What went wrong when the king rode under the arch?

It was too low and knocked off his crown

How does the chain of blame unfold in the poem?

Each accused person blames another, ending with the king's own changes

How does the Constitution describe India, and why is the word "federation" not used?

As a "Union of States" (Article 1); the makers stressed unity and cooperation between centre and States rather than a compact of states.

Name the three lists that divide powers.

The Union List, the State List and the Concurrent List, with residuary powers given to the Union.

Give two features that make India's central government strong.

Parliament can alter State boundaries and names, and emergency provisions can centralise power and let Parliament legislate on State subjects.

Why do States demand greater autonomy?

They seek a larger share of powers, independent sources of revenue (financial autonomy), administrative powers, and recognition of cultural and linguistic identity.

Why is the role of Governors controversial?

Governors are appointed by the centre, are not elected, and their actions — especially recommending President's rule — are often seen as central interference.

What does Article 356 provide?

President's rule, under which the Union takes over a State government when it cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution; it must be ratified by Parliament.

On what basis were States reorganised after independence?

On the basis of common language and culture; the States Reorganisation Commission (1953) recommended linguistic States, with reorganisation in 1956.

Give two kinds of inter-State disputes.

Border disputes (e.g. Belgaum between Maharashtra and Karnataka) and river-water disputes (e.g. the Cauvery between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka).

What special status did Jammu and Kashmir formerly have?

Under Article 370 it had greater autonomy and its own constitution; this special status was ended by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

What are the key features of federalism?

Two or more levels of government, a division of powers guaranteed by the constitution, an independent judiciary to settle disputes, and separate sources of revenue for each level.

How are powers divided in the Indian Constitution?

Into the Union List (central subjects), the State List (state subjects) and the Concurrent List (shared subjects), with residuary powers given to the centre.

What is decentralisation, and why is it needed?

The transfer of power from central and state governments to local bodies; it is needed because many problems are best solved locally and it deepens democratic participation.

How did the 1992 constitutional amendment strengthen local government?

It made regular elections to local bodies compulsory, reserved seats for women and weaker sections, created State Election Commissions, and gave panchayats and municipalities powers and funds.

How has India become more federal in practice?

Through linguistic reorganisation of states, an accommodating language policy, the rise of regional parties and coalition governments, and judicial protection of the federal balance.

Federalism

Q: What is federalism?

An institutional mechanism to accommodate two sets of polities — regional and national — each autonomous in its own sphere under a supreme written constitution.

Class 11 Political Science · Indian Constitution at Work · Chapter 7

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Summary

This chapter explains federalism and how it works in India, where boundaries, names and numbers of States have changed greatly since 1947. Federalism is an institutional mechanism to accommodate two sets of polities — one regional and one national — each autonomous in its own sphere, with a written constitution as the supreme source of both governments' powers and an independent judiciary to settle disputes. Real politics, culture and trust determine how a federation works; the chapter contrasts the break-up of the USSR and conflicts in Nigeria. The Indian Constitution describes India as a "Union of States", emphasises cooperation between centre and States, and divides powers through the Union List, State List and Concurrent List, with residuary powers to the Union. It creates a strong central government: Parliament can alter State boundaries, emergency provisions centralise power, the centre holds major financial powers, the Governor can reserve bills and recommend President's rule, and the all-India services are centrally controlled. It examines conflicts in India's federal system — centre-State relations, demands for autonomy, the role of Governors and Article 356 (President's rule), demands for new States and the linguistic reorganisation of States, and inter-State disputes over borders and river waters. It ends with special provisions for some States, including the former special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.

Federalism

Key terms

Federalism

an institutional mechanism accommodating two sets of polities, regional and national, each autonomous in its own sphere.

Union List

subjects (e.g. defence, foreign affairs, banking, railways) on which only the Union legislature can make laws.

State List

subjects (e.g. police, agriculture, public health, local government) on which normally only the State legislature can make laws.

Concurrent List

subjects (e.g. education, forests, trade unions) on which both Union and State legislatures can make laws.

Residuary powers

powers over matters not mentioned in any list, which lie with the Union legislature.

Article 356

the provision for President's rule, allowing the Union to take over a State government when constitutional machinery fails.

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Federalism is an institutional mechanism to accommodate:

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Federalism

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