CBSE Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 ‘Federalism’ Important Extra Question & Answers: The questions comprise all important questions selected from Past Years’ CBSE Exams. Type of questions include MCQs, objective questions, short questions and long answer type questions. Click here for more materials for class 10 civics.
Federalism: Previous Years’ Board Questions (PYQs)
PYQs (Exam Years Covered: 2025, 2024, 2023)
SQP 2025-26
1. Consider the following case and choose the correct option:
Suppose the Government of India plans to issue new currency notes of different denominations in order to curb the influence of black money. The Government of one state is opposed to this policy of the Central Government. Can the state government stop the union government from implementing this policy?
(a) Yes, because Currency is the subject of State List
(b) No, because Currency is a subject of Union List
(c) Yes, because the approval of both the governments is necessary to implement this change.
(d) No, because any such change must be approved by the local government also.
Answer: (b) No, because Currency is a subject of Union List.
Exam Year: 2025
1. How does the Indian federal structure promote balance governance across the nation? Choose the most suitable option from the following:
(a) By allowing states to exercise complete autonomy on all issues.
(b) By ensuring a division of power between centre and states.
(c) By allowing all decision making processes under the Union Government.
(d) By giving more powers to local governments in comparison to states.
Answer: (b) By ensuring a division of power between centre and states.
2. Choose the correctly matched pair from the following:
(a) Concurrent List – Education
(b) Concurrent List – Defence
(c) Concurrent List – Police
(d) Concurrent List – Trade
Answer: (a) Concurrent List – Education
3. The North-eastern States of India like Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh enjoys special status in the Constitution of India because:
(a) The area has lush green forests.
(b) Literacy rates are very high.
(c) Due to their social and historical circumstances.
(d) As the people speak lot of different languages.
Answer: (c) Due to their social and historical circumstances.
4. Which of the following statements about Federalism in the Indian Constitution are correct?
- India is declared as a Union of States.
- Power-sharing between the Union and State governments is a basic feature.
- The power-sharing arrangement is easy to change.
- Changes in power-sharing require a 1/3rd majority in both houses of Parliament.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 4
Answer: (a) 1 and 2
5. Which one of the following language is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
(a) Bhojpuri
(b) Magadhi
(c) Rajasthani
(d) Tamil
Answer: (d) Tamil
Short and Long Questions
Subjective Questions (Short and Long Questions)
Q1. Highlight any two key features of federalism.
Answer: Any two key features of federalism.
Division of Powers
- In a federal system, powers are divided between the Central Government and State Governments.
- Each level has its own jurisdiction in matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
Written and Rigid Constitution
- The division of powers is clearly mentioned in the Constitution.
- These provisions cannot be changed unilaterally by one level of government.
- Changes require the consent of both levels of government.
Q2. Explain the main features of the Indian federal system.
Answer:
Two or More Levels of Government
- India has the Union Government and State Governments.
- Later, a third tier (Panchayats and Municipalities) was added.
- Division of Legislative Powers
- The Constitution provides three lists:
- Union List (Defence, Foreign Affairs, Currency, Banking)
- State List (Police, Agriculture, Trade)
- Concurrent List (Education, Forests, Marriage)
- Union List (Defence, Foreign Affairs, Currency, Banking)
- Residuary Powers with the Union Government
- Subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists are handled by the Union Government.
- Subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists are handled by the Union Government.
- Supremacy of the Constitution
- The Constitution clearly defines the powers of each level.
- Neither level can change this arrangement alone.
- The Constitution clearly defines the powers of each level.
- Independent Judiciary
- The Supreme Court and High Courts interpret the Constitution.
- They settle disputes between the Centre and the States.
- The Supreme Court and High Courts interpret the Constitution.
- Special Provisions for Some States
- Some States like Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh have special powers due to social and historical circumstances.
Conclusion:
The Indian federal system ensures unity of the nation while accommodating regional diversity, making it a ‘holding together’ federation with a strong Centre.
Exam Year: 2024
- Choose the most appropriate option regarding the division of legislative rights in India.
Subject list in Indian Constitution — Subjects
(a) Union List – Defence and Commerce
(b) State List – Police and Agriculture
(c) Concurrent List – Forest and Communication
(d) Residuary Subjects – Computer Software and Trade
Answer: (b) State List – Police and Agriculture
- Which one of the following is a scheduled language as per the Constitution of India?
(a) Bhojpuri
(b) Garhwali
(c) Nepali
(d) Rajasthani
Answer: (c) Nepali
- Match the Column I with Column II and choose the correct option:
| Column I (List) | Column II (Jurisdiction Sphere) |
| I. Union list subjects | A. State Governments alone make laws on it. |
| II. State list subjects | B. For uniformity Central Government legislates on it. |
| III. Concurrent subjects | C. Subjects under Jurisdiction of Centre and State Governments. |
| IV. Residuary subjects | D. Central government legislates on new subjects. |
I II III IV
(a) A B C D
(b) C D A B
(c) D C B A
(d) B A C D
Answer: (d) B A C D
Short and Long Questions
Q 1. Analyse the significance of the elected representatives in the Panchayats.
Answer:
- Direct Participation of People
- Members of the Gram Panchayat are directly elected by the people.
- This ensures people’s participation in decision-making at the grassroots level.
- Decision-Making Body at Village Level
- The Panchayat prepares and implements plans for local development.
- It manages issues like sanitation, roads, water supply and local welfare.
- Accountability through Gram Sabha
- The Panchayat works under the supervision of the Gram Sabha, which includes all adult voters of the village.
- This ensures transparency and accountability.
- Strengthening Democracy
- It promotes the idea of local self-government, which is an important principle of democracy.
Q 2. In what way has the representation of women in democracy been influenced by Constitutional status for local government?
Answer:
- Reservation for Women
- The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments provide at least one-third reservation for women in local bodies.
- Increased Political Participation
- A large number of women have become elected representatives in Panchayats and Municipalities.
- Greater Voice and Empowerment
- Women now participate in decision-making and influence policies related to health, education and welfare.
Thus, Constitutional status has significantly strengthened women’s representation and empowerment in democracy.
Q 3. What has been the impact of granting Constitutional status to local government on the democratic landscape of the country? Analyse any two impacts?
Answer:
- Regular Elections Made Mandatory
- It is now constitutionally compulsory to hold regular elections for local bodies.
- Deepening of Democracy
- Local governments have strengthened grassroots democracy and increased participation of SCs, STs, OBCs and women.
- Creation of State Election Commission
- An independent body conducts local elections, ensuring fairness.
Q 4. Mention the formation of Zilla Parishad.
Answer:
- Several Gram Panchayats form a Panchayat Samiti (Block or Mandal).
- All the Panchayat Samitis in a district together constitute the Zilla Parishad.
- Most members are directly elected.
- MLAs, MPs and other district-level officials are also members.
- The Chairperson of the Zilla Parishad is its political head.
Q 5. Describe any three characteristics of the Indian federal system
Answer:
- Division of Powers
- Powers are divided into Union List, State List and Concurrent List.
- Written Constitution
- The Constitution clearly defines the powers of each level of government.
- Independent Judiciary
- The Supreme Court settles disputes between Centre and States.
- Residuary Powers with the Centre
- Subjects not mentioned in the lists are handled by the Union Government.
Exam Year: 2023
1. Which one of the following options prove that India is a quasi-federal state?
I. More powers with Centre
II. Residuary subjects with Centre
III. Equal subjects with Centre and States
IV. Currency and Railways with Centre
Options:
(a) I, III and IV
(b) I, II and IV
(c) II, III and IV
(d) I, II and III
Answer: (b) I, II and IV
2. Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option:
| Column I | Column II |
| i. Union List | 1. Agriculture |
| ii. State List | 2. Computer Software |
| iii. Concurrent List | 3. Banking |
| iv. Residuary Subjects | 4. Education |
(a) i – 3, ii – 1, iii – 4, iv – 2
(b) i – 4, ii – 3, iii – 2, iv – 1
(c) i – 2, ii – 4, iii – 3, iv – 1
(d) i – 1, ii – 2, iii – 3, iv – 4
Answer: (a) i – 3, ii – 1, iii – 4, iv – 2
3. Which one of the following is an example of ‘coming together federation’?
(a) India
(b) USA
(c) Belgium
(d) Spain
Answer: (b) USA
4. What is not an integral part of the government?
(a) Office of the Prime Minister
(b) Legislature
(c) Executive
(d) Judiciary
Answer: (a) Office of the Prime Minister
5. Match Column – A with Column – B and choose the correct option:
| Column – 1 (Subjects) | Column – 2 (List) |
| (I) Banks | 1. Concurrent List |
| (II) Agriculture | 2. Union List |
| (III) Education | 3. State List |
| (IV) Computer | 4. Residuary Subjects |
I II III IV
(a) 4 3 1 2
(b) 3 4 1 2
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 4 2 1 3
Answer: (c) 2 3 1 4
5. Identify the administrative level of Indian Government with the help of the information given in the box and choose the correct option:
- Power shared between Central to Local Government.
- The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenue with them.
- It is called a three tier government.
(a) Dictatorial System
(b) Unitary Federal System
(c) Decentralized System
(d) Imperialistic System
Answer: (c) Decentralized System
6. Consider the following statements regarding language policy of Indian Federation: (2020)
- Hindi was identified as the official language.
- Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised as scheduled languages.
- English can be used along with Hindi for official purpose.
Choose the right option from the following:
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 1 and 2
(c) only 1
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
PYQs (Exam Years Covered: 2020 – 2012)
Q.1. Consider the following statements regarding language policy of Indian Federation. [CBSE OD, 2020]
- i. Hindi was identified as the official language.
- ii. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised as scheduled languages
- iii. English can be used along with Hindi for official purpose.
Choose the right option from the following:
(a) 1 and iii (b) i and ii (c) only i (d) i, ii and iii
Ans. (d) i, ii and iii
Q.2. Modern democracies maintain check and balance system. Identify the correct option based on the horizontal power sharing arrangement. (CBSE, 2020)
- (a) Central government, state government, local bodies.
- (b) Legislature, executive, judiciary.
- (c) Among different social groups.
- (d) Among different pressure groups.
Ans. (b) Legislature, executive, judiciary.
Q.3. How is Panchayat Samiti formed? [Diksha]
(a) By a few gram panchayats when are grouped together.
(b) By most members of the zila parishad
(c) By all MPs and MLAs in the block
(d) None of the above
Ans. (a) By a few gram panchayats when are grouped together.
Q.4. What type of distribution of powers does the Indian Constitution provide for? [Diksha]
(a) Single-fold
(b) Two-fold
(c) Three-fold
(d) Four-fold
Ans. (b) Two-fold
Q.5. The subjects that do not fall in any of the three lists are called ______ subjects. [Diksha]
Ans. residuary
Very Short One Mark Questions
Q.1. State any one step taken in Belgium to rule out the problem of regional differences and cultural diversities. [CBSE 2020]
Ans. The Constitution of Belgium established equality by maintaining equal number of French and Dutch speaking people in the central government so that a single dominant community does not make majoritarian decisions.
Q.2. What percentage of reservation is given to women in local administration in India? [CBSE 2020]
Ans. One third or 33% seats are reserved for women in local administration in India.
Q.3. Which institution has been created in each State of India to conduct Panchayat and Municipal elections? (2020, 2015)
Ans. State Election Commission
Q.4. Which government has the power to legislate on ‘Residuary’ subjects in India? (2019)
Ans. Union Government
Q.5. How do the central and state governments enjoy their power in federal system? (SQP. 2016)
Ans. The central and state governments enjoy powers because their ‘Powers’ are clearly divided in Union list and State list. They exercise authority equally on items listed is the concurrent list. The two governments operate according to their jurisdiction.
Q.6. Which is the highest institution of Panchayati Raj in India? (Term-I 2016)
Ans. Zila Parishad
Q.7. Much of the official work in Indian state is done in which language? (Term-I 2016)
Ans. Much of the official work in Indian states is done in the language of the state.
Q.8. What is decentralization? What is the need for it? (2016, 2015, 2014)
Ans. Decentralization can be defined as systematic distribution of authority or power at every level of the government. In India it is the centre, the state and the village level.
Q.9. Mention the dual objective of federal system of government. (2016)
Ans. to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity.
Q.10. Why was States Reorganization Commission formed? [SQP. 2016-17]
Ans. States Reorganization Commission was formed in 1954 to recommend creation of States on the linguistic basis.
Q.11. In which list of the Indian Constitution does education come? Why? [2015, 14, S.P. 2016]
Ans. Education comes under concurrent list so that both the centre and the states can legislate on any aspect of education.
Q.12. What status has been given to Hindi by the Constitution of India? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Official language of the country.
Q.13. What other factors besides politics keep the federations united? [CBSE, 2015]
Ans. Culture, ideology and history. trust, cooperation, mutual respect and restraint has also helped in the smooth functioning of nations.
Q.14. What is the official post for the chairperson of a Municipal Corporation? (2014)
Ans. Mayor
Q.15. What do you understand by ‘coming together’ federations? (2014)
Ans. The independent states which come together on their own to form a bigger unit so that they could increase their security, while maintaining their sovereignty are called the ‘coming together federations.’ Examples-USA, Switzerland and Australia.
Q.16. Which subjects are included in the Union List? (2014)
Ans. Defence of the nation, foreign affairs, banking, currency, communication.
Q.17. Name the country which follows ‘coming together’ style of federalism. [SQP. 2014]
Ans. USA, Switzerland and Australia.
Q.18. Which local body has a ‘Mayor’ as its head? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Municipal Corporation
Q.19. Who is a mayor? [CBSE 2014, Diksha]
Ans. The head of municipal corporation is called mayor.
Short Answer Type Questions
Q.1. Describe any three features of ‘federal government’. (2020)
Ans. The three features of federal government are:
(i) The central government gives some powers to the state government.
(ii) Power is distributed among legislature, executive and judiciary.
(iii) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
Q.2. Describe any three features of ‘unitary government’. (2020)
Ans. Three features of unitary government:
(i) It makes a centralized government.
(ii) The central government is supreme.
(iii) The administrative divisions such as state or districts exercise less power than centre.
Q.3. State any three key features of federalism in India. (2020, 19, 17)
Ans. Features of federalism are:
(i) There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government. We have three levels in India.
(ii) Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
(iii) The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the Federalism 259 constitution. Thus, the existence and authority of each tier of government is constitutionally guaranteed.
(iv) The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both the levels of government.
(v) The high court and the Supreme court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers.
(vi) Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
(vii) The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity.
Another Answer:
The features of ‘federal government’ are given below:
(i) There are two or more levels (tiers) of government.
(ii) Each level of government has its own jurisdiction in matters of legislation, taxation and administration even though they govern the same citizens.
(iii) Powers and functions of each tier of government is specified and guaranteed by Constitution.
(iv) The Supreme Court has been given power to settle disputes between federal governments.
(v) Fundamental provisions of Constitution cannot be altered by any one level of government.
(vi) The divisions of powers are defined by the Constitution and the legislative power.
Q.4. Describe the nature of the Panchayati Raj system in India. (2020)
Ans. Nature of Panchayati Raj System in India:
(i) Gram Panchayat is a council consisting of several ward members, often called panch, and a president or sarpanch.
(ii) They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or village.
(iii) It is the decision-making body for the entire village.
(iv) The constitution was amended in 1992 to make a more effective and powerful three tier system viz. Gram Panchayat, Block Samiti and Zila Parishad.
Q.5. Describe the rationale behind the implementation of Decentralisation in India. [CBSE OD, 2020]
Ans. The rationales behind the implementation of decentralisation in India are:
(i) India is a vast country; central government is unable to hear the needs of people from different areas.
(ii) The local government can easily understand the needs and demands of their people.
(iii) It helps women to participate in decision making process because 33% seats are reserved for women in local government.
(iv) It takes off burden from central and state government.
(v) It strengthens democracy.
(vi) At the local level it is possible for the people to directly participate in decision making.
Q.6. Describe any three steps taken by the Indian Government towards decentralisation of power in 1992. [CBSE OD, 2020]
OR. Describe any three steps taken to strengthen local self-governments, by the Constitutional Amendment, 1992. [CBSE 2019, 18]
OR. Explain the three major provisions of the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 which really strengthened the third tier of democracy in India? [2016, 2015]
Ans. The major steps taken towards the decentralisation of powers in India in 1992 are given below:
(i) It formalised the local self-government (Panchayati Raj system).
(ii) It empowers lower-level management or people participation in decision making to solve problems and issues at the local level.
(iii) To hold regular elections of the local governing bodies.
(iv) Reserve one third seats for the women in the local self-government.
(v) The state governments are needed for the purpose of sharing some powers and the revenue with local self-governing bodies.
(vi) Prior to 1992, local government bodies were under the control of the government but after 1992, these bodies were given constitutional status. Seats are reserved for SC, ST and OBC in elected bodies and executive head of the Institutions to ensure their equal participation.
Another Answer:
Amendment of 1992 is the 73rd amendment “Panchayats” whose three major provisions of this amendment are:
(i) Creation of State Election Commission to conduct elections to Panchayati Raj institutions.
(ii) In order to review the financial position of the Panchayati Raj institution, each state to setup a State Finance Commission for five years.
(iii) Tenure of Panchayati Raj institution fixed at five years and creation of three tier Panchayati Raj structure at zila, block and village level.
Q.7. Name any two subjects that are included in the Concurrent List. How are laws made on these subjects? Explain. [CBSE 2019]
Ans. Subjects that are included in the Concurrent List are:
- (i) Education
- (ii) Forest
- (iii) Marriage
- (iv) Adoption
- (v) Succession
On these subjects, laws are made in the following ways:
(i) Both the union as well as the state government can make laws on the subjects mentioned in this list.
(ii) If their laws conflict with each other, the law made by the union government will prevail.
Q.8. How is sharing of power between the Union and State Governments basic to the structure of then Constitution of India? Explain. [CBSE 2019]
Ans. Power sharing as basic structure of Constitution:
(i) It is not easy to make changes to power sharing arrangement.
(ii) Parliament can’t on its own change this arrangement.
(iii) Any change to it has to be first passed by both the Houses of Parliament, with at least 2/3rd majority
(iv) Then it has to be ratified by legislatures of at least half of the total States.
Q.9. “India has a large cultural, regional and religious diversity. But there is unity among people”. What factors are responsible for this? Elaborate. [CBSE 2016-17]
Ans. Despite the diversity the people of India are united because they have :
(i) Right to equality.
(ii) No discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, region or religion.
(iii) SCs & STs have some seats reserved and do get representation.
(iv) Right to freedom of religion and cultural and educational rights.
Q.10. Explain the factors that make federal government in India so attractive. [CBSE 2016-17]
(i) Mobilization
(ii) Administrative knowledge of the people at all the levels.
(iii) Efficacy to solve all kinds of issues at respective levels.
Q.11. How has the Panchayati Raj strengthened the democracy in India? Express your views. [2016-17]
Ans. Panchayati Raj is the best example of decentralisation of power.
(i) People can get most of their problems solved at the local level.
(ii) People can think and plan for themselves.
Q.12. Highlight any three steps taken by India towards making it a federation. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. (i) Reorganisation of states on linguistic basis.
(ii) Centre-state relations
(iii) Decentralisation or any other relevant point.
Q.13. Highlight three major distinctions between the federations of ‘coming together’ type and ‘holding together’ type. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Three major differences are given below:
Holding Together Federation:
(i) Large country decides to divide its power between states and the centre.
(ii) Central government tends to be more powerful.
(iii) Federating units have unequal power.
(iv) India, Spain, Belgium.
Coming Together Federation
(i) Independent states coming together on their own to form a bigger unit.
(ii) All the states have equal power and are strong.
(iii) By pooling sovereignty and retaining identity; they increase their security.
(iv) U.S.A., Switzer land, Australia
Q.14. Differentiate between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat. [CBSE 2015] .
Ans. Gram Panchayat is a council consisting of several ward members often called panch and a head or Sarpanch. It is the decision-making body for the village.
The Panchayat works under the overall supervision of the gram sabha. All the voters in the village are members of gram sabha. These voters elect the Gram Panchayat.
Q.15. What are the three lists given in the Constitution? [CBSE 2014]
OR
Describe the three-fold distribution of legislative power between the Union Government and State Governments of India. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. The three-fold distribution of legislative powers:
(i) Union list: Union lists consist of 97 subjects. It includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking, communication and currency.
(ii) State list: State list consists of 66 subjects. It contains subjects of state and local importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation.
(iii) Concurrent list: Concurrent list consist of 47 subjects It includes subjects of common interestto both such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption and succession.
Q.16. Describe the three-tier system of Indian federation? [CBSE 2011]
Ans. Three-tier system means three levels of government. The Indian Constitution was originally provided for a two-tier system o f government:
(i) The Union Government or the Central Government, and
(ii) The State Governments
(iii) But, later a third-tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats at rural level and Municipalities at urban level. Every level enjoys separate jurisdiction.
Q.17. Describe the significance of decentralisation. [CBSE 2011]
OR
Do you take decentralisation as means to minimise the conflicts? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Importance of Decentralisation:
(i) It helps in the settlement of a large number of problems and issues at the local level
(ii) It provides a platform for the direct participation of people in decision-making
(iii) In another way, decentralization in the form of ‘local self-government’ is the best way to realise principles of Democracy.
Yes, it helps in the settlement of a large number of problems and issues at the local level. It provides a platform for the direct participation of people in decision making. In another way, decentralisation in the form of ‘Local Self-government’ is the best way to realise principles of Democracy.
Q.18. Under which type of federation is India classified? Mention any two features of such a federation. [CBSE 2018, 14]
Ans. India comes under ‘holding together federations’. Features of the ‘holding together federations’ are:
(i) It decides to divide its power between the constituent states and the national government.
(ii) In this federation, the central government tends to be more powerful than the state government.
(iii) In this system, different constituent units of the federation have unequal powers.
Q.19. Explain any five features of Panchayati Raj system in India. (Term-I 2016)
Ans. Rural local government is known as Panchayati Raj.
(i) Panchayati Raj is rural-based.
(ii) Each village has a Gram Panchayat.
(iii) It has Panchs and a Sarpanch.
(iv) He/she is directly elected by the adult population in the village.
(v) Panchayat works under the Gram Sabha.
(vi) All the voters meet at least twice or thrice in a year.
(viii) Few Gram Panchayat from The Panchayat Samiti or Block or Mandal.
Long Answer Type Questions
Q.1. What is the meaning of Decentralisation? Explain any five provisions of the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 that strengthened the Third Tier of Government in India. [2016-17]
Ans. (i) Decentralisation: When power is taken from the Central and State Governments and is given to Local Government, it is called Decentralisation. The Constitution was amended in 1992 to make the Third Tier of Democracy more powerful and effective.
(ii) Provisions of the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 are:
(a) Now it is mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
(b) Seats are reserved for the elected bodies and for the post of the Executive Heads of these Institutions for SCs, STs and OBCs.
(c) At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
(d) An independent Institution called State Election Commission has been created in each State to conduct Panchayat and Municipal Elections.
(e) The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies.
Q.2. Why has Federalism succeeded in India? Which were the policies adopted by India that ensured this success? Explain. [2016-17]
Ans. Federalism has succeeded in India due to the nature of democratic policies in our country. The policies adopted by India to ensure this success are:
(i) Linguistic States: After Independence, the boundaries of several old states were changed in order to create new states. The creation of Linguistic States is the first and a major test for democratic politics in our country.
(ii) Language Policy: The second test for the Indian Federation is the language policy. The Indian Constitution did not give the status of National Language to any one of the languages.
(iii) Centre-State Relations: Restructuring the Centre State relations is one more way in which Federalism has been strengthened in practice.
(iv) Decentralisation of Power: Power in India has been Decentralised to the local government. The local government includes Panchayats in villages and municipalities in Urban areas.
Q.3. What has been the language policy of India after independence? Explain in five points. [Diksha]
Ans. Language policy of India:
(i) No language in India has got the status of national language.
(ii) Hindi was identified as official language, spoken by 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore, safeguards are taken to protect other languages.
(iii) Including Hindi there are 22 languages recognised as scheduled languages by the constitution. A candidate in an examination conducted for the Central Government positions may opt to take the examination in any of these languages.
(1v) States too have their own official languages. Most of government work is done in the official language of the concerned State.
(v) Use of English continues in India along with Hindi for official purposes.
Q.4. Why did the makers of our Constitution declare India to be a union of States? Why were some sub political units of India given a special status? [CBSE 2015, 12]
Ans. India became a Union of States because it consisted of both British–Ruled territories as well as many princely states. Some sub political units of India have a special status.
(i) French and Portuguese–Ruled territories were given the status of Union Territory.
(ii) Jammu & Kashmir joined India on a special condition.
(iii) Some units were too small to become independent states. They were made Union Territories.
(iv) States in the north-east have been given a special status as they have a large tribal population with a distinct history and culture.
Q.5. Which five provisions of the constitutional amendment of 1992 really strengthened the third tier of democracy in India? Explain. (2015, 2013, 2012)
Ans. Major steps towards decentralisation and strengthening of third tier taken in 1992 were:
(i) Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to Local Government bodies.
(ii) Seats are reserved in elected bodies for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes (OBCs).
(iii) At least one-third of all positions and seats are reserved for women.
(iv) An independent institution called the State Election Commission was created to conduct Panchayat and Municipal elections.
(v) The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenue with Local Government bodies
Answer by a topper-Year 2018
Q. 6. Why did the makers of our Constitution declare India to be a ‘Union of States’? Why were some sub-political units of India given a special status? (2012)
Ans. India became a Union of States because it consisted of both British-ruled territories as well as many princely states. Some sub-political units of India have a special status. (i) Jammu & Kashmir joined India on a special condition. (ii) Some units were too small to become independent states. They were made Union Territories. (iii) States in the North-East have been given a special status as they have a large tribal population with a distinct history and culture.
Q.7. Explain any five advantages of decentralisation of power. (2012)
Ans. Advantages of Decentralization are as follows:
(i) Sharing of power between centre, states and local government reduces conflict.
(ii) Large number of problems and issues can be best settled at local level. People have better knowledge of problems in their localities.
(iii) People have better knowledge of local issues so solutions can be found.
(iv) They know better as where to spend money and how to manage things efficiently.
(v) People at the local level participate directly in decision making.
Q.8. What is a Gram Sabha? Describe any four functions of a Gram Sabha. (2012)
Ans. Gram Sabha: A body comprising of all adult members of a village or a group of villages.
Functions of Gram Sabha:
(i) It elects the members of the Gram Panchayat.
(ii) The Gram Sabha supervises the work of the village panchayat.
(iii) It approves the annual budget of the panchayat.
(iv) It reviews the performance of the Gram Panchayat.
Q.9. “Local governments have made a significant impact on Indian democracy. At the same time there are many difficulties”. Explain. (2012)
Ans. Impact of local self-government on Indian democracy :
(i) Constitutional status for local government has helped to deepen democracy.
(ii) It has increased women’s representation and voice in our democracy.
Difficulties :
(i) Gram sabhas are not held regularly.
(ii) Most state governments have not transferred significant powers to local government.
(iii) State government do not provide adequate resources to the gram sabhas.
