Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 Previous Year Questions - Federalism

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) India has vast number of languages, this makes India a diverse country. Thus, it preserve the unique identities of different communities.
(ii) The Indian constitution includes 22 languages therefore these are called scheduled languages. Others are called ‘non-scheduled languages’.
(iii) This means that the diverse languages and cultures of India have blended together to create a shared sense of national identity. For example unlike Sri Lanka, the leaders of our country adopted a very cautious attitude in spreading the use of Hindi.

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) When power is taken away from central and state government and given to local government is called decentralisation in democracy.
(ii) Importance of local self government-There are large number of problems and issues which are best settled at the local level.
(iii) Steps taken for decentralisationl
(a) Setting of panchayats in villages and municipalities in urban areas in all the states.
(b) Direct participation of local people in decision making process.

Ans: (b)
India, Spain and Belgium are the examples of holding together federation. Australia, USA and Switzerland are 'coming together federations'.

Ans: (d)
Under the Unitary form of government, either there is only one level of government or the sutr units are subordinate to the central government.

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

Ans: (a)
United States of America is a 'coming together’ federation. India. Spain and Belgium are ’holding together’ federation.

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 'holding together federation’.

Ans: Union Government as well as the state Government can make laws on concurrent subjects-like forest, trade unions, education etc.

Ans: The three features of federal government are:
(i) The central government gives some powers to the state government.
(ii) Power is distributed among legislature, executive, and judiciary.
(iii) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.

Ans: Three features of unitary government are:
(i) It creates a centralized government.
(ii) The central government is supreme.
(iii) The administrative divisions such as states or districts exercise less power than the center.

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 are:
(i) Two or more levels of government exist.
(ii) Each level of government has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation, and administration.
(iii) The jurisdictions of the respective levels of government are specified in the constitution.
(iv) The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government.
(v) The High Court and the Supreme Court act as an umpire in case of disputes between different levels of government.
(vi) Sources of revenue for each level of government are specified to ensure financial autonomy.
(vii) Federalism aims to safeguard and promote unity while accommodating regional diversity.

Ans: Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration. The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution. So, the existence and authority of each tier of government is constitutionally guaranteed. The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both the levels of government. Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of government. The highest court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers. Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy. The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity. We can see that all the features of federalism mentioned above apply to the provision of the Indian constitution.

Ans: State Election Commission

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 Panchayati Raj System in India: 
(i) Gram Panchayat is a council consisting of several ward members, often called panch, and a president or sarpanch. 
(ii) They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or village. 
(iii) It is the decision-making body for the entire village. 
(iv) The constitution was amended in 1992 to make a more effective and powerful three tier system viz. 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 established equality by maintaining equal number of French and Dutch speaking people in the central government so that a single dominant community is not able to make majoritarian decisions.

Ans: The main features of federalism are as follows: 
(1) Two or more levels of government: Usually, a federation has two levels of government- at the central level and another at the state or regional level which may or may not be subordinate to the central government. In India, third tier of government has been added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities. 
(2) Same citizens with separate jurisdiction: Different tiers of government govern the same citizens but each tier or level of government has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration. 
(3) Jurisdiction specified by the constitution: The jurisdiction or powers of each tier or level of government are specified in the constitution. So the existence and authority of each tier of government are constitutionally guaranteed. 
(4) No constitutional change without the consent of both the governments: The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both the levels of government. 
(5) Sources of revenue: The sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.

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 major step towards decentralisation and strengthening of the local self-government was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third tier of democracy more powerful and effective. The local governing bodies were given constitutional status.
(i) Now, it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been i created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
(ii) Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
(iii) The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.

Ans: Importance of third-tier government are: 
(i) There are a large number of problems and issues i which are best settled at the local level. People have better knowledge of problems in their localities. 
(ii) They also have better ideas on how to solve the problems and where to spend the resources
(iii) At the local level, it is possible for the people to directly participate in decision making, 
(iv) This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation.

Ans: Union Government

Ans: (i) Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
(ii) Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
(iii) At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
(iv) An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
(v) The state governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies.

Ans: Steps taken to strengthen the local self governments by the Constitutional Amendment, 1992 are: 
(1) Holding regular elections under the local government bodies has been made compulsory.
(2) Reservation of seats for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes was introduced in the elected bodies. 
(3) One third i.e., 33% of the seats are reserved for women in all elected bodies

Ans: Concurrent List

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 has a large cultural, regional and religious diversity but there is still unity among people. This is because: 
(1) India is a democratic country which aims to establish political, social and economic equality through the Indian constitution. This makes it easier for people to live together with harmony. 
(2) Indian Constitution recognises and empowers every ethnic group and tribe. This reduces the feelings of isolationism. 
(3) India follows a federal government which encourages public participation in political processes making every decision of the government legitimate and popularly accepted by all. 
Hence the compliance.

Ans: Federal system has dual objectives to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity.

Ans: Five features of the Panchayati Raj system in India are:
(i) Rural-based: Panchayati Raj is primarily focused on rural areas.
(ii) Gram Panchayat: Each village has a Gram Panchayat, which is the basic unit of the Panchayati Raj system.
(iii) Elected Representatives: Panchs and a Sarpanch are elected by the adult population in the village to govern the Gram Panchayat.
(iv) Gram Sabha: The Panchayat works under the supervision and guidance of the Gram Sabha, which consists of all the voters in the village and meets at least twice or thrice a year.
(v) Panchayat Samiti or Block or Mandal: Several Gram Panchayats form a Panchayat Samiti or Block or Mandal, which is responsible for coordination and supervision of the Gram Panchayats.

Ans: The factors that make federal government in India attractive are:
(i) Defined Jurisdiction: The jurisdiction of different arms of the government is clearly defined, ensuring that problems are solved as per jurisdiction.
(ii) Administrative Autonomy: There is no administrative interference because each level of government has financial autonomy.
(iii) Unity and Diversity: The federal structure ensures unity among the people while accommodating 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 comes under the concurrent list; so both the states and the centre can legislate on any aspect of education.

Ans: Three steps taken by India towards making it a federation are:
(i) Reorganization of States: The boundaries of several old states were changed to create new states based on linguistic, cultural, ethnic, or geographical differences.
(ii) Center-State Relations: The Center-State relations have been well defined, ensuring a clear distribution of power and responsibilities between the central government and state governments.
(iii) Decentralization: India has implemented decentralization at the local level through the establishment of Panchayati Raj and municipal governments, allowing for greater participation and self-government.

Ans: The differences between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat are as follows:
1. Composition: Gram Sabha consists of all the voters in a village, while Gram Panchayat is a council consisting of several ward members and a president or sarpanch.
2. Decision-making: Gram Sabha is the primary decision-making body at the village level, where all the adult members can participate. Gram Panchayat, on the other hand, is the executive body that implements the decisions taken by the Gram Sabha.
3. Functions: Gram Sabha discusses and decides on various issues such as the approval of development plans, solving disputes, and overseeing the functioning of the Gram Panchayat. Gram Panchayat is responsible for the day-to-day administration and governance of the village, including the implementation of 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.