Political Science: Federalism Video Lecture | NCERT Video Summary: Class 6 to Class 12 (English) - UPSC

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and regional or state governments. In this system, both the central and regional governments have their own separate spheres of power and authority, and they work together to govern the country. The central government is responsible for handling national-level issues such as defense, foreign policy, and currency, while the regional governments have authority over matters like education, healthcare, and transportation within their respective regions. This division of power helps to maintain a balance between national unity and regional autonomy.

Federalism offers several advantages in political science. Firstly, it allows for the sharing of power between the central and regional governments, which helps prevent the concentration of power in a single authority. This promotes a more balanced and democratic system of governance. Secondly, federalism allows for regional diversity and accommodates the specific needs and interests of different regions within a country. It provides a platform for local governments to address local issues effectively. Additionally, federalism can also serve as a check on the abuse of power, as regional governments act as a counterbalance to the central authority. This ensures a system of checks and balances, preventing the misuse of power by any one government.

While federalism has its advantages, there are also challenges associated with this form of governance. One challenge is the potential for conflicts and disagreements between the central and regional governments. The division of power and authority can lead to jurisdictional disputes and disagreements over policy decisions. Another challenge is the potential for inequality among regions. Some regions may have more resources and capabilities than others, leading to disparities in development and access to services. Additionally, coordinating and making decisions across multiple levels of government can be complex and time-consuming, leading to inefficiencies in governance. Lastly, federalism requires a strong commitment to cooperation and coordination among different levels of government, which can be difficult to achieve in practice.

Federalism plays a crucial role in strengthening democracy. It helps to distribute power and prevent the concentration of authority in a single entity, thereby promoting a more democratic system of governance. By allowing regional governments to make decisions on local issues, federalism ensures that the voices and interests of citizens at the local level are represented in the decision-making process. This promotes citizen participation and engagement in the political process. Furthermore, federalism provides opportunities for experimentation and policy innovation at the regional level, allowing different regions to adopt policies that suit their specific needs and preferences. This enhances democratic governance by encouraging diversity and accommodating different perspectives within the country.

Federalism strikes a balance between national unity and regional autonomy by dividing power between the central and regional governments. While the central government is responsible for maintaining national unity and addressing issues of national importance, the regional governments have the autonomy to govern their respective regions based on their specific needs and preferences. This allows for the preservation of regional identities and cultures, while also ensuring a sense of national unity. Federalism allows regions to have a degree of self-governance, which can help address local issues more effectively. At the same time, it maintains a strong central authority to handle matters of national interest, ensuring the stability and cohesion of the country as a whole.