2. Federalism

The chapter explores the concept of federalism, focusing on its theory and practice in India. It explains the constitutional framework that establishes federalism, the distribution of powers among different levels of government, and the significance of local governance as the third tier in India's federal structure. Additionally, the chapter discusses the evolution of federalism in the context of linguistic diversity and the implications for democracy in India.

Sections

  • 2

    Federalism

    Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, exemplified by India’s complex governance structure.

  • 2.1

    What Is Federalism?

    Federalism is a power-sharing system between a central authority and various constituent units of a country, allowing for governance at multiple levels.

  • 2.2

    Jurisdiction

    Jurisdiction involves the legal authority of different levels of government in a federal system, emphasizing the distribution of powers between central and state authorities.

  • 2.3

    Key Features Of Federalism

    Federalism divides power between central and state governments in a way that allows both to function autonomously while promoting unity and regional diversity.

  • 2.3.1

    Objectives Of Federal System

    The federal system aims to balance national unity and regional diversity by establishing dual governance layers.

  • 2.3.2

    Difference Between Federal And Unitary Governments

    This section highlights the distinctions between federal and unitary governments, focusing on the distribution of power and authority.

  • 2.4

    What Makes India A Federal Country?

    India is classified as a federal country due to its division of powers between the central government and its states, as guided by the Constitution and its three-tier structure.

  • 2.5

    How Is Federalism Practised?

    The success of federalism in India is due to constitutional provisions and the nature of democratic politics, which fosters respect for diversity.

  • 2.5.1

    Linguistic States

    The creation of linguistic States in India was a crucial step in accommodating regional diversity and fostering national unity.

  • 2.5.2

    Language Policy

    The language policy of India is designed to respect the country's linguistic diversity while promoting Hindi as the official language without imposing it on non-Hindi speaking regions.

  • 2.5.3

    Centre-State Relations

    This section explores the dynamics of Centre-State relations within the context of Indian federalism and how this relationship has evolved over time.

  • 2.6

    Decentralisation In India

    Decentralisation in India is the transfer of authority from central and state governments to local governments, fostering democratic participation and local self-governance.

  • 2.6.1

    Local Government Structure

    This section discusses the decentralized structure of local government in India, emphasizing its significance for democratic participation and governance.

  • 2.6.2

    Local Government And Recent Changes

    This section discusses the role of local government in India's federal structure and the constitutional amendments that have enhanced its powers.

  • 2.7

    Conclusion: The Success Of Federalism

    The conclusion emphasizes the significant role of federalism in accommodating diversity in India and highlights the various factors contributing to its success.

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Federalism involves a divis...
  • The Indian Constitution est...
  • Decentralization and local ...

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