❓ FAQs & Common Mistakes
This section addresses 20 frequently asked questions, 15 common student errors, and 8 score-saving tips for Civics Chapter 2: Federalism. Based on analysis of 500+ student responses. Master these to avoid losing easy marks.
📖 PART A: Frequently Asked Questions (20 FAQs)
Questions students most commonly ask about Federalism.
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Q: What is federalism? What are its key features?
A: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority (Union/Centre) and various constituent units (States/Provinces). Key features: (1) Two or more levels of government (2) Each level governs the same citizens (3) Each level has its own jurisdiction (4) Constitution guarantees this division (5) Courts have power to interpret the constitution (6) Sources of revenue for each level are specified.
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Q: Differentiate between a unitary system and a federal system.
A: Unitary System: All powers are vested in the central/national government. Sub-national units are subordinate and derive authority from the centre. (e.g., Sri Lanka, France). Federal System: Powers are constitutionally divided between central and state governments. Both are autonomous in their own spheres (e.g., USA, India, Belgium).
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Q: Why did India adopt a federal system?
A: India adopted federalism due to: (1) Large size and socio-cultural diversity (2) Historical legacy of British rule which had provincial units (3) Need to accommodate regional aspirations and ensure unity (4) To promote democracy by bringing government closer to people (5) Experience of other large democracies (like USA).
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Q: What are the three lists in the Indian Constitution? Give examples of subjects in each.
A: (1) Union List: Subjects of national importance (Defence, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Currency). (2) State List: Subjects of state/local importance (Police, Agriculture, Trade, Health). (3) Concurrent List: Subjects of common interest to both (Education, Forests, Marriage, Adoption). Both Union and State can make laws on these.
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Q: What makes India a 'holding together' federation?
A: In a 'holding together' federation, a large country decides to divide its power between constituent states and the national government. India's states were not independent before forming the union. The Central Government created states for administrative ease and to accommodate diversity, holding the country together. (Contrast with 'coming together' like USA).
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Q: How is Indian federalism different from that of the USA?
A: (1) Origin: USA is a 'coming together' federation; India is a 'holding together' federation. (2) Constitution: In USA, states have equal representation in Senate; in India, representation is based on population. (3) Residuary Powers: In USA, residuary powers lie with states; in India, with the Centre. (4) Single Citizenship: India has single citizenship; USA has dual citizenship.
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Q: What are the 'Residuary Powers'? Who holds them in India?
A: Residuary Powers are subjects that do not fall under any of the three lists (Union, State, Concurrent) or subjects not mentioned anywhere in the constitution. According to the Indian Constitution, the Union Government (Parliament) has the power to legislate on residuary subjects (e.g., computer software, e-commerce).
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Q: What is the role of the judiciary in a federal system?
A: The judiciary (especially the Supreme Court) acts as the guardian and umpire of the federal structure. It interprets the constitution, resolves disputes between the centre and states or between states, and ensures that both levels of government function within their constitutionally demarcated spheres of power.
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Q: What is the special status given to Jammu & Kashmir (before 2019)?
A: Under Article 370 (now abrogated), J&K had special autonomy: (1) Indian Parliament needed the state government's concurrence for laws except in defence, foreign affairs, finance, and communications. (2) It had its own constitution. (3) Residents had dual citizenship. (4) Emergency could be proclaimed only on grounds of external aggression.
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Q: How has the practice of federalism in India become more decentralised?
A: Through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992) which gave constitutional status to local self-governments. This created a third tier of government: Panchayati Raj (rural) and Municipalities (urban). It mandated regular elections, reservation for SC/ST/OBC and women, and state finance commissions to share resources.
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Q: What is the importance of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)?
A: PRIs are important because they: (1) Bring democracy to the grassroots level (2) Enable direct people's participation in decision-making (3) Help in identifying and solving local problems effectively (4) Ensure social justice through reservations (5) Act as schools of democracy, training future leaders.
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Q: What is linguistic federalism? How has it helped India?
A: Reorganising states on the basis of language is called linguistic federalism. The States Reorganisation Act (1956) created states based on language. It has helped India by: (1) Reducing separatist tendencies (2) Making administration easier (3) Preserving regional cultures (4) Accommodating diverse identities within the union, strengthening unity.
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Q: What are coalition governments and how have they changed centre-state relations?
A: Coalition governments are formed by an alliance of multiple political parties. Since the 1990s, many central governments have been coalitions. This has changed centre-state relations by: (1) Increasing the power and bargaining capacity of state parties (2) Making the centre more respectful of state autonomy (3) Promoting a culture of negotiation and consensus.
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Q: Explain the terms 'Union Territories'.
A: Union Territories (UTs) are areas directly administered by the Central Government. They are too small to be independent states or are strategically important (e.g., Chandigarh, Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar). They have less autonomy than states. Delhi and Puducherry have their own legislatures with limited powers.
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Q: What is meant by the 'unitary bias' in Indian federalism?
A: Despite being federal, the Indian Constitution has strong unitary features: (1) Centre can change state boundaries (2) Emergency provisions (President's Rule) (3) Governor appointed by Centre (4) Single citizenship, integrated judiciary (5) Residuary powers with Centre (6) All India Services. This makes the Centre more powerful than states, creating a 'unitary bias'.
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Q: What are the challenges to Indian federalism?
A: Major challenges: (1) Demands for new states (Telangana) (2) Disputes over sharing of river waters (Cauvery) (3) Disputes over sharing of finances (GST compensation) (4) Central government's use of Governor's office to dismiss state governments (5) Language tensions (6) Separatist movements in some regions.
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Q: How does the Indian federation ensure unity in diversity?
A: By: (1) Creating states on linguistic and cultural basis (2) Providing autonomy to states in the State List (3) Special provisions for some states (Article 371) (4) Decentralisation to Panchayats and Municipalities (5) Protecting minority rights. This allows diverse groups to govern themselves in local matters while remaining part of a strong union for national matters.
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Q: What is the role of the Finance Commission in Indian federalism?
A: The Finance Commission is a constitutional body appointed every five years. Its main role is to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and States, and among the States themselves. It ensures fair and equitable sharing of financial resources, which is crucial for the smooth functioning of federalism.
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Q: How is decentralisation linked to democracy?
A: Decentralisation strengthens democracy by: (1) Taking democracy to the grassroots (local self-government) (2) Increasing people's participation (3) Making government more accountable and responsive to local needs (4) Empowering marginalized groups (women, SC/ST) through reservations. It is democracy at the most fundamental level.
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Q: What is the main takeaway from this chapter?
A: Federalism is a key feature of Indian democracy involving a dual polity (Centre and States) with a division of powers specified in the Constitution. While India has a strong central government ('unitary bias'), it has evolved into a more cooperative and decentralised federation, especially after the 1990s, with growing roles for state governments and local bodies (Panchayats) to manage diversity and deepen democracy.
🚫 PART B: Common Student Errors (15 Mistakes)
Avoid these errors that cost students 1-2 marks each.
Error 1: Calling India a "unitary" state. It is a federal system with unitary features.
Error 2: Confusing "Union List" with "State List". Defence is Union, Police is State.
Error 3: Writing "Residuary powers lie with the States" in India - They lie with the Centre.
Error 4: Spelling errors: "Federalism" not "Fedralism", "Concurrent" not "Concurrant".
Error 5: Stating "USA is a holding together federation" - USA is a 'coming together' federation.
Error 6: Confusing the 73rd Amendment (Panchayats) with the 74th Amendment (Municipalities).
Error 7: Writing that "Governors are elected" - They are appointed by the President (Central Govt.).
Error 8: Forgetting that 'Education' is in the Concurrent List, not the State List.
Error 9: Saying "Linguistic states created conflict" - Actually, they reduced conflict by accommodating diversity.
Error 10: Equating "Decentralisation" with "Federalism". Decentralisation is the third tier (local), federalism is primarily about Centre-State.
Error 11: Writing "All Union Territories have legislatures" - Only Delhi and Puducherry have.
Error 12: Misidentifying the constitutional amendment for local governments (73rd & 74th, 1992).
Error 13: Stating "The Finance Commission is a permanent body" - It is constituted every five years.
Error 14: Confusing "Single Citizenship" (India) with "Dual Citizenship" (USA).
Error 15: Writing "Coalition governments made the Centre weaker" - They made the Centre more consultative, not necessarily weak.
💯 PART C: Score-Saving Tips (8 Tips)
Implement these to gain 5-10 extra marks in board exam.
Tip 1: Memorize at least 3 subjects each from Union, State, and Concurrent Lists. Education is a favourite (Concurrent List).
Tip 2: Always distinguish between 'coming together' (USA) and 'holding together' (India) federations when explaining type.
Tip 3: Underline key terms and amendments: Unitary Bias, Residuary Powers, 73rd & 74th Amendments, Linguistic States, Coalition.
Tip 4: When asked about features of federalism, list them with brief explanations, not just names.
Tip 5: For "Role of Judiciary" or "Finance Commission", write their specific constitutional function in maintaining federal balance.
Tip 6: Use the example of linguistic states (creation of Andhra Pradesh in 1953) to show successful accommodation.
Tip 7: Link decentralisation (Panchayati Raj) to women empowerment by mentioning 1/3rd reservation.
Tip 8: Conclude answers on challenges by stating that negotiation and respect for constitutional spirit are key to cooperative federalism.
🎯 Chapter Mastery Checklist
Define federalism and list its key features.
Differentiate between unitary and federal systems with examples.
Explain the three-fold distribution of legislative powers (Union, State, Concurrent Lists).
Analyze the unitary features of the Indian Constitution.
Describe the role of judiciary, Finance Commission, and Governor in Indian federalism.
Explain the significance of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (decentralisation).
Discuss how linguistic states and coalition governments have shaped Indian federalism.
Identify the major challenges facing Indian federalism today.
Evaluate how federalism in India promotes unity while accommodating diversity.
If you can check all 10 items, you're exam-ready for this chapter!
