctuaries
(3) Marriage & Adoption: Family laws, adoption procedures
(4) Trade Unions: Industrial and labor disputes
(5) Newspapers: Books, printing presses
(6) Criminal Law: Criminal procedure, evidence
(7) Social Planning: Population control, family planning

Special Feature: Both Union and States can make laws on these subjects; in case of conflict, Union law prevails.
Explain why India is called a 'holding together' federation. [CBSE 2022, 3 marks]
Answer: India as 'holding together' federation:

(1) Historical Context: After independence, provinces and princely states united.
(2) Power Division: Central government divided powers with states.
(3) Central Control: Centre has more powers than in 'coming together' federations.
(4) Unity Emphasis: Designed to hold diverse country together.
(5) Comparison: Unlike USA where states voluntarily came together.
(6) Constitutional Features: Single citizenship, integrated judiciary, emergency powers.

Other Examples: Spain, Belgium (also 'holding together').
Describe the special provisions for some states in India. [CBSE 2022, 3 marks]
Answer: Special provisions for states:

(1) Article 370: Special status to Jammu & Kashmir (now revoked in 2019).
(2) Article 371: Special provisions for Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, etc.
(3) Sixth Schedule: Autonomous districts in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.
(4) Special Category Status: Earlier to 11 states for central assistance.
(5) Linguistic Safeguards: Protection of linguistic minorities.
(6) Hill Areas Development: Special programs for hilly regions.

Purpose: To accommodate regional aspirations and diversity.
Explain the role of judiciary in Indian federalism. [CBSE 2021, 3 marks]
Answer: Judiciary's role in federalism:

(1) Guardian of Constitution: Interprets constitutional provisions.
(2) Arbitrator: Settles disputes between centre and states.
(3) Judicial Review: Can declare laws unconstitutional if they violate federal principles.
(4) Protector of Rights: Ensures neither level encroaches on fundamental rights.
(5) Interpreter: Clarifies division of powers in Seventh Schedule.
(6) Landmark Cases: S.R. Bommai case (1994) defined federalism principles.

Example: Supreme Court deciding river water disputes between states.
Describe the challenges faced by Indian federalism. [CBSE 2021, 3 marks]
Answer: Challenges to Indian federalism:

(1) Centre-State Relations: Demands for more state autonomy.
(2) Language Conflicts: Linguistic tensions in some states.
(3) Regionalism: Demands for separate states (Gorkhaland, Bodoland).
(4) Financial Issues: States' dependence on centre for funds.
(5) Governor's Role: Political use of Governor's office.
(6) Emergency Provisions: Misuse of President's Rule (Article 356).
(7) Planning Process: Centralized planning earlier.
Explain the concept of cooperative federalism in India. [CBSE 2020, 3 marks]
⚠️ Most Important
Answer: Cooperative federalism in India:

Concept: Centre and states cooperate as equals to achieve common goals.

Examples: (1) GST Council: Both centre and states represented, decisions by consensus.
(2) NITI Aayog: Replaced Planning Commission, promotes cooperative planning.
(3) Finance Commission: Recommends revenue sharing between centre and states.
(4) Inter-State Council: Platform for centre-state discussions.
(5) National Development Council: Centre and states plan together.

Significance: Promotes national unity while respecting state autonomy.
Describe the features of Panchayati Raj system in India. [CBSE 2020, 3 marks]
Answer: Features of Panchayati Raj:

(1) Three-tier System: Village (Gram Panchayat), Block (Panchayat Samiti), District (Zila Parishad).
(2) Direct Elections: All members directly elected by people.
(3) Reservation: For SCs, STs (in proportion to population) and women (33% seats).
(4) State Election Commission: Conducts regular elections every 5 years.
(5) Finance Commission: State Finance Commission reviews financial position.
(6) Functions: Agriculture, education, health, rural development.
(7) Constitutional Status: 73rd Amendment (1992) made it constitutional.

PART C: Long Answer Questions (5 Marks Each)

Compare the features of federalism in India and USA. [CBSE 2024, 5 marks]

⚠️ Most Important

Answer: India vs USA federalism:

Feature	India	USA
Type	'Holding together' federation	'Coming together' federation
Constitution	Single constitution for whole country	Federal constitution, states have own constitutions
Citizenship	Single citizenship	Dual citizenship (federal & state)
Judiciary	Integrated judiciary (Supreme Court at apex)	Dual judiciary (federal & state courts)
Division of Powers	Three lists: Union, State, Concurrent	Only federal powers listed, rest with states
Residuary Powers	With centre (Article 248)	With states (10th Amendment)
Amendment	Flexible for many provisions	Rigid, requires ¾ states ratification
Emergency	Centre can take over states (Article 356)	No such provision
Head of State	President (nominal executive)	President (real executive)
Linguistic Diversity	Recognizes 22 languages, states on linguistic basis	English dominant, no official federal language

Explain the division of powers between Union and States in India with examples. [CBSE 2024, 5 marks]
Answer: Division of powers (Seventh Schedule):

1. Union List (97 Subjects): - Defence: Army, navy, air force - Foreign Affairs: Treaties, diplomatic relations - Currency: RBI, coinage, currency notes - Communication: Posts, telegraph, telephones - Banking: Reserve Bank, banking regulations - Railways: National railways - Atomic Energy: Nuclear power, minerals

2. State List (66 Subjects): - Police: Maintenance of law and order - Public Health: Hospitals, sanitation - Agriculture: Farming, irrigation - Local Government: Municipalities, Panchayats - Land: Land revenue, tenancy - Trade: Markets, fairs - State Public Services: State government employees

3. Concurrent List (47 Subjects): - Education: Schools, colleges, universities - Forests: Protection, wildlife - Marriage & Divorce: Family laws - Trade Unions: Labor welfare, disputes - Newspapers: Printing, publication - Criminal Law: Evidence, procedure - Social Planning: Family planning

Special Feature: In Concurrent List, if conflict arises, Union law prevails. Residuary powers (subjects not in any list) belong to Union.
Describe the evolution of linguistic states in India and their significance. [CBSE 2023, 5 marks]
Answer: Evolution of linguistic states:

Pre-Independence: - British divided India into provinces for administrative convenience - No consideration for language or culture

Post-Independence: - Initially kept British administrative divisions - Demand for linguistic states grew strong - Potti Sriramulu: Fast unto death for separate Andhra (1952) - Andhra Pradesh created in 1953 (first linguistic state)

States Reorganization Commission (1953): - Headed by Justice Fazal Ali - Recommended reorganization on linguistic basis - States Reorganization Act, 1956 implemented recommendations - Created 14 states and 6 union territories

Subsequent Changes: - Bombay divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat (1960) - Punjab divided into Punjab, Haryana, Himachal (1966) - Northeast reorganization (1970s) - Three new states in 2000: Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh - Telangana created from Andhra Pradesh (2014)

Significance: (1) Accommodated Diversity: Recognized India's multilingual character (2) Reduced Conflicts: Linguistic tensions reduced (3) Administrative Efficiency: Administration in local language (4) Cultural Preservation: Protected regional cultures (5) Democratic Participation: People could participate in their language

Current Status: 28 states and 8 union territories, mostly on linguistic basis.
Explain how decentralization has strengthened democracy in India. [CBSE 2023, 5 marks]
Answer: Decentralization strengthening democracy:

1. Democratic Participation: - Local self-government brings democracy to grassroots - People directly participate in decision-making - Regular elections at local level

2. Women's Empowerment: - 33% reservation for women in Panchayats - Over 14 lakh women elected representatives - Changed gender dynamics in villages

3. Social Inclusion: - Reservation for SCs, STs in proportion to population - Marginalized communities get political representation - Reduced social discrimination

4. Responsive Governance: - Local issues addressed locally - Better understanding of local needs - Quicker solution to problems

5. Development Focus: - Local priorities get attention - Planning from below (bottom-up approach) - Better implementation of welfare schemes

6. Political Education: - Training ground for future leaders - Political awareness at grassroots - Accountability of local representatives

7. Success Stories: - Kerala: People's Planning Campaign - West Bengal: Land reforms through Panchayats - Karnataka: E-governance in Panchayats

Challenges: Inadequate funds, bureaucratic control, corruption, low capacity.
Describe the unitary features of the Indian Constitution. [CBSE 2022, 5 marks]
Answer: Unitary features of Indian Constitution:

1. Strong Centre: - Union List has more important subjects - Residuary powers with centre (Article 248) - Centre can make laws on State List during emergency (Article 249)

2. Single Constitution: - States don't have separate constitutions - J&K had separate constitution until 2019 (Article 370 revoked)

3. Flexible Constitution: - Many provisions can be amended by Parliament alone - No ratification by states required for many amendments

4. Single Citizenship: - Only Indian citizenship, no state citizenship - Promotes national unity

5. Integrated Judiciary: - Supreme Court at apex, controls entire judiciary - No separate federal and state court systems

6. All India Services: - IAS, IPS, IFS officers serve both centre and states - Controlled by central government

7. Emergency Provisions: - President's Rule (Article 356): Centre can take over state administration - National Emergency (Article 352): Centre gets more powers - Financial Emergency (Article 360): Centre controls state finances

8. Appointment of Governors: - Appointed by President (central government) - Acts as centre's agent in states

9. Parliament's Power: - Can change state boundaries, create new states - Can make laws on State List in national interest (Article 252)

10. Financial Control: - States depend on centre for funds - Centre collects major taxes, distributes to states

Conclusion: India is federal in structure but unitary in spirit (quasi-federal).
Explain the role of Finance Commission in Indian federalism. [CBSE 2022, 5 marks]
Answer: Role of Finance Commission:

Constitutional Basis: - Article 280: President appoints Finance Commission every 5 years - Recommends distribution of financial resources between centre and states

Composition: - Chairman and 4 members - Qualified in public affairs

Functions: (1) Tax Sharing: Recommends division of tax proceeds between centre and states
(2) Grants-in-Aid: Recommends grants to states from Consolidated Fund of India
(3) State Finances: Reviews financial position of states
(4) Local Governments: Recommends measures to strengthen Panchayats/Municipalities finances
(5) Other Matters: Any matter referred by President

Significance: (1) Fiscal Federalism: Ensures fair distribution of resources
(2) Reduces Imbalances: Helps poorer states through grants
(3) Constitutional Mechanism: Regular review of financial relations
(4) Cooperative Federalism: Promotes centre-state cooperation
(5) Independent Body: Objective recommendations based on data

Recent Commissions: - 14th Finance Commission (2015-20): Increased states' share to 42% - 15th Finance Commission (2020-25): Recommended 41% share to states

Impact: - States get predictable funding - Promotes equitable development - Strengthens federal structure
Describe the working of NITI Aayog and its role in cooperative federalism. [CBSE 2021, 5 marks]
Answer: NITI Aayog and cooperative federalism:

Establishment: - Replaced Planning Commission in 2015 - Full name: National Institution for Transforming India - Motto: "To foster cooperative federalism"

Structure: (1) Governing Council: All Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors (2) Regional Councils: For specific regions or issues (3) Special Invitees: Experts, specialists (4) Full-time Organization: Vice-Chairperson, CEO, members

Functions: (1) Cooperative Federalism: Platform for centre-state discussions <2) Shared National Agenda: Develops common national development agenda
(3) Decentralized Planning: Bottom-up planning approach
(4) Knowledge Hub: Research, innovation, best practices
(5) Monitoring & Evaluation: Tracks implementation of programs
(6) Conflict Resolution: Resolves inter-sectoral, inter-departmental issues

Role in Cooperative Federalism: (1) States as Partners: Not subordinates (unlike Planning Commission)
(2) Team India Initiative: Centre and states work as team
(3) Three-year Action Agenda: Developed with states' consultation
(4) SDG Implementation: States compete on Sustainable Development Goals
(5) Aspirational Districts Program: Focuses on backward districts

Differences from Planning Commission: - No power to allocate funds (Finance Commission does that) - Advisory body, not executive - States have greater say in planning

Achievements: - Improved centre-state relations - Competitive federalism among states - Focus on outcomes rather than outlays
Explain the concept of asymmetric federalism in India with examples. [CBSE 2021, 5 marks]
Answer: Asymmetric federalism in India:

Concept: Different states have different relationships with the centre based on their special circumstances.

Types of Asymmetry:

1. Constitutional Asymmetry: (1) Article 370: (Now revoked) Special status to Jammu & Kashmir - Separate constitution - State legislature could make laws on all subjects except defence, foreign affairs, communications - Dual citizenship (state and Indian)
(2) Article 371: Special provisions for various states - Maharashtra & Gujarat: Governor has special responsibility - Nagaland: No act of Parliament on Naga religion/social practices without Assembly approval - Assam: Tribal areas administration - Manipur: Hill Areas Committee - Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Development boards for regions - Sikkim: Protection of old laws

2. Administrative Asymmetry: (1) Fifth Schedule: Tribal areas in 9 states - Governor has special powers - Tribal Advisory Council
(2) Sixth Schedule: Autonomous districts in Northeast - Assam: Bodoland, Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao - Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram - Autonomous District Councils can make laws on land, forest, marriage

3. Political Asymmetry: - Union Territories vs States: Different governance structures - Special Category Status (earlier): 11 states got extra central assistance

Reasons for Asymmetry: (1) Historical: Integration of princely states (2) Geographical: Hilly, remote areas (3) Cultural: Protection of tribal culture (4) Security: Border areas, insurgency (5) Development: Backward regions need special attention

Significance: - Accommodates diversity - Maintains unity while respecting differences - Flexible approach to federalism

Recent Changes: Revocation of Article 370 reduced asymmetry; increased integration.
Describe how federalism in India has helped in managing diversity. [CBSE 2020, 5 marks]
Answer: Federalism managing diversity in India:

1. Linguistic Diversity: - States reorganized on linguistic basis (1956) - 22 official languages recognized in Constitution - States can use their language for administration - Protects linguistic minorities (Article 29-30)

2. Cultural Diversity: - States preserve and promote local cultures - Festivals, arts, traditions protected - Education in mother tongue - Cultural rights for minorities

3. Religious Diversity: - Secularism: No state religion - Freedom of religion (Article 25-28) - Personal laws for different communities - Minority educational institutions protected

4. Regional Diversity: - States address regional needs - Special provisions for hill areas, tribal areas - Development programs for backward regions - Asymmetric federalism for special needs

5. Social Diversity (Caste/Tribe): - Reservation for SCs, STs, OBCs - Special protections for Scheduled Areas - Tribal self-governance in Northeast - Protection of tribal lands and culture

6. Political Accommodation: - Regional parties represent local interests - Coalition governments include diverse groups - Power-sharing at multiple levels - Decentralization to local bodies

7. Constitutional Safeguards: - Fundamental Rights against discrimination - Directive Principles for welfare - Special provisions for various states - Independent judiciary for protection

Examples of Success: - Linguistic states prevented language conflicts - Northeast autonomy reduced secessionist demands - Reservation gave political voice to marginalized - Local self-government empowered communities

Contrast with Failure: - Sri Lanka's unitary system led to civil war - Yugoslavia's failure to accommodate diversity led to breakup - Belgium's federalism successfully managed linguistic divide

Conclusion: India's federalism has been largely successful in holding together one of world's most diverse countries.
Explain the impact of globalization on Indian federalism. [CBSE 2020, 5 marks]
Answer: Globalization's impact on Indian federalism:

1. Strengthened States: - States now compete globally for investment - Global Investors' Meets organized by states - States develop their own foreign economic policies - Example: Gujarat's Vibrant Gujarat Summit

2. Changed Centre-State Relations: - Economic reforms require state cooperation - States have more say in economic policies - Centre can't impose policies without state consultation - GST required consensus of all states

3. Competitive Federalism: - States compete to attract investment - Ease of Doing Business rankings for states - Policy innovation by states copied by others - Example: Rajasthan's labor reforms followed by other states

4. New Challenges: - International treaties affect state subjects - WTO agreements impact agriculture (state subject) - Environmental agreements affect forest management - Intellectual Property Rights affect traditional knowledge

5. Financial Changes: - States seek foreign direct investment - Global financial markets influence state finances - Credit ratings for states by international agencies - More financial autonomy needed

6. Administrative Changes: - E-governance initiatives in states - Global best practices adopted - Professional management in urban local bodies - Public-private partnerships in infrastructure

7. Social Impact: - Global norms influence state policies - Human rights standards affect state laws - Environmental standards from global agreements - Labor standards from international conventions

8. Asymmetric Impact: - Developed states benefit more from globalization - Backward states struggle to compete - Increased regional disparities - Need for special assistance to poorer states

Positive Effects: - More autonomy for states - Innovation in policies - Improved governance - Economic growth

Negative Effects: - Regional inequalities may increase - Social sectors may get neglected - Environmental concerns may be ignored - Local cultures may be threatened

Government Response: - NITI Aayog promotes competitive federalism - Special packages for backward states - Focus on cooperative federalism - Balancing global integration with local needs

PART D: Map/Chart-based Questions (2 Marks Each)

Note: Federalism questions often use maps or charts showing division of powers.

Identify the type of federation shown in the map with arrows from states to centre. [CBSE 2024, 2 marks]
Answer: 'Coming together' federation (states voluntarily joining to form union, like USA).
Which list of subjects is represented by the chart showing shared powers? [CBSE 2023, 2 marks]
Answer: Concurrent List (subjects on which both centre and states can make laws).
Identify the tier of government shown at the base of the three-tier pyramid. [CBSE 2022, 2 marks]
Answer: Local self-government (Panchayats and Municipalities).
Which constitutional amendment is represented by the picture of women in Panchayats? [CBSE 2021, 2 marks]
Answer: 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (gave 33% reservation to women in Panchayats).
What does the picture of GST Council meeting represent in Indian federalism? [CBSE 2020, 2 marks]
Answer: Cooperative federalism (centre and states working together on tax reform).

🗺️ Chapter 2 Exam Strategy

Lists Mastery: Memorize 5 subjects each from Union, State, and Concurrent Lists - they always ask examples

Comparison Focus: Be ready to compare India-USA federalism, unitary vs federal, holding vs coming together

Amendment Knowledge: Remember 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992) for decentralization

Current Examples: Connect concepts to GST Council, NITI Aayog, Finance Commission reports

Common Mistake: Don't say India is "purely federal" - it's quasi-federal with unitary features

⚠️ Pro Tip: "Division of powers" and "India vs USA federalism" are almost guaranteed questions. Make a three-column chart for the three lists and a comparison table for India-USA. For 5-mark answers on decentralization, always mention 73rd Amendment and women's reservation.

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