Class 10 Social Science: Federalism important questions

Federalism is a chapter of Class 10 Social Science for the CBSE. These 10 questions are marked Very Important, Important or Practice, and each answer has been checked by our team. Use them to revise, not as a prediction of what will come in the exam.

1. Practice · 1 marks

   1. Which one of the following subjects comes under the legislation of Centre and State in India? A. Education B. Forests C. Banking D. Trade

   A. Education

2. Important · 2 marks

   2. Mention any two reasons to state that India is a federal country.

   The following are the reasons to state that India is a federal Country. ● Division of Powers: The Constitution of India clearly demarcates the powers of the Central and State governments, and both have their separate areas of jurisdiction. The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, which define the powers and responsibilities of the Central and State governments. ● Independent Judiciary: India has an independent judiciary with the power of judicial review. The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority in the country and has the power to interpret the Constitution and resolve disputes between the Central and State governments. ● Representation of States: The Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, represents the States and Union Territories of India. The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union Territories. These factors contribute to India being a federal country where power is divided between the Central and State governments. (Any two relevant points to be explained)

3. Important · 3 marks

   3. The Indian constitution provides three lists to distribute the legislative power. State any two subjects that are included in the union list. In which list the subject “Education” is included and why?

   1. The Indian Constitution has a three-fold distribution of legislative power, which contains three lists: The Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. The subjects that are included in the Union List are those that are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Union Government. Some of the subjects that are included in the Union List are: ● Defense of the country ● Foreign affairs and relations ● Banking, currency, and coinage ● Railways and air transport ● Posts and telegraphs ● Census and statistics ● Copyrights, patents, and trademarks 2. The subject "Education" comes under the Concurrent List, which means that both the Union Government and the State Governments have the power to make laws on this subject. The Concurrent List contains subjects that are of common interest to both the Union and the State Governments. (Any relevant points to be mentioned)

4. Practice · 1 marks

   4. 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

   (C)- Due to their social and historical circumstances

5. Practice · 1 marks

   5. Which of the following statements about Federalism in the Indian Constitution are correct? 1. India is declared as a Union of States. 2. Power-sharing between the Union and State governments is a basic feature. 3. The power-sharing arrangement is easy to change. 4. Changes in power-sharing require a 1/3rd majority in both houses of Parliament. Options (A) 1 and 2 (B) 2 and 3 (C) 1 and 3 (D) 2 and 4

   (A)- 1 and 2

6. Important · 2 marks

   6. "Local Government is an effective way to uphold the democratic principle of decentralization." Justify this statement with valid points.

   When power is taken away from Central and State governments and given to local government, it is called decentralisation. The basic idea behind decentralisation is that there are many problems and issues which are best settled at the local level. 1. People have better knowledge of problems in their localities. 2. They also have better ideas on where to spend money and how to manage things more efficiently. 3. Besides, at the local level it is possible for the people to directly participate in decision making. 2 Social Science-MS-X-2024-25 4. This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation. Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy, namely local self- government, or self-rule. Local Government is thus an effective way to uphold the democratic principle of decentralization. (Any two points)

7. Practice · 1 marks

   7. 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.

   B - No, because Currency is a subject of Union List

8. Important · 2 marks

   8. Highlight any two key features of federalism.

   Features of federalism: 1. There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government. 2. Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration. 3. The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution. So the existence and authority of each tier of government is constitutionally guaranteed. 4. 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. 5. Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of government. The highest court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers. 6. Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy. 7. The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity. Therefore, two aspects are crucial for the institutions and practice of federalism. Governments at different levels should agree to some rules of power sharing. They should also trust that each would abide by its part of the agreement. An ideal federal system has both aspects: mutual trust and agreement to live together. (Any two point to be considered)

9. Important · 2 marks

   9. How the powers were shared between the central and state government in Belgium to avoid the division of the country? Explain.

   1. Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall be equal in the central government. 2. Many powers of the Central have been given to the State of the two regions of the country. The State Governments are not subordinate to the Central Government. 3. Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal representation. (Any 2 points)Or (Any other relevant point)

10. Very Important · 5 marks

    10. Explain any five provisions of the constitutional amendments of 1992 which strengthened the third tier of democracy in India? OR 27 B ‘The Constitution declared India as a Union of States. Although it did not use the word federation, the Indian Union is based on the principles of federalism.’ What makes India a federal country?

    1. Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies. 2. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. 3. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women. 4. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections. 5. The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State. OR 27B 1. Division of Powers -The Constitution divides powers between the Union Government and State Governments through three lists: a.Union List b.State List c.Concurrent List This ensures each level works independently within its jurisdiction. 2. Written and Supreme Constitution -India has a written Constitution, and all governments must function within its limits.The Constitution is the supreme authority, not the Parliament. 3. Rigidity of the Constitution -The division of powers cannot be changed easily.Any amendment affecting federal structure requires approval of both Parliament and State Legislatures. 4. Independent Judiciary-The Supreme Court acts as an impartial authority.It settles disputes between the Centre and States and protects the Constitution. 5. Dual Government System- There are two levels of government: Central Government for the whole country and State Governments for their respective states 6. Financial Autonomy-States have their own sources of revenue, though some taxes are shared with the Centre. (Any 5 points)