NCERT Class 10 Social Science Democratic Politics: Chapter 2 — Federalism
This chapter, Federalism, from NCERT's Class 10 Social Science Democratic Politics textbook, focuses on the vertical division of power among different levels of government, commonly known as federalism. It begins by defining federalism as a system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, typically with two levels of government: one for the entire country and others for provinces or states, each enjoying independent powers. The chapter contrasts Belgium's shift to a federal system with Sri Lanka's unitary system and lists countries with federal political systems. It aims to explore the theory and practice of federalism in India, analyzing constitutional provisions, policies, and politics that strengthen it, and introduces the local government as a third tier of Indian federalism. Understanding federalism is crucial for grasping power-sharing mechanisms in modern democracies.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Democratic Politics |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Federalism |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 489 |
Learning outcomes
- Define federalism and identify its key characteristics.
- Differentiate between federal and unitary systems of government.
- Understand the application of federalism in India.
- Recognize the importance of different levels of government in a democracy.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Federalism | A system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. |
| Unitary system | A system of government where all powers are held by the national government. |
| Constituent units | The different parts or states within a country that share power in a federal system. |
| Regional governments | Governments at the provincial or state level in a federal system. |
| Central authority | The national or federal government responsible for subjects of common national interest. |
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Practice questions
- What is federalism? Answer: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units of the country.
- What are the typical levels of government in a federation? Answer: Usually, there is a government for the entire country and governments at the level of provinces or states.
- How did Belgium change its government system? Answer: Belgium shifted from a unitary to a federal form of government by giving constitutional powers to regional governments, making them independent of the central government.
- Give examples of countries with federal political systems. Answer: Examples include Germany, Russia, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, USA, Spain, India, Mexico, Nigeria, etc.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of Chapter 2 of Democratic Politics?
The chapter focuses on federalism, which is the vertical division of power among different levels of government in modern democracies.
How is federalism defined?
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country.
What is the difference between a federal and a unitary system?
In a federal system, power is divided between central and regional governments, both independent. In a unitary system, the national government holds most or all power.
Which countries are mentioned as having federal political systems?
The chapter lists countries like Germany, Russia, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, USA, Spain, and India among others.
What is the significance of the local government in the context of Indian federalism?
The local government is introduced as a new and third tier of Indian federalism, indicating a further decentralization of power.
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NCERT Class 10 Social Science — Democratic Politics — Chapter 2 — Federalism. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.