India is called a federal country because it has a federal system of government. A federal system of government is a system in which powers are divided between a central government and state governments. In India, the central government has certain powers, while the state governments have certain powers. Each level of government has its own set of responsibilities, and both levels of government work together to make decisions for the country.

Constitutional Provisions

India's federal system of government is enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The Constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of the central government and state governments. Some of the provisions of the Constitution that establish India as a federal country include:

- The Constitution divides powers between the central government and state governments. The central government has powers over subjects such as defense, foreign policy, and currency, while state governments have powers over subjects such as education, healthcare, and law and order.
- The Constitution establishes a system of governance where both the central government and state governments have their own legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.
- The Constitution provides for a system of cooperative federalism, where the central government and state governments work together to make decisions for the country. This is achieved through institutions such as the Inter-State Council and the National Development Council.

Features of Indian Federalism

Some of the key features of India's federal system of government include:

- Dual Government: India has a dual government system, where the powers are divided between the central government and the state governments. Both levels of government have their own set of responsibilities and work together to make decisions for the country.
- Written Constitution: India has a written Constitution that lays down the powers and responsibilities of both the central government and state governments. This ensures that there is a clear demarcation of powers and responsibilities between the two levels of government.
- Independent Judiciary: India has an independent judiciary that acts as a mediator between the central government and state governments. The judiciary ensures that the Constitution is followed and that the powers of the central government and state governments are not violated.
- Flexible Constitution: The Indian Constitution is flexible and can be amended as per the changing needs of the country. This ensures that India's federal system of government can adapt to the changing needs of the country.

Advantages of Federalism

There are several advantages of having a federal system of government, including:

- Decentralization of Power: In a federal system of government, power is decentralized, which means that decisions can be made at the local level. This ensures that the needs and concerns of local communities are taken into account when making decisions.
- Efficient Governance: In a federal system of government, both the central government and state governments work together to make decisions for the country. This ensures that decisions are made efficiently and that the needs of all regions of the country are taken into account.
- Protection of Rights: In a federal system of government, the division of powers ensures that the rights of citizens are protected. The judiciary plays a key role in ensuring that the rights of citizens are not violated by either the central government or state governments.

Conclusion

India's federal system of government has played a key role in ensuring that the country remains united and diverse. The division of powers between the central government and state governments has ensured that decisions are made efficiently and that the needs of all regions of the country are taken into account. This has helped India to become a strong and vibrant democracy.