One app for all your study abroad needs
The NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7: Federalism from the textbook Indian Constitution at Work explores the concept of federalism and its significance in governing diverse and large countries like India. It examines how federalism accommodates regional and national identities, the structure of India’s federal system, and the challenges it faces, such as demands for autonomy, interstate conflicts, and special provisions for certain states. The chapter highlights India’s federal framework, which balances unity with diversity through a strong central government, and discusses the political dynamics shaping centre-state relations. These notes provide a clear and concise summary for revision and exam preparation.
Table of Contents
Explore Notes of Class 11 Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work
What is Federalism?
Federalism is a system of government that divides power between national and regional governments, allowing both to operate autonomously in their respective spheres. It is designed to accommodate diverse identities and ensure unity while respecting regional differences. The chapter uses examples like the breakup of the USSR, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Pakistan to illustrate the challenges of federalism when trust and cooperation are absent. India’s success in maintaining unity since 1947 is attributed to its federal structure, which balances unity and diversity.
Key Features of Federalism:
- Dual Polity: Federalism creates two levels of government—national (union) and regional (state)—each autonomous in its sphere.
- Dual Identities: People have loyalties to both their region (e.g., Gujarati, Jharkhandi) and the nation (Indian). India has a single citizenship, unlike some federations with dual citizenship.
- Written Constitution: A supreme constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of both levels of government. National matters (e.g., defence, currency) are under the union government, while regional matters are under state governments.
- Independent Judiciary: Resolves disputes between the centre and states regarding the division of powers.
- Role of Political Dynamics: The success of federalism depends on trust, cooperation, mutual respect, and restraint. Domination by a single state, linguistic group, or ideology can lead to resentment, secession demands, or civil wars.
Federalism in the Indian Constitution
India’s Constitution establishes a federal system without explicitly using the term “federation.” It creates two sets of government: the union government for the nation and state governments for each state, both with constitutional status and clearly defined roles. The judiciary resolves disputes over power division, ensuring cooperation between the centre and states while recognising regional diversity.
Key Aspects of India’s Federal System:
- Division of Powers: The Constitution demarcates subjects under the Union List (e.g., defence, foreign affairs), State List (e.g., public health, agriculture), and Concurrent List (shared responsibilities). Economic and financial powers are centralised with the Union government.
- Emphasis on Unity: The Constitution prioritises unity and cooperation between the centre and states, reflecting India’s diverse linguistic, cultural, and regional landscape.
- Judicial Role: The judiciary ensures disputes over power division are settled based on constitutional provisions, maintaining the balance between the centre and the states.
Federalism with a Strong Central Government
The Indian Constitution creates a federal system with a strong central government to ensure unity and address socio-economic challenges like poverty and illiteracy. This was necessary to integrate over 500 princely states and British provinces after independence and to drive national development.
Here are the Provisions for a Strong Centre:
- Parliament’s Authority: Parliament can alter state boundaries, names, or create new states, with safeguards requiring state legislature consultation.
- Emergency Powers: During a national emergency, the central government assumes control, and Parliament can legislate on state subjects, centralising power.
- Financial Powers: The centre controls major revenue sources, leaving states dependent on grants and loans. The Planning Commission (now replaced) centralised economic decision-making, often leading to accusations of discrimination against opposition-ruled states.
- Governor’s Role: Governors, appointed by the centre, can reserve state bills for the President’s assent, delay legislation, or recommend President’s Rule, giving the centre significant influence.
- Centralised Administration: All-India services (IAS, IPS) are controlled by the centre, with states unable to discipline or remove these officers.
- Legislative Flexibility: The centre can legislate on state subjects with Rajya Sabha approval, and its executive powers supersede those of the states
- Armed Forces Special Powers Act: Based on Articles 33 and 34, this strengthens the centre’s authority during martial law, though it has caused tensions in some regions.
Also Read:
- NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 Political Theory: Social Justice Solutions (Free PDF)
- NCERT Class 11 Political Science Political Theory: Chapter 2 Freedom Solutions (Free PDF)
Conflicts in India’s Federal System
India’s federal system, while promoting unity, faces tensions due to the centre’s dominance and states’ demands for greater autonomy. These conflicts are both legal (resolved by the judiciary) and political (requiring negotiations).
Centre-State Relations
Centre-State relations often face tension in India’s federal system, especially over power-sharing, resource control, and political differences. These conflicts impact governance, policymaking, and cooperative federalism. Below are mentioned some of the centre-state relations:
- Congress Dominance (1950s–1960s): Under Jawaharlal Nehru, centre-state relations were stable due to Congress ruling both levels. States relied on central grants for development.
- Post-1960s Shift: The rise of opposition parties in states led to demands for autonomy, as states protested perceived interference by the Congress-led centre.
- Coalition Era (1990s Onwards): The end of Congress dominance and rise of coalition politics gave states a greater voice, fostering mature federalism and respect for diversity.
Demands for Autonomy
Demands for Autonomy highlight tensions within India’s federal system, where several states seek greater control over resources, governance, and cultural identity, challenging the balance of central and state powers. Here are the autonomy conflicts in the Indian Federal System:
- Power Redistribution: States like Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and West Bengal, and parties like DMK, Akali Dal, and CPI-M, demand more powers for states.
- Financial Autonomy: States seek independent revenue sources and control over resources, as seen in West Bengal’s 1977 document on restructuring centre-state relations.
- Administrative Autonomy: States resent central control over administrative machinery, such as IAS/IPS officers.
- Cultural and Linguistic Autonomy: Opposition to Hindi dominance (e.g., Tamil Nadu) and demands for cultural recognition (e.g., Punjabi language) reflect regional concerns.
Role of Governors and President’s Rule
The role of Governors and the use of President’s Rule often sparks debates in India’s federal system, highlighting tensions between central authority and state autonomy. Here are some of the roles by the government and its impact on the centre:
- Governor’s Role: Appointed by the centre, governors are often seen as central agents, especially when different parties rule the centre and states. Their actions, like reserving bills, spark controversy.
- President’s Rule (Article 356): Allows the centre to take over state governance if the state government cannot function constitutionally. Its misuse, especially post-1967, to dismiss opposition-ruled state governments (e.g., Kerala 1959, Andhra Pradesh 1980s) has been controversial. The judiciary can review its constitutional validity.
- Sarkaria Commission (1983–1988): Recommended non-partisan governor appointments to reduce centre-state tensions.
Demands for New States
Demands for new states in India highlight deep-rooted regional, cultural, and economic identities. There are some of the demands mentioned below which are often lead to political tensions, challenging the balance of power in India’s federal system.
- Linguistic Basis: Post-independence, the States Reorganisation Commission (1953) recommended creating states based on linguistic identity, leading to states like Gujarat, Maharashtra (1960), Punjab, Haryana (1966), and northeastern states (e.g., Manipur, Meghalaya).
- Recent Divisions: In 2000, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand were created, followed by Telangana in 2014, to address administrative efficiency and regional demands.
- Ongoing Demands: Regions like Vidarbha continue to seek statehood.
Interstate Conflicts
Interstate conflicts in India’s federal system arise when two or more states disagree over issues like water sharing, boundaries, or resources, challenging the balance between unity and state autonomy. Here are some of the disputes that leads to interstate conflicts:
- Border Disputes: Disputes over territories, often in linguistically mixed areas, persist (e.g., Maharashtra-Karnataka over Belgaum, Manipur-Nagaland, Punjab-Haryana over Chandigarh).
- River Water Disputes: Conflicts over water sharing, like the Kaveri dispute (Tamil Nadu-Karnataka) and Narmada dispute (Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra), impact agriculture and drinking water. Tribunals and the Supreme Court attempt resolution, but political negotiations are key.
Special Provisions
India’s federal system provides differential treatment to certain states due to their unique social, historical, or cultural contexts, ensuring flexibility in governance. Here are the special provisions in the Indian Federal System.
Asymmetrical Representation:
- The Rajya Sabha provides proportional representation, giving larger states more seats while ensuring smaller states have minimum representation.
Special Provisions for States:
- Northeastern States: States like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram receive special provisions due to their tribal populations and distinct cultures, though insurgency persists in some areas.
- Other States: Hilly states like Himachal Pradesh and others like Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Sikkim, and Telangana have tailored provisions.
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
- Article 370 (Historical): Granted J&K greater autonomy, requiring state concurrence for applying Union and Concurrent List subjects. The centre had limited powers, and J&K had its own constitution and flag. Emergency provisions and Directive Principles did not apply without state consent.
- Post-2019 Status: The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act (2019) revoked Article 370, bifurcating J&K into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh—effective October 31, 2019, reducing its autonomy.
Important Definitions in NCERT Class 11 Political Science Indian Constitution at Work Chapter 7: Federalism
This section will help you to understand the key concept and list key terms for clarity and revision.
- Federalism: A system of government dividing powers between national and regional governments, each autonomous in its sphere, with a written constitution and an independent judiciary.
- Division of Powers: The constitutional allocation of subjects to the Union (e.g., defence), State (e.g., agriculture), and Concurrent Lists, with the centre holding significant economic powers.
- Emergency Provisions: Constitutional provisions allowing the centre to assume control over states during emergencies, centralising power.
- President’s Rule (Article 356): Allows the centre to take over state governance if constitutional machinery fails, subject to parliamentary approval and judicial review.
- Financial Autonomy: States’ demand for independent revenue sources and control over resources to reduce dependence on central grants.
- Sarkaria Commission: A 1983–1988 commission recommending non-partisan governor appointments to improve centre-state relations.
- States Reorganisation Commission (1953): Recommended creating states based on linguistic identity, leading to the reorganisation of states in 1956 and beyond.
- Asymmetrical Federalism: Differential treatment of states (e.g., northeastern states, J&K) to accommodate unique social and historical circumstances.
Explore Notes of Class 11 Political Science: Political Theory
Download the Solutions of Other Chapters of Class 11 Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work
Also Read:
- NCERT Solutions Class 11 Political Science: Political Theory Chapter 7 Nationalism (Free PDF)
- NCERT Class 11 Political Science Political Theory: Chapter 2 Freedom Solutions (Free PDF)
Related Reads
Explore Notes of Other Subjects of NCERT Class 11
FAQs
Federalism accommodates India’s linguistic, cultural, and regional diversity while ensuring national unity, allowing both the centre and states to govern autonomously in their spheres.
Through Parliament’s power to alter state boundaries, emergency provisions, centralised financial control, the governor’s role, and superior executive powers.
The judiciary resolves disputes between the centre and states over the division of powers, ensuring constitutional compliance.
Conflicts arise from states’ demands for autonomy, misuse of President’s Rule, governor interventions, and disputes over resources, borders, and river waters.
Article 370 granted J&K greater autonomy, requiring state concurrence for applying Union and Concurrent List subjects, until its revocation in 2019.
For NCERT study material, follow NCERT Notes and Solutions Class 11 Political Science by Leverage Edu now.
