Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 Previous Year Questions - Federalism

Ans: Three levels
Explanation:

• The Indian Constitution provides for a three-tier systemof governance:
  • Union Government at the national level.
  • State Governments at the state level.
  • Local Governments (Panchayats in rural areas and Municipalities/Municipal Corporations in urban areas) at the local level.
• The 1992 Constitutional Amendments (73rd and 74th Amendments) strengthened the third tier by granting local governments more powers and ensuring regular elections.

Ans: Local self-government plays a crucial role in addressing local issues efficiently.
Explanation:

• Proximity to People: Local governments are closer to the people, enabling them to understand and address local issues like water supply, sanitation, and roads effectively.
• Participation: They encourage people’s participation in decision-making, ensuring solutions reflect local needs.
• Efficient Resource Use: Local bodies can allocate resources based on specific community requirements, reducing wastage.
• Conflict Resolution: They resolve local disputes (e.g., land or water issues) quickly, reducing the burden on higher authorities.
• Development Planning: Local governments plan and implement development projects tailored to their area’s needs, such as building schools or health centers.

Ans: The statement highlights that local self-government embodies the democratic principle of people governing themselves at the grassroots level.
Explanation:

• Democratic Participation: Local governments allow citizens to elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf, fostering direct involvement in governance.
• Accountability: Elected local representatives are accountable to the people, ensuring transparency and responsiveness.
• Empowerment: Local self-government empowers communities, especially marginalized groups (e.g., women and backward classes through reservations), to participate in decision-making.
• Decentralised Power: It distributes power from the center to the grassroots, reducing over-centralization and promoting democratic values.
• Local Solutions: It ensures that solutions to problems like sanitation, education, or infrastructure are tailored to local contexts, enhancing democratic governance.

Ans: (a)
Explanation:

• The Concurrent List contains subjects on which both the Centre and States can legislate.

• Education was originally in the State List but was transferred to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment Act (1976).

Other options:
(B) Defence – belongs to the Union List because it is a matter of national importance.
(C) Police – is in the State List, as law and order are primarily a state subject.
(D) Trade – depends on the type:

• Inter-state trade is in the Union List.
• Intra-state trade is in the State List.

Ans: (d)
Explanation:

All three are listed under the Concurrent List:

• Education – as discussed above.
• Forest – moved to the Concurrent List via 42nd Amendment (1976).
• Marriage – and other personal laws like divorce, adoption, etc., are also part of the Concurrent List.

Other options:
(A) Currency – Union List
(B) Defence, Banking – Union List
(C) Agriculture, Trade, Irrigation – State List

Ans: (d)
The Union List deals with subjects of national importance, where only the Parliament can legislate. These include:

• Currency – printing and regulation of money.
• Communication – like posts and telegraphs, wireless, broadcasting.
• Defence – army, navy, air force.

Other options:

(A) Police and Agriculture – State List
(B) Irrigation, Marriage – State/Concurrent Lists
(C) Education, Commerce – Concurrent List; Banking is Union List

​Ans: The Indian federal system is characterized by a division of power between the Union and State governments, with unique features that promote cooperative federalism.

Explanation:
Division of Powers:

• Powers are divided into Union List, State List, and Concurrent List under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
• Union List (e.g., defense, foreign affairs), State List (e.g., police, agriculture), and Concurrent List (e.g., education, marriage).

Supremacy of the Constitution:

• The Constitution is the supreme law, and all governments (Union, State, Local) operate within its framework.

Independent Judiciary:

• The Supreme Court and High Courts ensure the balance of power and resolve disputes between the Union and States.

Bicameral Legislature:

• The Union Parliament has two houses: Lok Sabha (representing people) and Rajya Sabha (representing states), ensuring state representation at the national level.

Strong Centre:

• The Union government has more powers, especially in matters of national importance, and can override state laws on Concurrent List subjects.

Cooperative Federalism:

• Both Union and State governments cooperate on issues like economic planning, education, and health for national development.

Local Self-Government:

• The 73rd and 74th Amendments established a third tier of governance (Panchayats and Municipalities), promoting grassroots democracy.

Ans: (b) By ensuring a division of power between centre and states.
Explanation:
Division of Power: The Indian Constitution divides powers between the Union and State governments through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, ensuring both levels have defined roles.

Balanced Governance:

• The Union handles national issues (e.g., defense, foreign affairs), while States manage regional issues (e.g., agriculture, law and order), ensuring governance suits local and national needs.
• The Concurrent List allows joint responsibility on subjects like education, fostering cooperation.

Incorrect Options:

• (a): States do not have complete autonomy; the Union has overriding powers in certain areas.
• (c): Not all decisions are under the Union; States have autonomy in State List subjects.
• (d): Local governments have limited powers compared to States, which have broader legislative authority.

Ans: Gram Panchayats are grouped to form Panchayat Samitis, which act as an intermediate tier in the Panchayati Raj system.
Explanation:
Gram Panchayat: The lowest tier of rural local government, responsible for village-level administration (e.g., water supply, sanitation).

Panchayat Samiti:

• A block-level body formed by grouping several Gram Panchayats.
• Members are elected by the members of the Gram Panchayats in that block.
• It coordinates and supervises the activities of Gram Panchayats, ensuring effective implementation of development schemes.

Relationship:

• Panchayat Samitis act as a link between Gram Panchayats and the Zilla Parishad, facilitating planning and resource allocation at the block level.
• They provide guidance and support to Gram Panchayats for local development projects.

Ans: Municipal Corporations are established for large cities, while Municipalities are set up for smaller towns, with differences in structure and functions.
Explanation:

Municipal Corporation:

• Operates in large urban areas (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai).
• Has a larger budget, more resources, and greater autonomy.
• Led by a Mayor as the political head.
• Handles complex urban issues like public transport, major infrastructure, and urban planning.

Municipality:

• Operates in smaller towns or urban areas.
• Has fewer resources and less autonomy compared to Municipal Corporations.
• Led by a Municipal Chairperson.
• Focuses on basic urban services like water supply, sanitation, and street maintenance.

Common Feature: Both are controlled by elected representatives, ensuring democratic governance.

Ans: The local government structure promotes democracy by decentralizing power and encouraging grassroots participation.
Explanation:

• People’s Participation: Local governments allow citizens to elect representatives, ensuring direct involvement in governance.
• Decentralization: Power is devolved to the grassroots level, reducing the concentration of authority and promoting local self-governance.
• Representation: Reservation of seats for women, SCs, STs, and OBCs ensures inclusive representation of marginalized groups.
• Accountability: Elected representatives are accountable to the local electorate, fostering transparency and responsiveness.
• Empowerment: Local bodies empower communities to address their specific needs, such as sanitation or education, strengthening democratic principles.
• World’s Largest Experiment: The scale of India’s local government system (Panchayats and Municipalities) makes it a unique model of democratic decentralization.

(i) What promise did Gandhiji make to his followers?

Ans: Gandhiji promised that the new nation would be based on provinces organized on the principle of language.
Explanation:

• During the freedom struggle, leaders like Gandhi assured that post-independence, India’s states would be reorganized based on linguistic diversity to respect cultural identities.
• This promise aimed to ensure that people could govern themselves in their own languages, promoting unity and effective administration.

Ans: Linguistic states strengthened India’s unity by respecting cultural identities while fostering a sense of national unity.
Explanation:

• Cultural Recognition: Reorganizing states based on language (e.g., Tamil Nadu for Tamils, Karnataka for Kannadigas) gave linguistic communities a sense of identity and belonging.
• Effective Governance: Administration in local languages made governance more accessible and efficient, reducing alienation.
• National Unity: Linguistic states allowed people to maintain regional identities (e.g., Bengali, Tamil) while embracing a broader Indian identity, fostering unity in diversity.
• Reduced Conflicts: Addressing linguistic demands reduced separatist tendencies, strengthening national integration.

Ans:

• Kerala: Malayalam
• Andhra Pradesh: Telugu

Explanation:

• The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 created states like Kerala and Andhra Pradesh based on linguistic majorities.
• Malayalam is the primary language spoken in Kerala.
• Telugu is the primary language spoken in Andhra Pradesh.

Ans: (C) Only I, II and IV are correct.
Explanation:

• Statement I (True): Linguistic states strengthened India’s unity by respecting regional identities while fostering a national identity, as seen in the success of states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
• Statement II (True): Administration in local languages (e.g., Telugu in Andhra Pradesh) made governance more accessible and effective.
• Statement III (False): Linguistic states did not weaken the federal structure; they strengthened cooperative federalism by addressing regional aspirations within the constitutional framework.
• Statement IV (True): Reorganization promoted the development of Indian languages through education, literature, and official use in state administration.

Ans: A federal government divides power between central and regional units, while a unitary government concentrates power at the center.
Explanation:

• Federal Example (India): Power is divided between the Union (e.g., defense) and States (e.g., agriculture), with a strong judiciary to maintain balance.
• Unitary Example (United Kingdom): The central Parliament in London holds supreme power, and devolved bodies like the Scottish Parliament have limited, delegated authority.

Ans: Participatory democracy refers to a system where citizens directly participate in decision-making processes, influencing policies and governance.
Explanation:

• Direct Involvement: Citizens actively engage in discussions, budget-making, or policy formulation, as seen in Porto Alegre’s model.
• Inclusive Decision-Making: It ensures that diverse voices, including marginalized groups, are heard in shaping governance.
• Empowerment: By involving citizens, participatory democracy enhances their sense of ownership over public decisions.

Ans: The example defines a democratic government with decentralized and participatory features.
Explanation:

• Separation of Powers: Porto Alegre’s system separates decision-making between the municipal council and citizen-led bodies, ensuring checks and balances.
• Decentralized Governance: Power is distributed to local sectors, allowing citizens to influence decisions directly.
• Democratic Nature: The system aligns with democratic principles by involving citizens while maintaining municipal authority for final decisions.

Ans: The Gram Sabha in India’s Panchayati Raj system is similar to Porto Alegre’s participatory model.
Explanation:

• Gram Sabha Structure: Comprises all adult members of a village who meet to discuss and decide on local development, budgets, and policies.
• Decentralized Governance: Like Porto Alegre’s sectors, Gram Sabhas operate at the village level, ensuring local participation.
• Decision-Making: Proposals from Gram Sabhas are forwarded to the Gram Panchayat, which finalizes decisions, mirroring Porto Alegre’s municipal council.

Ans: (b)

(A) Union List - (II) Banking: Banking is primarily managed by the central government, which falls under the Union List.

(B) State List - (III) Police: The police force is a subject that is managed by individual states, so it belongs to the State List.

(C) Concurrent List - (I) Trade Union: Trade unions can be regulated by both the central and state governments, making them a subject in the Concurrent List.

(D) Residuary List - (IV) Internet: The internet is a newer subject not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, thus it falls under the Residuary List where powers are given to the government to legislate on subjects not specified.

Ans: (i) Importance of Language Diversity in India:

• India's vast number of languages contributes to its cultural diversity.
• This diversity helps to preserve the unique identities of various communities.

(ii) Difference Between Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Languages:

• Scheduled Languages: There are 22 languages recognised in the Indian Constitution, known as scheduled languages.
• Non-Scheduled Languages: All other languages not included in this list are referred to as non-scheduled languages.

(iii) Fusion of Languages and Cultural Unity: The statement highlights how the blending of diverse languages and cultures has fostered a shared national identity. For instance, unlike Sri Lanka, Indian leaders have been careful in promoting Hindi, allowing for a more inclusive approach to language use.

Ans: (d)

I. Defence - 2. Union List: Defence is managed by the central government, which is why it falls under the Union List.

II. Police - 3. State List: The police force is a state subject, meaning individual states have the power to legislate on this issue, so it belongs to the State List.

III. Marriage - 1. Concurrent List: Laws regarding marriage can be made by both the central and state governments, which is why it is included in the Concurrent List.

IV. Computer Software - 4. Residual Subjects: Since computer software is a newer subject not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, it falls under the Residual Subjects, allowing the government to make laws on it.

Ans:  (c)

(I) Banks - 2. Union List: Banking is primarily managed by the central government, so it falls under the Union List.

(II) Agriculture - 3. State List: Agriculture is mainly regulated by individual states, making it a subject in the State List.

(III) Education - 1. Concurrent List: Education is a subject where both the central and state governments can make laws, which is why it is included in the Concurrent List.

(IV) Computer - 4. Residuary Subjects: The topic of computers is newer and not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, placing it in the Residual Subjects category, allowing the government to legislate on it.

Ans: (c)
A Decentralised System means that power and responsibilities are distributed from the central government to local governments, allowing them to make decisions about local matters. In India, this involves a three-tier government structure with the central, state, and local levels, where state governments share powers and revenue with local authorities, enhancing local governance and participation.

Ans: (i) Decentralisation in democracy refers to the transfer of power from central and state governments to local governments. This process allows local authorities to address issues more effectively, as they have a better understanding of local problems.
(ii) The importance of local self-government includes:

• Local issues are often best resolved at the community level.
• Residents possess better insights into spending priorities and resource management.
• It encourages direct participation in decision-making, fostering a culture of democratic involvement.

(iii) Two significant steps taken by the Indian government for decentralisation are:

• Establishment of Panchayats in villages and municipalities in urban areas across all states.
• Mandatory regular elections for local government bodies, ensuring local representation.

Ans: (b)

India is an example of a holding together federation. 
Here are some key points:

• In a holding together federation, the central government is typically more powerful than the states.
• Different states may have unequal powers, with some granted special rights.
• Other examples include Spain and Belgium.

In contrast, Australia, the USA, and Switzerland are examples of coming together federations.

Ans: (d)

In a unitary form of government:

• The sub-units are subordinate to the central government.
• There is either one level of government or the lower levels follow the orders of the central government.

This means that the central government has the authority to direct provincial or local governments.

Ans: (d)
Russia, Canada and Argentina are federal countries. China is a unitary country.

Ans: (a)

• The United States is an example of a 'coming together' federation.
• In this type of federation, constituent states typically have equal power.
• In contrast, India, Spain, and Belgium represent 'holding together' federations.
• In holding together federations, the central government usually has more power than the states.

Ans: (a)
Communication is included in the Union list

Ans: (b)
Business is included in the State list. Banking, currency and communication are included in the Union list.

Ans: (d)
Concurrent list includes subjects of common interest to both the Union Government as well as the State Government. These are education, forest, marriage, adoption and succession.

Ans: (c)

(I) Union List - D. Defence: Defence is primarily a central government responsibility, so it falls under the Union List.

(II) State List - C. Police: The police force is managed by state governments, which makes it a subject in the State List.

(III) Concurrent List - B. Forest: Forest management can be legislated by both the central and state governments, placing it in the Concurrent List.

(IV) Subsidiary Matters - A. Computer-related matter: Since computer-related issues are more recent and not specifically detailed in the Constitution, they fall under Subsidiary Matters.

Ans: (d)
In a Unitary form of government, all powers are centralized at the national level. The central government holds the primary authority, and any administrative divisions (sub-units) function under its control. The sub-units do not have independent jurisdiction but instead operate as extensions of the central government, with limited powers that are often delegated by the central authority.
The other options are characteristics of a federal form of government, where:
(a) There are two or more levels of government.
(b) Different tiers of government govern the same citizens.
(c) Each tier has its own jurisdiction and powers defined by the constitution.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d) The sub-units are subordinate to the central government.

Ans: (b)
In a Holding Together Federation, the central government shares power with constituent states or regions, but the division of power is typically unequal, with the central authority retaining more control. This model is used to unify a country with diverse regions and cultural groups, aiming to hold them together under a single federal structure.
India is an example of a Holding Together Federation, as the union government holds significant power, and states have varying degrees of autonomy.

Ans: (d)
In the Indian Constitution, subjects are divided into three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List.
(i) The Concurrent List includes subjects on which both the central and state governments can legislate. However, in case of a conflict, the central law prevails.
(ii) Marriage is included in the Concurrent List, allowing both the central and state governments to make laws regarding marriage.
The other options are part of different lists:
(i) Trade and Commerce are typically included in the Union and State Lists, depending on whether they are inter-state or intra-state.
(ii) Agriculture is in the State List, giving states the power to legislate on it.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d) Marriage.

Ans: 
(a) Russia - Unitary: Incorrect. Russia is a federal country, with powers divided between the central government and various federal subjects.
(b) China - Federal: Incorrect. China has a unitary system, where the central government holds primary authority, and administrative divisions operate under its control.
(c) Canada - Unitary: Incorrect. Canada is a federal country, with powers shared between the national government and provinces.
(d) Argentina - Federal: Correct. Argentina operates as a federal country, with powers divided between the national government and its provinces.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d) Argentina - Federal.

Ans: India, Spain, and Belgium are examples of a 'holding together federation'.

• In this type of federation, the central government holds more power than the states.
• States may have unequal powers, with some granted special authorities.
• This structure allows for a balance between the national and state governments.

Ans: The Union Government and State Governments can make laws on subjects that are of shared interest, known as concurrent subjects. Examples include:

• Forests
• Trade unions
• Education
• Marriage

If there is a conflict between laws made by both governments, the law passed by the Union Government takes precedence.

Ans: The three features of a federal government are:

• Power distribution: The central government shares some powers with state governments.
• Separation of powers: Authority is divided among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
• Elected officials: Those in office hold supreme power within the government.

Ans: Three features of unitary government are:

• Centralisation: A unitary government has a centralised structure, meaning most powers are held by the central authority.
• Supremacy: The central government holds supreme power over all administrative divisions.
• Limited Autonomy: Local divisions, such as states or districts, have less authority compared to the central government.

Ans: The Constitution clearly provided a three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Governments. Thus, it contains three lists.
List of Jurisdiction:
(i) Union List: Union List includes subjects of national importance; such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. They are included in this list because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country. The Union Government alone can make laws relating to the subjects mentioned in the Union List.
(ii) Concurrent List: Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession. Both the Union as well as the State Governments can make laws on the subjects mentioned in this list. If their laws conflict with each other, the law made by the Union Government will prevail.
(iii) State List: State List contains subjects of State and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation. The State Governments alone can make laws relating to the subjects mentioned in the State List.
(iv) Residuary List: Anything out of purview of above mentioned list is taken as residuary subject. Union Government has the power to legislate on these subjects.

Ans: The features of federalism include:

• There are two or more levels of government.
• Each level has its own jurisdiction over specific areas like legislation, taxation, and administration.
• The constitution defines the powers of each government level.
• Changes to fundamental constitutional provisions require agreement from both levels of government.
• Courts interpret the constitution and resolve disputes between government levels.
• Revenue sources for each government level are clearly defined to ensure financial independence.
• The federal system aims to maintain national unity while respecting regional diversity.

Ans: Federalism is a system of government where power is shared between a central authority and various units within the country. In India, this is evident through the following points:

• India has multiple levels of government, each governing the same citizens.
• Each level has its own jurisdiction over specific areas like legislation, taxation, and administration.
• The Constitution clearly defines the powers and responsibilities of each tier, ensuring their existence is constitutionally protected.
• Changes to fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be made unilaterally; they require agreement from both the central and state governments.
• The courts have the authority to interpret the Constitution and the powers of different government levels.

Ans: The State Election Commission has been established in each state of India to oversee the conduct of panchayat and municipal elections. This independent body ensures that elections are held regularly and fairly.

• It is responsible for managing the electoral process at the local level.
• The commission guarantees that elections are conducted in accordance with the law.
• It plays a crucial role in strengthening local governance.

Ans: The basic idea behind decentralisation is that there are a large number of problem and issues which are best settled at the local level, people have better knowledge about problems in their localities. They also have better idea about where to spend money and how to manage things more efficiently. Besides at the local level, it is possible for the people to directly participate in decision making. This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation. Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy, namely local self-government.

Ans: Nature of the Panchayati Raj System in India:

• The Gram Panchayat is a council made up of ward members, known as panchs, and a president called the sarpanch.
• Members are directly elected by the adult population of the village or ward.
• It serves as the main decision-making body for the village.
• In 1992, the Constitution was amended to establish a more effective three-tier system: Gram Panchayat, Block Samiti, and Zila Parishad.

Ans: (d)
All three statements regarding the language policy of the Indian federation are correct:
(I) Hindi was identified as the official language: Correct. Hindi, in the Devanagari script, was designated as the official language of India under Article 343 of the Indian Constitution.
(II) Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as scheduled languages: Correct. Initially, there were 14 scheduled languages, but this number has expanded to 22, including Hindi, under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
(III) English can be used along with Hindi for official purposes: Correct. English continues to be used for official purposes along with Hindi, especially in non-Hindi-speaking states and for communication between the central and state governments.
Since all statements are correct, the answer is (d) (I), (II) and (III).

Ans: The Constitution of Belgium took a significant step to address regional differences and cultural diversities by ensuring equality in representation. This was achieved by:

• Maintaining an equal number of French and Dutch speakers in the central government.
• Preventing any single community from dominating decision-making.

Ans: The main features of federalism in India are as follows:

• Two or more levels of government: India has a central government and state governments, with a third tier of local governance through Panchayats and Municipalities.
• Same citizens with separate jurisdiction: Different levels of government govern the same citizens, but each has its own authority over specific areas like legislation, taxation, and administration.
• Jurisdiction specified by the constitution: The powers of each government level are clearly defined in the constitution, ensuring their existence and authority are constitutionally protected.
• No unilateral constitutional changes: Fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be changed by one level of government alone; consent from both levels is required.
• Sources of revenue: Each government level has clearly defined sources of revenue, ensuring financial independence.

Ans: Concurrent List: Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession. Both the Union as well as the State Governments can make laws on the subjects mentioned in this list. If their laws conflict with each other, the law made by the Union Government will prevail.

Ans: The sharing of power between the Union Government and the State governments, there is power-sharing which is basic to the structure of the Constitution. It is not easy to make changes to this power-sharing arrangement. The Parliament cannot on its own change this arrangement. Any change to it has to be first passed by both the Houses of Parliament with at least two-thirds majority. Then it has to be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the total states.

Ans: A significant step towards decentralisation and strengthening local self-governments was taken in 1992 with the amendment of the Constitution. This amendment aimed to empower the third tier of democracy by granting constitutional status to local governing bodies.

• Regular Elections: It is now a constitutional requirement to hold regular elections for local government bodies. Each State has established an independent State Election Commission to oversee these elections.
• Reservation of Seats: Seats are reserved in local governing bodies for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. Additionally, at least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
• Power and Revenue Sharing: State governments must share certain powers and revenue with local government bodies, although the specifics can vary by State.

Ans: Importance of third-tier government:

• Local Problem Solving: Many issues are best addressed at the local level, as residents understand their communities better.
• Resource Management: Locals have better insights on how to allocate resources effectively.
• Direct Participation: The local level allows people to engage directly in decision-making processes.
• Democratic Engagement: This fosters a culture of democratic participation among citizens.

Ans: The Union Government has the authority to legislate on residuary subjects in India. These subjects are those not specified in the Constitution's three lists:

• Union List: Covers national issues like defence and foreign affairs.
• State List: Includes local matters such as police and agriculture.
• Concurrent List: Contains subjects of mutual interest, like education and marriage.

Ans: Three provisions of the 1992 amendment to the Indian Constitution that enhance the effectiveness of the 'Three-Tier' government are:

• Regular Elections: It is now mandatory to hold regular elections for local government bodies.
• Reservation of Seats: Seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in elected bodies.
• Women's Representation: At least one-third of all positions in local governance are reserved for women.
• State Election Commission: Each state has established an independent State Election Commission to oversee panchayat and municipal elections.
• Power Sharing: State governments must share certain powers and revenues with local government bodies.

Ans: Steps taken to strengthen local self-governments by the Constitutional Amendment in 1992 include:

• Regular elections to local government bodies are now mandatory.
• Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in elected bodies.
• At least 33% of the seats are reserved for women in all elected bodies.

Ans: Concurrent List

The Concurrent List in India is a category of subjects where both the Union and State Governments can make laws. This includes:

• Education
• Forests
• Trade
• Marriages

Both levels of government share the responsibility for these subjects, allowing for a collaborative approach to legislation.

Ans: In India, the Panchayati Raj functions as a system of governance in which gram panchayats are the basic units of local administration. The system has three levels: Gram Panchayat (village level), Block Samiti or Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level).

Ans: It was formed to recommend creation of states in India on the basis of different languages.

Ans: India is known for its vast cultural, regional, and religious diversity, yet it maintains a strong sense of unity among its people. 
Several factors contribute to this unity:

• Democratic principles: India is a democratic country that strives for political, social, and economic equality through its Constitution, fostering harmony among its citizens.
• Constitutional recognition: The Indian Constitution acknowledges and empowers various ethnic groups and tribes, which helps reduce feelings of isolation.
• Federal structure: India's federal government encourages public participation in political processes, ensuring that government decisions are legitimate and accepted by all.

Ans: The federal system has dual objectives:

• To promote unity within the country.
• To accommodate regional diversity.

Ans: Five features of the Panchayati Raj system in India are:

• Rural-based: The Panchayati Raj system primarily focuses on rural areas.
• Gram Panchayat: Each village has a Gram Panchayat, which serves as the basic unit of the system.
• Elected Representatives: Members known as Panchs and a Sarpanch are elected by the village's adult population to govern the Gram Panchayat.
• Gram Sabha: The Panchayat operates under the supervision of the Gram Sabha, which includes all voters in the village and meets at least twice or thrice a year.
• Panchayat Samiti: Several Gram Panchayats combine to form a Panchayat Samiti, also called a Block or Mandal, responsible for coordinating and supervising the Gram Panchayats.

Ans: The factors that make the federal government in India attractive include:

• Defined Jurisdiction: Each branch of government has a clear jurisdiction, allowing issues to be addressed appropriately.
• Administrative Autonomy: Each level of government operates independently, with financial autonomy and no administrative interference.
• Unity and Diversity: The federal structure promotes unity among citizens while respecting regional diversity.

Ans: The Panchayati Raj system has strengthened democracy in India in the following ways:
1. Decentralization of power: The Panchayati Raj system is a prime example of decentralization of power. It provides a platform for the direct participation of people in decision-making at the local level. This ensures that people can get most of their problems solved locally and have a say in the governance of their own communities.
2. Empowerment of local communities: The Panchayati Raj system has empowered local communities by giving them the authority to make decisions on matters that directly affect their lives. People at the grassroots level have a better understanding of their problems and can find appropriate solutions, leading to effective governance.
3. Promoting social justice: The Panchayati Raj system has played a crucial role in promoting social justice. It has given marginalized sections of society, such as women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, an opportunity to participate in decision-making and have their voices heard. This has led to greater representation and inclusivity in the democratic process.
Overall, the Panchayati Raj system has strengthened democracy in India by promoting grassroots democracy, empowering local communities, and ensuring social justice.

Ans: Decentralisation grants more autonomy or freedom to lower levels of government and increases political awareness participation among the people

Ans: Education is included in the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution. This means:

• Both the Central and State governments can make laws regarding education.
• This arrangement allows for a unified approach to education across the country.
• If there is a conflict between laws made by the two levels of government, the law made by the Central Government will take precedence.

Ans: Three steps taken by India towards making it a federation are:

• Reorganization of States: The boundaries of several old states were adjusted to create new states based on linguistic, cultural, ethnic, or geographical differences.
• Center-State Relations: These relations have been clearly defined, ensuring a distinct distribution of power and responsibilities between the central and state governments.
• Decentralization: India has implemented decentralization at the local level through the establishment of Panchayati Raj and municipal governments, promoting greater participation and self-governance.

Ans: The differences between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat are as follows:

• Composition: Gram Sabha includes all the voters in a village, whereas Gram Panchayat is a council made up of elected ward members and a president (sarpanch).
• Decision-making: Gram Sabha serves as the main decision-making body at the village level, allowing all adult members to participate. In contrast, Gram Panchayat acts as the executive body that carries out the decisions made by the Gram Sabha.
• Functions: Gram Sabha discusses and decides on various matters, such as approving development plans, resolving disputes, and monitoring the Gram Panchayat's performance. Gram Panchayat is responsible for daily administration and governance, including implementing development projects and welfare schemes.

Ans: This can be explained as follows: 
(1) India became a ‘Union of states’ because it was a union of both British ruled territories as well as many princely states. 
(2) The term indicated the values of unity and harmony among its people. 
(3) Some sub-political units of India have a special status because they were integrated in the Indian union on different grounds. 
(4) Some units were very backward in their development on measures of literacy and economy- hence had to be especially looked after. 
(5) Some states were too big to be called cities, too small to be called states and hence were called Union Territories.

Ans: Three distinctions are:

Q53: How are the powers divided between the state and the centre in India? Explain with an example. (CBSE 20212)

Ans: The division of power between the central and state governments is done through a three fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government and the State Government. This is done through three lists: Union List, State List and Concurrent List. 
(1) Union List: It includes subjects of national importance, e.g. defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communication and currency. The Central Government makes laws to maintain uniformity on these subjects. 
(2) State List: It contains subjects of state and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation. 
(3) Concurrent List: It includes those subjects which are of common interest to both the Central as well as State Governments, like education, forests, marriage and trade unions. Both the State and Central Government can make decisions on these matters.

Ans: A Gram Sabha comprises all the adult citizen voters of the village. It is empowered to support and review the Gram Panchayat body. 
The functions of Gram Sabha are: 
(1) It elects the members of the Gram Panchayat. 
(2) It supervises the work of the Gram Panchayat. 
(3) It approves the annual budget of the Panchayat. 
(4) It reviews the performance of the Gram Panchayat.