Comparative Study of India and the United States of America in terms of Federalism

Federalism is a system of government where power is distributed between a central government and smaller units, such as states. India and the United States of America are two countries that follow a federal system of government. In this comparative study, we will look at the working of federalism in both countries, center and state relationships, and conflicts and tensions between the center and state and state and state.

Working of Federalism in India and the United States of America

In theory, both India and the United States of America follow a federal system of government. However, in practice, the working of federalism differs in both countries. In India, the central government has more power than the state governments. This is because the Indian Constitution gives the central government the power to make laws on subjects that are listed in the Union List. The state governments, on the other hand, have the power to make laws on subjects that are listed in the State List. In the United States of America, the power is more evenly distributed between the federal government and the state governments.

Examples of Center and State Relationships in India

The relationship between the center and state in India has been a topic of debate since the adoption of the Constitution. One example of this is the conflict between the central government and the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has a special status under Article 370 of the Constitution. However, the central government abrogated this article in 2019, which led to protests and tensions between the center and the state.

Another example of center and state relationships is the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GST is a tax that is levied on goods and services across India. The central government introduced the GST in 2017, which led to tensions between the center and some state governments. This was because the state governments felt that the GST would take away their power to levy taxes.

Conflicts and Tensions between States in India

India is a diverse country with many different cultures and languages. This has led to conflicts and tensions between states. One example of this is the dispute between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the sharing of the Cauvery river water. This dispute has been ongoing for many years and has led to protests and violence between the people of both states.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India and the United States of America are two countries that follow a federal system of government. However, the working of federalism differs in both countries. In India, the central government has more power than the state governments, while in the United States of America, the power is more evenly distributed. The relationship between the center and state in India has been a topic of debate, and conflicts and tensions between states are not uncommon.