Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 Question Answers - Federalism

Q1. Give three reasons for decentralisation of power.
Ans: Reasons for decentralisation of power are as follows:

• States in India are often larger than many European countries, necessitating decentralisation for effective administration.
• Local issues are best understood by the local population, who can address their unique challenges more effectively.
• Decentralisation enhances democracy at the grassroots level, allowing local people to directly engage in governance.

Q2. List the main features of the 73rd Amendment Act.
Ans: The main features of the 73rd Amendment Act are as follows:

• Direct Elections: All three levels of the Panchayati Raj are elected directly by the people.
• Term Duration: Each term lasts for five years.
• Women’s Reservation: One-third of the seats are reserved for women.
• Social Reservations: Seats are also reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes at all levels.

Q3. Seats are reserved for women in the local self-government. Seeing the position of women in India as well as the corruption in politics, how far do you think this reservation will help? (HOTS)
Ans: The reservation of seats for women is a significant step towards improving democracy in India. However, challenges remain due to the existing power politics and corruption. Here are some key points to consider:

• Increased Participation: Reserved seats encourage more women to participate in elections.
• Democratic Enhancement: This reservation aims to strengthen women's representation in local governance.
• Ongoing Challenges: Despite reservations, many women still face difficulties in entering politics.
• Need for Support: Effective implementation and support systems are crucial for realising the benefits of this reservation.

Q4. What is the dual objective of the federal system? What is required to fulfill them?
Ans: The federal system has dual objectives:

• To safeguard and promote the unity of the country.
• To accommodate regional diversity.
• Two aspects are crucial for the institutions and practice of Federalism. Governments at different levels must agree to some power-sharing rules. They should also trust that each would abide by the agreement.

Q5. What is the role of judiciary in implementing federalism?
Ans: The judiciary plays a crucial role in implementing federalism by:

• Resolving disputes: The Supreme Court and High Courts settle disagreements regarding the division of powers between the Union and State Governments.
• Taxation authority: Both levels of government can levy taxes. If disputes arise over these powers, the courts intervene to resolve them.
• Interpreting the Constitution: Courts interpret constitutional provisions, ensuring that both levels of government adhere to their designated powers.

Q6. What are the steps taken by our Constitution to safeguard the different languages?
Ans: Our Constitution has taken several steps to safeguard different languages:

• The Constitution recognises Hindi as the official language, while also protecting other languages.
• In addition to Hindi, there are 22 other languages acknowledged as Scheduled Languages.
• Candidates can take central government examinations in any of these languages.
• Each state has its own official languages, and government work is conducted in the respective state language.

Q7. Why was third-tier of the government created?
Ans: A vast country like India cannot be effectively governed with only two tiers of government. Here are some key reasons for the creation of a third tier:

• Some Indian states are as large as independent countries in Europe. For example, Uttar Pradesh has a population larger than that of Russia, while Maharashtra is comparable to Germany.
• These states exhibit significant internal diversity, necessitating power sharing.
• A third tier of government, known as local government, was established to facilitate this decentralisation.
• Decentralisation allows local issues to be addressed more effectively, as local residents have better knowledge of their own problems.

Q8. Write a note on the local government bodies in urban areas.
Ans: Local government bodies in urban areas include Municipalities and Municipal Corporations.

• Municipalities are established in towns. Municipal Corporations are formed in larger cities.
• Both are governed by elected representatives.
• The head of a Municipality is called the Chairperson. The head of a Municipal Corporation is known as the Mayor.

Q9. How can you say that the new system of local government is the largest experiment in democracy conducted anywhere in the world?
Ans: The new system of local government in India is considered the largest experiment in democracy globally due to several key factors:

• There are about 36 lakh elected representatives in the panchayats and municipalities all over the country. 
• This number is bigger than the population of many countries of the world. Constitutional status for local government has helped to deepen democracy in our country. 
• By providing reservation for women, it has also increased women’s representation in our country.
• While elections are held regularly, gram sabhas often do not convene as frequently. Many state governments have yet to delegate significant powers or resources to local bodies.

Q10. Some Nepalese students were discussing the proposals on adoption of federalism in their new Constitution. This is what some of them said.
Khag Raj: I don’t like federalism. It would lead to reservation of seats for different caste groups as in India.
Sarita: Ours is not a very big country. We don’t need federalism.
Babulal: I am hopeful that the Terai areas will get more autonomy if they get their own state government.
Ram Ganesh: I like federalism because it will mean that powers that were earlier enjoyed by the king will now be exercised by our elected representatives. 

(a) What would be your response to each of these? 

(b) Which of these reflect a wrong understanding of what federalism is? 

(c) What makes India a federal country?
Ans: (a) I would agree with Ram Ganesh. He understands that federalism means power-sharing and not dictatorship. Sarita has a wrong perspective of Federalism. Federalism does not depend on size. 

(b) Belgium is an example of a small country following federalism. Federalism accommodates all divisions and differences. Khag Raj does not realise that if there are social divisions, they have to be accommodated and minority divisions are to be protected as in India. 

(c) India is a land of diversity with so many languages, religions and regions. So the powers had to be shared to avoid conflict. No group can be allowed to dominate.