SST Civics Class 10 Ch 2 Federalism Notes 2025

Federalism, as discussed in Chapter 2 of Class 10 Civics, is an important principle in understanding how power is divided and shared in democratic countries. This chapter in SST Syllabus Class 10 provides insights into the unique way that a federal system of government operates and highlights examples from India and other countries, showing how federalism is essential in managing diversity and promoting national unity. 

Class 10 Federalism Notes Material PDF Download

Below, you’ll find a table with links to downloadable PDFs of Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 notes, organized by each type of question format.

<cta2>Download<cta2>

‍

Important Notes from Federalism Civics Chapter 2

Federalism is a foundational concept in civics that explores how power is shared between different levels of government to ensure both unity and local autonomy. In this chapter, students learn how federal structures work, the significance of power-sharing, and how countries like India have adapted federal principles to govern a diverse population. 

1. What is Federalism?

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units, such as states or provinces. Unlike a unitary government, where power is centralised, a federal government shares authority at multiple levels, allowing each level to operate independently in certain areas.

Key Features of Federalism:

• Dual Government: Federalism involves at least two levels of government, each with its own powers.
• Division of Powers: Powers and responsibilities are constitutionally divided between the central and state governments.
• Constitutional Superiority: The constitution acts as the supreme authority, outlining the division of powers and ensuring checks and balances.
• Independent Judiciary: An independent judicial body interprets the constitution, resolving disputes between different government levels.
• Flexible or rigid constitutions: Some federal systems have rigid constitutions that require approval from both levels of government for amendments, while others are more flexible.

2. Types of Federalism

Federalism can take different forms based on how power is distributed and the level of autonomy given to constituent units. Here are two primary types:

Coming-Together Federalism: In this type, individual states come together to form a larger unit, agreeing to share power with a central authority. The United States and Switzerland are classic examples of coming-together federalism.

Holding-Together Federalism: This type occurs when a large country decides to decentralise power, usually to accommodate diverse groups within the country. Here, the central government holds more power, but significant authority is also delegated to regional governments. India, Spain, and Belgium are examples of holding together federalism.

3. Federalism in India

India is one of the largest and most complex examples of a federal system. Indian federalism is unique and has specific features that reflect the country’s diversity.

Key Features of Indian Federalism:

Three-Tier System: India’s federal structure has three levels: the union government, state governments, and local governments (panchayats and municipalities).

Division of Powers: The Constitution divides powers between the Union and State governments through three lists:

• Union List: Subjects under the control of the central government, like defence, foreign affairs, and atomic energy.
• State List: Subjects under the control of state governments, including police, health, and agriculture.
• Concurrent List: Subjects shared by both the Union and State governments, such as education, marriage, and trade unions. If a conflict arises, the Union law prevails.

Language and Cultural Autonomy: The constitution recognises India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, allowing states some autonomy to cater to their specific needs.

Strong Central Government: Although India is federal, the central government holds more power, especially in times of crisis or national interest, maintaining a balance between unity and regional autonomy.

4. Language Policy in India

India’s language policy is another unique aspect of its federal system. With over 1,600 languages spoken across the country, language has the potential to be both a unifying and divisive factor.

1. Official Language: Hindi is the official language, and English is used as an associate official language to accommodate non-Hindi-speaking regions.
2. State Autonomy on Language: States can choose their own official languages for internal governance, promoting linguistic diversity.

Three-Language Formula: In schools, students are encouraged to learn their regional language, Hindi, and English, fostering unity while respecting linguistic diversity.

5. Decentralization in India

Decentralization refers to distributing power even further by giving local governments more authority to address local needs.

73rd and 74th Amendments: In 1992, these amendments to the Indian Constitution established local self-government in rural (Panchayats) and urban (Municipalities) areas, providing local bodies with specific powers and responsibilities.

Importance of Decentralization:

1. Empowers local governments to address issues at the grassroots level.
2. Increases efficiency in governance and promotes accountability.
3. Encourages local participation and decision-making.

6. Challenges and Successes of Federalism in India

India’s federal structure is generally successful, but it also faces challenges:

• Linguistic and Cultural Conflicts: Some states demand more autonomy or express concerns over the central government’s influence.
• Regional Disparities: Economic and social inequalities between states can lead to friction, requiring the central government to intervene and promote balanced development.
• Centre-State Relations: There are occasional disputes regarding power-sharing, which require a balanced approach to maintain harmony.

Successes:

• Unity in Diversity: India’s federal structure has allowed different cultural, linguistic, and regional identities to coexist harmoniously.
• Economic Growth: Decentralised governance has supported India’s economic growth by empowering states to pursue their developmental goals.
• Crisis Management: The central government’s ability to take charge during emergencies has contributed to stability and national unity.

7. Federalism as a Tool for National Integration

In a diverse country like India, federalism helps maintain national integrity while respecting regional differences. By sharing power, India ensures that all cultural, linguistic, and ethnic groups have a voice in governance, fostering national unity without sacrificing regional autonomy.

Important Questions from Federalism Civics Chapter 2

Federalism - where power is shared between the central government and states or provinces. It explains how India's federal structure works and the challenges that arise in maintaining a balance of power. Here are some important questions from ch2 Civics that will help you understand the core ideas and principles of federalism:

1. Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark Each)

Q1. What is federalism?

Ans: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various regional governments.

Q2. Name two features of a federal government.

Ans:

1. Two or more levels of government exist (Central, State, Local).
2. The Constitution clearly defines powers for each level.

Q3. Mention one key difference between unitary and federal government.

Ans: In a unitary government, power is concentrated in the central authority, whereas in a federal government, power is divided between the central and state governments.

Q4. Name any two countries that follow a federal system.

Ans: India and the United States.

Q5. Which list in the Indian Constitution includes subjects like education, forests, and marriage?

Ans: The Concurrent List.

2. Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks Each)

Q6. What are the key features of federalism?

Ans: The key features of federalism are:

1. Two or more levels of government exist in a country.
2. Each level has independent powers assigned by the Constitution.
3. Written Constitution ensures the division of powers.
4. Independent judiciary settles disputes between different levels of government.
5. Both levels collect taxes and manage their own finances.

Q7. How is power divided in the Indian federal system?

Ans: The Indian Constitution divides power into three lists:

1. Union List (e.g., Defense, Foreign Affairs, Railways) - Controlled by the Central Government.
2. State List (e.g., Police, Agriculture, Public Health) - Controlled by State Governments.
3. Concurrent List (e.g., Education, Forests, Marriage) - Both Central and State governments can make laws, but in case of conflict, the Central law prevails.

Q8. What is decentralization? Why is it important in a democracy?

Ans:
Decentralization is the process of transferring power from central and state governments to local levels (Panchayats and Municipalities). It is important because:

1. Local governments understand local needs better.
2. It ensures direct participation of people in decision-making.
3. It reduces the burden on the central and state governments.
4. It improves governance efficiency and accountability.

3. Long Answer Questions (4-5 Marks Each)

Q9. How has federalism been practiced in India?

Ans: Federalism in India has evolved through:

1. Constitutional Division of Powers: Three lists (Union, State, and Concurrent).
2. Linguistic Reorganization of States (1956): States were formed based on language to respect regional identity.
3. Strengthening of Local Governments: In 1992, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments gave more power to Panchayati Raj and Municipalities.
4. Coalition Governments: Since 1990, different political parties have shared power, strengthening state autonomy.
5. Judicial Role: The Supreme Court settles disputes between central and state governments.

Q10. What steps were taken in India to strengthen decentralization?

Ans:
The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992) strengthened decentralization by:

1. Creating three-tier government (Central, State, Local).
2. Setting up Panchayats in villages and Municipalities in urban areas.
3. Reserving one-third of seats for women in local bodies.
4. Ensuring regular local elections conducted by the State Election Commission.
5. Giving local governments power to make development plans and collect local taxes.

Q11. How is federalism in India different from that in the USA?

Ans:

‍

Q12. What challenges does Indian federalism face? How can they be addressed?

Ans: Challenges to Indian federalism include:

1. Disputes over power-sharing (e.g., between states and the central government).
2. Unequal financial distribution where richer states have more resources.
3. Regional demands for autonomy (e.g., movements for new states).
4. Political dominance of the central government, sometimes leading to conflicts with states.

Solutions:

• Strengthen State Autonomy: Give more financial and legislative powers to states.
• Improve Inter-State Cooperation: Resolve disputes peacefully.
• Empower Local Governments: Ensure Panchayats and Municipalities function efficiently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Ignoring Key Definitions and Concepts: Federalism has specific terms like "division of powers," "central government," and "state governments." Not understanding these basic concepts can lead to confusion when answering questions.

🚫 Overlooking the Importance of Examples: Federalism is best understood with real-life examples (like the division of power in India). Students sometimes skip these, which can weaken their understanding of how federal systems work in practice.

🚫 Confusing Unitary and Federal Systems: Some students struggle to differentiate between unitary and federal systems. They might mistakenly mix the powers of the central and state governments, especially when comparing India’s federal system to other countries.

🚫 Neglecting Constitutional Provisions: The Indian Constitution outlines specific features of federalism. Not paying attention to articles like Article 1 (dealing with the Union of India) or the distribution of powers (Union List, State List, Concurrent List) is a common mistake.

How Can This Chapter-wise Material Help Students?

Chapter-wise materials are highly beneficial for students, especially in a structured subject like civics. Here’s how these resources help:

• Focused Learning: Helps students concentrate on one topic at a time for better understanding and retention.
• Simplified Revision: Organized content makes it easier to quickly revise key concepts before exams.
• Efficient Time Management: Allows for effective time allocation, ensuring all topics are covered within a study schedule.
• Targeted Practice: Includes relevant questions and exercises, helping students focus on specific topics and question patterns.

Chapter-wise resources serve as a powerful support system for Class 10 students studying civics. By breaking down complex topics into manageable sections, these resources make learning more engaging and accessible. They not only streamline revision and provide targeted practice but also build confidence, which makes you exam-ready! Happy learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is federalism, and why is it important in a democracy?

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between central and regional authorities. It is vital in democracies as it accommodates diversity, promotes unity, and allows local decision-making, making governance more inclusive.

What are the main differences between ‘coming-together’ and ‘holding-together’ federalism?

In ‘coming-together’ federalism, independent states form a union with equal power (e.g., USA). In ‘holding-together’ federalism, a large country divides power to manage diversity, with the central government typically holding more authority (e.g., India).

How does India’s three-tier federal structure work?

India has a three-tier system: union (central), state, and local governments (panchayats and municipalities). Each level has specific powers, with local bodies addressing regional needs directly.

What is the purpose of the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists in the Indian Constitution?

These lists divide subjects for clear governance: Union List (central issues), State List (state matters), and Concurrent List (shared subjects). This separation prevents overlaps and defines each level’s authority.

How has decentralization strengthened federalism in India?

Decentralisation gave more power to local bodies through the 73rd and 74th Amendments, enabling grassroots governance. It strengthens federalism by increasing citizen participation and improving regional governance.