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CBSE Class 10 Social Science Civics Notes Chapter 2 Federali...

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Civics Notes Chapter 2 Federalism

Author at PW

January 30, 2026

Federalism is a system where power is split between a central authority and various parts of the country. In a federation, we usually see two sets of governments. One handles a few subjects of common national interest, while the state governments look after the day-to-day work of their own areas.

How Power Gets Shared

Two or More Levels: There are at least two levels of government, like the Center and the States.
Same Citizens: Both levels rule over the same people, but they handle different things like taxes or making laws.
Constitution Rules: The power of each level is written in a special book called the Constitution. No one can change these rules alone.
Courts as Umpires: If the governments have a fight, the courts (like the Supreme Court) act as a judge to decide who is right.

When you study federalism class 10 notes, you see that this system has two goals. It keeps the country united and safe, while also respecting the different groups of people living in different states.

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CBSE Class 10 Social Science Civics Notes Chapter 2

Federalism

Federalism is a form of government in which the nation's component units and a central authority share authority. There are two tiers of governance in a federation. These two tiers of government each enjoy their authority apart from one another. One is the national government, which oversees a few issues of shared concern to the whole nation. provincial or state governments, which handle a large portion of the day-to-day management of their respective states.

Difference Between Unitary System and Federal System

Below we have provided the difference between the Unitary System and the Federal System.

Unitary System	Federal System
Either the central government is the only level of government, or the subunits report to it.	The government is divided into two or more tiers.
The province or local governments may get orders from the central government.	The Central Government cannot order the state government to do something.
The administrative divisions only exercise the authority that the central government has granted them, and the central government is ultimately supreme. The central government has the authority to increase or decrease their powers.	State Government has powers of its own for which it is not answerable to the central government.

Key Features of Federalism

Among the federalism system's salient characteristics are:

The government is divided into two or more tiers.
The same citizens are governed by several levels of government, but each level has exclusive authority over certain areas of law, taxation, and government operations.
The constitution guarantees each level of government's existence and power.
One level of government cannot unilaterally alter the core tenets of the Constitution.
Both governmental levels must approve such modifications.
Courts have the authority to interpret various governmental branches' authority as well as the Constitution.
To maintain each level of government's financial independence, its revenue sources are spelt out.
The federal system seeks to accomplish two goals: (i) preserve and advance national unity; and (ii) take into account regional variety.

Different Routes Through Which Federations Can Be Formed

The institutions and application of federalism depend on two things: an understanding of coexistence and confidence between the many tiers of government. Federations have come into being via two different paths. The first option entails independent States uniting independently to form a larger entity. Australia, Switzerland, and the United States of America have formed this type of "coming together" federation. The second possibility is that a sizable nation chooses to allocate its authority between the federal government and its component states. Spain, Belgium, and India are examples of federations that adhere to this style of "holding together."

What Makes India a Federal Country?

The Indian Constitution's provisions are subject to all the characteristics of the federal system. The Union Government and the State Governments are each given three separate sets of legislative authority under the Indian Constitution. Below is a mention of the three lists:

1) Union List: It covers topics of national significance, including foreign policy, banking, currency, communications, and national defence. Only the Union Government has the authority to enact legislation on the topics included in this list.

2) State List: It includes topics like police, trade, commerce, agriculture, and irrigation that are significant to the state and municipal governments. Only the State Governments have the authority to enact legislation on the topics included in this list.

3) Concurrent List: This list comprises topics that the State and Union governments find to be of mutual interest. Education, forests, trade unions, marriage, adoption, and succession are all on the list.

On the topics included in this list, legislation may be made by the Union Government as well as the State Governments. In the event of a contradiction between their laws, the Union Government's law will take precedence.

How Is Federalism Practised?

India's federalism is genuinely successful because of its democratic political system. Examine a few of the main ways that federalism is applied in India.

Linguistic States

The first and most significant test of democratic politics in India was the establishment of linguistic States. Many ancient States disappeared, and numerous new States were formed between 1947 and 2017. States' names, boundaries, and areas have all altered. People who speak the same language have founded certain states. Linguistic States are the name given to these states.

Language Policy

The language policy is the second litmus test for the Indian federation. It was decided that Hindi would be the official language. The Constitution recognises 21 other languages in addition to Hindi as Scheduled Languages. States also have official languages, and official language is used for government business in certain states.

Centre-State relations

Another way that federalism has been reinforced in practice is by restructuring the relationship between the Centre and the State. If no party wins a resounding majority in the Lok Sabha, the main national parties may create coalitions with several other parties, including several regional parties, to form a central government. As a result, there is now a fresh way of power sharing and respect for state governments' independence.

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Decentralisation in India

Decentralization is the process of giving local government authority over state and federal administrations. Decentralization is based on the fundamental tenet that most disputes and problems should be resolved locally. Additionally, locals have direct access to the decision-making process. In 1992, a significant step towards decentralization was made. To strengthen and expand the authority of the third degree of democracy, the Constitution was modified. These are the three-tier democracy's salient characteristics:

The holding of periodical elections for local government entities is mandated under the constitution.
The executive leaders of these organisations as well as the elected bodies reserve seats for members of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
Every post has a minimum of one-third set aside for women.
Every State has established a State Election Commission to oversee municipal and panchayat elections.
Local government organizations must get a certain amount of funding and authority from state governments. States differ in what constitutes sharing.

Panchayati Raj System

Local government in rural areas is commonly referred to as Panchayati Raj. A gram panchayat is a village, or in certain states, a group of villages. This is a council headed by a president, also known as sarpanch, and made up of several ward members, also known as panch. They are chosen by all of the adult residents of a ward or village. The village's gram panchayat is the body that makes decisions. With the Gramme Sabha's general supervision, the Panchayat operates. The village's members are also its voters. It must convene at least twice or three times a year to approve the gram panchayat's yearly budget and assess the panchayat's performance. A Panchayat Samiti, Block, or Mandal is created when Gramme Panchayats are gathered together. All of the Panchayat members in that region vote to choose the representatives for the Panchayat Samiti. An entire district's Panchayat Samitis or Mandals come together to form the Zilla (district) Parishad. Zilla Parishad members include members of the Lok Sabha, district MLAs, and some other officials from various district-level organizations.

Municipalities

Similar to how gram panchayats are for rural regions, municipalities are for urban areas. Municipal Corporations are the governing bodies of large cities. Elected bodies made up of the representatives of the people govern both Municipalities and Municipal Corporations. The Municipality's political leader is the Municipal Chairperson. An officer of a municipal corporation is known as the mayor. The world's largest democracy experiment is underway with this new local government structure. Local governments' constitutional standing has contributed to the strengthening of democracy in our nation. Additionally, it has improved the voice and representation of women in our democracy.

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Two Paths to Federalism: Federalism Class 10 Important Points

Not all federations are made in the same way. History shows us two main paths that countries take to share their power. These federalism class 10 important points help us understand why some countries look different from others even if they both use federalism.

Coming Together vs. Holding Together

Coming Together: Independent states decide to join up to form a bigger unit. They do this to feel safer and stronger. Examples are the USA, Switzerland, and Australia. Here, all the states usually have equal power.
Holding Together: A large country decides to divide its power between the national government and the states. India, Spain, and Belgium do this. In this type, the central government is often more powerful than the states.

Feature	Coming Together	Holding Together
Why it starts	States join up by choice.	A big country splits its power.
State Power	States are very strong.	Center is often stronger.
Examples	USA, Australia	India, Spain, Belgium

These federalism class 10 important points show that India follows the "Holding Together" path to keep our large and diverse country happy and united.

The Constitution’s “3 Lists” Map: Federalism Class 10 Notes PDF

India has a "Three-Tier" system. This means we have the Union Government, State Governments, and Local Governments (like Panchayats). If you look at a federalism class 10 notes pdf, you will find that the Constitution has three lists that tell each government what they can do.

The Three Lists of Power

Union List: Only the central government can make laws here. It includes big things like defense, money (banking), and talking to other countries.
State List: Only the state governments handle these. It includes local things like police, trade, farming, and irrigation.
Concurrent List: Both governments can make laws here, like for school (education), forests, and marriage. If they disagree, the central government's law wins.

Using a federalism class 10 notes pdf is great for learning these lists. It also mentions "Residuary" subjects like computer software, which came after the Constitution was made. Only the Union Government handles these new topics.

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How Federalism Class 10 Notes PW Help?

Just having rules in a book is not enough. The real success of India depends on how people behave and how the leaders work together. In the federalism class 10 notes pw, we look at how India created new states based on the languages people speak.

Key Steps in Indian Federalism

Linguistic States: In 1947, many old states were changed to make new ones. This was done so people speaking the same language could live in the same state. It made the country more united.
Language Policy: India does not have one "National Language." Hindi is an official language, but we also protect 21 other languages (Scheduled Languages).
Center-State Relations: For a long time, one party ruled everywhere. But now, we have "Coalition Governments" where many parties join to rule at the center. This makes them respect the power of state parties more.

The federalism class 10 notes pw show that sharing power is better than fighting for it. When the Center and States talk and work together, the whole country grows faster and stays peaceful.

Local Government and Class 10 SST Political Chapter 2 Notes

India is a huge country. Some of our states are bigger than countries in Europe! Because of this, we need a third level of government called Local Government. In class 10 SST political chapter 2 notes, this is called "Decentralization."

Why Local Government is Good

It is hard for leaders in Delhi or a state capital to know about every broken road or thirsty village. Local people know their problems best. In 1992, the rules were changed to make local governments stronger.

Regular Elections: It is now a rule to hold elections for local bodies every five years.
Seats for All: Seats are kept for Scheduled Castes, Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
Women's Power: At least one-third (1/3) of all seats are kept for women.
Money Help: State governments must share some of their money with local bodies.

When you read class 10 SST political chapter 2 notes or class 10th civics chapter 2 notes, you see that the Gram Panchayat in villages and Municipalities in towns are the best way to let people take part in making choices directly.