CBSE Class 10 Social Science Democratic Politics – II: Federalism NCERT Solutions

Solution: To answer this question, you need a blank outline political map of India. Locate and mark the following states:

Sikkim: Situated in the northeastern part of India, bordered by Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and West Bengal.

Manipur: Located in the northeastern region, sharing borders with Myanmar, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam.

Chhattisgarh: A landlocked state in central India, surrounded by Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

Goa: India's smallest state by area, located on the western coast, bordered by Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Carefully place a dot or shade each state in its correct geographical position on the map.

Solution: You will need a blank outline political map of the world for this question. Identify and shade three countries that practice federalism, besides India. Some examples of federal countries include:

Pakistan: Located in South Asia, bordering India, Iran, Afghanistan, and China.

Australia: A continent and country in the Southern Hemisphere, known for its federal system.

South Africa: Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is a federal republic.

Other examples could include the United States of America, Canada, Germany, Brazil, etc. Shade your chosen countries clearly on the world map.

Solution:

Similarity: In both India and Belgium, the central government shares its powers with regional governments. This division of power is a fundamental aspect of federalism, ensuring that different levels of government have autonomy in their respective domains.

Difference: A key difference is that Belgium has an additional layer of government called 'community government', which is elected by people belonging to one language group (Dutch, French, or German speakers) and handles cultural and educational issues. India does not have such a specific 'community government' structure; its power-sharing primarily involves the Union government, State governments, and, after the 1992 amendment, strengthened local governments.

Solution:

The main difference lies in the distribution of power. In a federal form of government, power is constitutionally divided between a central government and various constituent units (like states or provinces). Both levels of government operate independently within their defined spheres.

Example: In India, power is divided between the Union government at the Centre and the State governments. For instance, the Union government handles defence and foreign affairs, while states manage law and order and agriculture.

In a unitary form of government, all powers are concentrated in the hands of a single central government. Any regional or local governments that exist derive their powers from the central government and are subordinate to it.

Example: In Sri Lanka, the national government holds almost all the powers. While there are provincial councils, their powers are limited and largely controlled by the central government.

Solution: The constitutional amendment in 1992 significantly reformed local governments in India. Here are two key differences:

1. Elections:

• Before 1992: Elections to local government bodies were often not held regularly. This led to a lack of democratic representation and accountability at the local level.
• After 1992: It became mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies. This ensures that local representatives are chosen democratically and are accountable to the people.

2. Powers and Resources:

• Before 1992: Local governments had very limited powers and few resources of their own. They were heavily dependent on the state governments for funds and decision-making authority.
• After 1992: The State governments are constitutionally required to share certain powers and revenue sources with local government bodies. This devolution of power and resources aims to make local governments more effective and self-sufficient.