1. Definition of Federalism:
    • Federalism is a system where power is shared between a central government and various regional governments (like states or provinces). Both levels of government work independently in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
  2. Global Perspective on Federalism:
    • Only 25 of the 193 countries are federal, but they account for 40% of the world’s population. Many large countries, such as the USA, Brazil, India, and Canada, use federal systems.
  3. Belgium and Sri Lanka’s Contrast:
    • Belgium moved from a unitary system (where all power is with the central government) to a federal system in 1993, giving more power to regional governments.
    • Sri Lanka has a unitary system where the central government holds all power. Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka want federalism for better regional autonomy.
  4. Types of Federations:
    • ‘Coming Together’ Federation: Independent states unite to form a larger country. Examples: USA, Switzerland, and Australia.
    • ‘Holding Together’ Federation: A large country divides power between national and state governments. Examples: India, Spain, Belgium.
  5. Key Features of Federalism:
    1. Multiple Levels of Government: There are two or more levels (e.g., central, state).
    2. Distinct Powers: Each level has specific powers like making laws, collecting taxes, etc.
    3. Constitutional Guarantee: Powers are defined by the constitution, ensuring each level has authority.
    4. Constitutional Amendments: Changes to the constitution require the consent of both levels of government.
    5. Judiciary’s Role: Courts resolve disputes between different levels of government.
    6. Financial Autonomy: Each level has defined revenue sources.
  6. Federalism vs Unitary Systems:
    • In a unitary system, the central government can control the regional or local governments, while in federalism, each level of government operates independently.
  7. Indian Federalism:
    • India, despite not explicitly using the word “federation,” is a federal country. The Constitution divides powers between the Union Government (Central) and State Governments.
    • Three Lists in the Indian Constitution:
      • Union List: National matters like defense, foreign policy, currency.
      • State List: Local matters like police, trade, agriculture.
      • Concurrent List: Shared topics like education, forest, and marriage.
      • Residuary Powers: Powers not listed in the Constitution are given to the Union Government.
  8. Special Provisions for Some States:
    • Some states like Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram have special provisions due to their unique social and historical context. They have powers to protect land rights and culture.
  9. Union Territories:
    • Areas like Chandigarh and Delhi are Union Territories and don’t have the same powers as states. The Central Government holds more control here.
  10. Changing the Power Sharing Arrangement:
    • Changes in power sharing between the Union and State Governments cannot be made easily. They need the consent of both Houses of Parliament and approval from half the states.
  11. Role of Judiciary:
    • The courts (especially the Supreme Court) help resolve disputes over power between the Union and State Governments.
  12. Success of Federalism in India:
    • India’s federal system has succeeded because of its democratic nature. The spirit of federalism and respect for diversity are shared values in the country, ensuring peaceful coexistence of different regions and cultures.

Extra Insights for Competitive Exams:

  • India’s Federation: India is often considered a ‘Holding Together Federation’ because power has been divided after the country was unified post-independence. In contrast to federations formed by independent states, India’s division was a result of maintaining unity while accommodating diversity.
  • Constitutional Amendments: The Article 368 of the Indian Constitution specifies that any amendment affecting the balance of power between the Union and the States must be approved by both Houses of Parliament and ratified by at least half of the state legislatures.
  • Judicial Review: The Supreme Court plays a vital role in interpreting the Constitution. In case of a dispute regarding the division of powers, the Court acts as an umpire, ensuring that the constitutional framework is followed.
  • Residuary Powers: The Union Government’s authority over residuary powers (those not mentioned in the Constitution) is a significant aspect of Indian federalism. This is especially important in addressing modern issues like technology, internet governance, etc.
  • Union Territories: Though they are part of India, Union Territories like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Lakshadweep have unique governance structures. For example, Delhi has its own legislature and Chief Minister, but the Central Government holds more control, especially in matters like police and land.

1. Creation of Linguistic States:

  • After India gained independence in 1947, the political map underwent significant changes.
  • Many new states were created, and existing ones were reorganized based on linguistic and cultural factors.
  • Linguistic basis for state creation: The initial formation of states was based on language to ensure people who spoke the same language lived in the same region (e.g., the creation of linguistic states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, etc.).
  • Other factors: Some states, like Nagaland, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand, were formed not on linguistic grounds but on cultural, ethnic, or geographical reasons.
  • This reorganization was a major test for India’s democratic politics and federal structure.

2. Language Policy in India:

  • Official Language: Hindi was chosen as the official language, but only about 40% of Indians speak it as their mother tongue.
  • The Constitution recognizes 22 languages as “Scheduled Languages,” including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and others.
  • Flexibility with languages: Unlike Sri Lanka, India adopted a cautious approach to promoting Hindi. Although Hindi is the official language, other languages are also protected.
  • The use of English for official purposes was supposed to end by 1965. However, due to opposition from non-Hindi states (like Tamil Nadu), the government allowed English to continue alongside Hindi.
  • Criticism: Some believe this system favors English-speaking elites.

3. Federalism in India (Centre-State Relations):

  • The relationship between the Centre and States has evolved, especially since 1990, when regional parties began gaining influence.
  • In the past, the central government often dismissed state governments run by opposition parties, weakening federalism.
  • Since 1990, coalition governments became more common at the national level, respecting state autonomy more.
  • Judicial support: The Supreme Court’s decisions in the 1990s prevented arbitrary dismissals of state governments, reinforcing the federal structure.

4. Linguistic Diversity:

  • Census of 2011: Over 1,300 distinct languages were reported, grouped under 121 major languages.
  • Scheduled vs. Non-Scheduled Languages: 22 languages are recognized as Scheduled Languages in the Constitution.
  • Major languages: Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Urdu are some of the major languages spoken in India.
  • Distribution: No single language is spoken by a majority. Hindi is the most common language, but it is still spoken by less than half of the population.
  • Importance of linguistic diversity: India’s linguistic diversity makes it unique and one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.

5. Decentralization and Local Government:

  • India follows a three-tier federal structure: Central Government, State Governments, and Local Governments.
  • Decentralization: The power-sharing arrangement has been extended to local governments through Panchayats in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas.
  • Local governance: Local governments were given constitutional status through the 73rd and 74th Amendments in 1992. This made regular elections mandatory and introduced reservations for women, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
  • Panchayati Raj: The system of local government in villages is called Panchayati Raj. The Gram Panchayat governs villages, while panchayat samitis and zilla parishads work at higher levels.
  • Challenges: Despite these reforms, local governments still face challenges such as insufficient powers, lack of resources, and irregular meetings.

6. Importance of Decentralization:

  • Decentralization is about shifting power from central and state governments to local bodies, empowering people at the grassroots level.
  • Local governments can address local issues more effectively since they are closer to the people and have a better understanding of local problems.
  • Challenges of Decentralization: In practice, local governments often lack significant resources or powers to make meaningful changes.

7. Constitutional and Legislative Changes:

  • Regular elections to local governments are mandatory.
  • There is a constitutional provision for reserving seats for women and backward classes in local bodies.
  • State Election Commissions were created to ensure free and fair elections at the local level.

8. The Impact of Local Government on Democracy:

  • Global Scale: India’s local government system is the largest experiment in democracy, with over 36 lakh elected representatives.
  • Women’s Representation: The system has increased the representation of women in politics.
  • However, state governments have not always provided the necessary powers or funds to local bodies, meaning decentralization is still incomplete.

Key Concepts:

  • Federalism: Power-sharing between the Central Government and States, as well as between different levels of government (local, state, national).
  • Linguistic Reorganization: Creation of states based on language to ensure cultural unity.
  • Scheduled Languages: Languages recognized by the Indian Constitution for official purposes.
  • Decentralization: The process of giving local governments more power and resources to handle local issues.

Extra Knowledge:

  • Coalition Government: Formed when multiple political parties come together to govern, which often happens when no single party gets a clear majority. This system promotes power-sharing.
  • Panchayati Raj System: A key part of decentralization, ensuring local self-governance, especially in rural areas. It helps involve citizens directly in decision-making processes at the grassroots level.

THESE ALL ARE THE NOTES OF CHAPTER 2 POLITICAL SCIENCE. AND AFTER SOME TIME YOU GET IMPORTANT QUESTIONS HERE. *#THANKS FOR VISITING, VISIT AGAIN#* 😊