Delve into the core concepts of Federalism from Class X NCERT, 'Democratic Politics-II'.
Federalism divides power between a central authority and constituent units. Imagine a layered cake, each layer having its own authority but still part of the whole.
Typically, federal systems have two tiers: the national or central government, and the state or provincial governments. Each level governs the same citizens but with different jurisdictions.
These levels are not subordinate to each other; each has constitutionally guaranteed powers. They operate independently within their spheres.
Federalism safeguards against tyranny by decentralizing authority, preventing any single entity from becoming too powerful. This protects the rights and liberties of the population.
There are two primary routes through which federations have been formed. The first involves independent states coming together to form a larger unit.
In this 'coming together' type, all independent states pool their sovereignty for increased security and economic advantages. The USA, Switzerland, and Australia are examples.
The second route, 'holding together,' sees a large country divide power between the central and state governments. India, Spain, and Belgium exemplify this type.
India is a 'holding together' federation where the central government is generally more powerful than the states. This reflects the circumstances of its formation after independence.
The Indian Constitution clearly delineates the powers of the Union and the States. This division is crucial for maintaining the federal balance.
The Union List includes subjects of national importance, like defense, foreign affairs, and currency. The central government has exclusive authority on these matters.
The State List covers subjects of regional concern, such as police, trade, and agriculture. State governments hold primary jurisdiction over these.
The Concurrent List contains subjects where both the Union and the States can legislate, like education and forests. However, Union law prevails in case of conflict.
Subjects not included in any of the three lists fall under the residuary powers of the Union. This ensures the central government can address unforeseen issues.
Federalism succeeds through mutual trust and cooperation between different levels of government. Effective communication and coordination are essential.
Major constitutional changes concerning federalism require the consent of both houses of Parliament and ratification by at least half of the state legislatures. This safeguards states' interests.
The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, interprets the Constitution and resolves disputes between the Union and the States. It acts as the impartial arbiter of federal relations.
Decentralization means devolving power from the central and state governments to local bodies like municipalities and panchayats. It brings governance closer to the people.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992 mandated regular elections to local governments. This has significantly strengthened democracy at the grassroots level.
In rural areas, Panchayati Raj institutions are responsible for local governance, including development planning and implementation. They empower villages and ensure their participation.
Urban areas have municipalities and municipal corporations to manage civic affairs. These bodies provide essential services like water, sanitation, and infrastructure.
Federalism, with its delicate balance and built-in checks, remains a cornerstone of India's democratic framework. Its adaptability ensures the country's unity in diversity.