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I. Chapter Summary

The chapter Federalism introduces students to the concept of federalism as a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units. It explains the features of federalism, the constitutional provisions in India, and how federalism is practiced. The chapter highlights the differences between unitary and federal systems, examines the importance of decentralization, and explains the third tier of government (Panchayats and Municipalities). Real-life examples from India, Belgium, and Sri Lanka help students understand how federal principles are implemented differently.

II. Key Concepts Covered

Key Concept	Explanation
Federalism	A system of government in which power is divided between central and state governments.
Features of Federalism	Dual government, written constitution, division of powers, independent judiciary.
Union, State, and Concurrent Lists	Three levels of distribution of legislative powers.
Decentralization	Transfer of power to the lowest levels of government, like Panchayats and Municipalities.
Third Tier of Government	Local self-government introduced through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.
Coalition Governments	Political necessity for cooperation between different levels/parties of government.
Linguistic States	States reorganized on the basis of language to accommodate diversity.

III. Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)

1. What is the third tier of government in India?
   • a) State government
   • b) Municipal Corporation
   • c) Local government
   • d) Zila Parishad
   • Answer c) Local government
2. Which of the following is not a feature of federalism?
   • a) Centralized judiciary
   • b) Division of powers
   • c) Dual government
   • d) Flexible constitution
   • Answer d) Flexible constitution
3. Which amendment introduced Panchayati Raj in India?
   • a) 44th
   • b) 73rd
   • c) 52nd
   • d) 76^th
   • Answer b) 73rd
4. Education is part of which list?
   • a) Union
   • b) State
   • c) Concurrent
   • d) None
   • Answer c) Concurrent

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)

1. Define federalism and list any two features. (PYQ – 2021)
2. What are the advantages of decentralization in India?
3. Why was power sharing in India further decentralized in 1992? (PYQ – 2020)
4. Differentiate between Union List and State List with examples. (PYQ – 2019)

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Explain how India practices federalism through constitutional and practical means. (PYQ – 2020)
2. How has the creation of linguistic states strengthened Indian federalism? (PYQ – 2021)
3. Describe the structure, role, and importance of local self-government in India. (PYQ – 2019)
4. Compare federal and unitary forms of government with examples.

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

1. How can federalism strengthen the unity of a country with diverse cultures and languages?
2. Suppose the Constitution gave more power to the centre than the states. What could be the possible consequences in a diverse country like India?

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts

Though this is a theory-based chapter, students should remember key definitions and lists:

• Union List: Subjects of national importance (e.g., defense, foreign affairs).
• State List: Matters of state importance (e.g., police, trade).
• Concurrent List: Shared responsibilities (e.g., education, forest).
• 73rd Amendment (1992): Established Panchayati Raj (rural local government).
• 74th Amendment (1992): Established Municipalities (urban local government).

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT 2025–26 syllabus.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Federalism	5–7 marks	MCQs, Short and Long Answers, HOTS

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Year	Marks	Question
2019	5	What is local self-government? Describe its structure and significance.
2020	3	How is power divided between different levels of government?
2021	5	How has the creation of linguistic states helped strengthen democracy in India?

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics

• COVID-19 Response: States managed healthcare independently while centre issued overall guidelines—real-life federalism.
• GST Council: A joint decision-making body of Union and State governments for taxation.
• Local Governments: Decisions about water supply, road maintenance, sanitation taken at municipal levels.
• Reservation in Panchayats: Empowerment of women and marginalized groups.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success

 Time Management

• Divide topics into federalism features, distribution of power, and local self-government.
• Create 3-column charts comparing Union, State, and Concurrent powers.

 Exam Preparation

• Practice map-based questions and case studies involving states.
• Revise key amendments and lists using mnemonics.

 Stress Management

• Watch real-life videos about Panchayati Raj and government decentralization.
• Use role-plays or debates to understand federal vs unitary systems.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific)

For Classes 9–10

Streams Overview:

• Science: Governance in science policy and public health.
• Commerce: Fiscal federalism, business compliance across states.
• Arts: Public administration, political science, law.

Career Paths:

• IAS/IPS Officers
• Public Policy Analyst
• Urban Planners
• Panchayati Raj Coordinators
• Legal Experts in Constitutional Law

Relevant Exams & Programs:

• NTSE
• CBSE Heritage India Quiz
• Mock Parliament / Model United Nations (MUNs)

XI. Important Notes

•  Indian federalism is unique as it balances unity with diversity.
•  Focus on examples—real-life application questions are increasing in CBSE.
•  Understand that local self-government brings democracy to the grassroots level.