What makes India a Federal Country?

India is a federal country because power is shared between the central government and state governments.

Definition of Federalism

Federalism is a system of government where authority is divided between a national government and smaller regional governments, each having its own powers.

Features of Indian Federalism

• Division of Powers: The Indian Constitution clearly divides powers between the Union (central) and States through three lists - Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
• Independent Governments: Both central and state governments have their own elected bodies and administrative machinery.
• Supremacy of Constitution: The Constitution is the supreme law, balancing powers and resolving conflicts.
• Bicameral Parliament: Includes the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) representing states.

Why India Needs Federalism?

India's large size, diverse population, multiple languages, and varied cultures make federalism necessary to govern effectively while respecting regional differences.

Flexibility in Indian Federalism

India's federal system is often called "quasi-federal" because, in emergencies, the central government has strong powers over states.