What is Federalism?

What is federalism? Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units, such as states or provinces. In this system, both the central and state governments have their own responsibilities and powers. This helps in better governance and ensures that no single authority has total control over everything.

The word federalism comes from the Latin word "foedus," which means agreement or treaty. In a federal structure, different levels of government agree to share power and work together for the smooth functioning of the country. This system helps in maintaining both unity and diversity in a large country.

Why is Federalism Important?

Federalism is important because it helps in managing a country efficiently, especially when the country is large and diverse. Different states or regions may have their own unique cultures, languages, and needs. A single central government may not be able to address all these local concerns effectively. That is why power is distributed among different levels of government.

For example, in India, the central government takes care of national issues like defense, foreign affairs, and currency, while the state governments handle matters like police, health, and education. This system allows both the central and state governments to focus on their specific responsibilities, making governance more efficient.

Do Check: CBSE Civics Social Sciences Class 10 Federalism

Federalism Meaning

The word "federalism" comes from the Latin word 'foedus', which means agreement or treaty. In a federal system, there is an agreement between the central government and the state governments about sharing power.

Federalism Meaning in Hindi

In Hindi, federalism meaning is "संघवाद" (Sanghvad). संघवाद (federalism) means a system where power is shared between the central government (केंद्र सरकार) and state governments (राज्य सरकारें).

What is Federalism Class 10?

In class 10th federalism notes, we learn that federalism is a system where two or more levels of government exist in a country. Each level of government has its own powers and responsibilities.

For example:

In India, we have three levels of government:

• Central Government (Union Government) – Governs the whole country.
• State Government – Governs individual states.
• Local Government (Municipalities and Panchayats) – Governs cities and villages.

This division of power is important because it ensures that no single authority has complete control over everything.

Do Check: MCQ Questions for Class 10 Social Science Federalism with Answers

Features of Federalism

Understanding the features of federalism is important for students, especially those looking for features of federalism class 10. Below are the main features:

1. Two or More Levels of Government – Federalism includes at least two levels of government, such as central and state governments. In some countries like India, there is also a local government.
2. Power Division – The constitution clearly divides powers between different levels of government. Each level has its own responsibilities.
3. Independent Judiciary – A federal system has a strong and independent judiciary to solve conflicts between the central and state governments. In India, the Supreme Court plays this role.
4. Written Constitution – A written constitution defines the powers and functions of different levels of government. This helps avoid confusion and disputes.
5. Rigid Constitution – The constitution in a federal system is difficult to change. Any change usually requires the approval of both the central and state governments.
6. Financial Independence – Each level of government has its own sources of income (taxes, grants, etc.) to perform its duties without depending on another level of government.
7. Dual Government – In a federal system, there are two governments, one at the central level and one at the state level. Both have their own powers and functions.

These features of federalism class 10 are crucial for understanding how a federal system works.

Types of Federalism

There are two types of federalism:

Holding Together Federalism

• In this type, power is divided among different regions to keep the country united.
• The central government has more power than the states.
• Example: India, Belgium, Spain.

Coming Together Federalism

• In this type, independent states come together to form a larger country and share power.
• The central government and state governments have equal power.
• Example: USA, Switzerland, Australia.

Do Check: Social Science Class 10 Important Questions Political Science Chapter 2 Federalism

Federalism in India

India follows holding together federalism. This means that power is divided between the central and state governments, but the central government has more authority in important matters.

Division of Powers in India

The Indian Constitution divides powers into three lists:

1. Union List – The central government controls matters like defense, foreign affairs, and currency.
2. State List – The state governments control matters like police, health, and agriculture.
3. Concurrent List – Both central and state governments can make laws on matters like education, forests, and marriage.

If there is a conflict, the central government’s decision is final.

Advantages of Federalism

Federalism has many benefits:

1. Better Governance – Different levels of government handle different responsibilities, making governance more efficient.
2. Prevents Dictatorship – Since power is divided, no single authority can misuse power.
3. Respects Local Needs – State governments can make laws according to the needs of the people in their regions.
4. Encourages Innovation – States can experiment with new policies without affecting the entire country.
5. Strong National Unity – People feel more connected to their government when they have representation at different levels.

Do Check: Social Sciences Civics CBSE Class 10 Federalism SAQ

Challenges of Federalism

While federalism has many benefits, it also faces some challenges:

1. Conflicts Between Central and State Governments – Sometimes, central and state governments disagree on policies, leading to conflicts.
2. Unequal Development – Some states may develop faster than others, leading to economic differences.
3. Complex Decision-Making – In a federal system, decision-making can be slower because multiple governments are involved.
4. Financial Issues – Some states may not have enough financial resources, leading to dependency on the central government.