CBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7: Federalism NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This chapter delves into the concept of Federalism, a crucial aspect of India's political structure. The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science, Chapter 7, 'Federalism,' provide a detailed explanation of how power is divided and shared between the central government and state governments. The solutions clarify the functioning of federalism through real-world examples and theoretical explanations, helping students understand the distribution of powers, the role of different regions, and the mechanisms that ensure balanced governance. These solutions are designed to aid students in grasping the complexities of federal governance, fostering a deeper understanding of India's democratic framework and preparing them effectively for their examinations.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectPolitical Science
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter7. Federalism

Chapter summary

This chapter focuses on the principles and practices of Federalism in India. The NCERT Solutions cover the definition of federalism, its importance in managing diversity, and how it enhances political interaction and economic transactions between different regions. It examines the constitutional provisions related to federalism and provides insights into its functioning through various events and statements, offering a clear understanding of power-sharing mechanisms.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the concept of federalism and its significance in a diverse country like India.
  • Identify events and actions that exemplify the functioning of federalism.
  • Analyze the role of federalism in promoting cooperation and managing regional differences.
  • Explain how federalism contributes to the distribution of powers between central and state governments.
  • Compare the visualization of federalism in India with other countries like Belgium.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Definition of Federalism
  • Functioning of Federalism
  • Federalism and Regional Diversity
  • Power Sharing Mechanisms
  • Central Government's Role
  • State Government's Role
  • Concurrent List
  • Inter-state Cooperation
  • Federalism in India
  • Federalism in Belgium
  • Economic Transactions in Federalism
  • Autonomy and Governance

Important topics

  • Understanding the core concept of Federalism
  • Identifying examples of federalism in practice
  • The role of concurrent lists in strengthening federalism
  • Federalism's impact on inter-regional cooperation
  • Comparison of federal models (India vs. Belgium)

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

From the list of following events, which ones would you identify with the functioning of federalism? Explain why.
  1. The Centre on Tuesday announced Sixth Schedule status to GNLF-led Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, which would ensure greater autonomy to the governing body in the Hill district of West Bengal. A tripartite Memorandum of Settlement was signed in New Delhi between the Centre, West Bengal government and the Subhas Ghising-led Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) after two days of hectic deliberations.
  2. Centre has asked the rain-ravaged States to submit detailed plans for reconstruction to enable it to respond to their demands for extra relief expeditiously.
  3. New Commissioner for Delhi: The Capital is getting a new municipal commissioner. Confirming this, present MCD Commissioner Rakesh Mehta said he has received his transfer orders and that he is likely to be replaced by IAS officer Ashok Kumar, who is serving as the Chief Secretary in Arunachal Pradesh. Mehta, a 1975 batch IAS officer, has been heading the MCD for about three-and-a-half years.
  4. CU Status for Manipur University: Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a Bill to convert the Manipur University into a Central University with the Human Resource Development Minister promising such institutions in the North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim as well.
  5. Funds released: The Centre has released Rs. 553 lakh to Arunachal Pradesh under its rural water supply scheme. The first installment was of Rs.466.81 lakh.
  6. We'll teach the Biharis how to live in Mumbai: Around 100 Shiv Sainiks stormed J. J. Hospital, disrupted daily operations, raised slogans and threatened to take matters into their own hands if no action was taken against non-Maharashtrian students.
  7. Demand for dismissal of Government: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in a representation submitted to State Governor recently, has demanded dismissal of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government for its alleged financial mismanagement and embezzlement of public money.
  8. NDA government asks naxalites to surrender arms: Amid a walkout by opposition RJD and its allies Congress and CPI (M), the Bihar government today appealed to the naxalites to shun the path of violence and reaffirmed its pledge to root out unemployment to usher in a new era of development in Bihar.
Solution:

The following events can be identified with the functioning of federalism:

  1. Event 1: This event signifies federalism because it involves the Centre, a State government (West Bengal), and a regional group reaching a settlement that grants greater autonomy. The involvement of multiple levels of government in decision-making is a hallmark of federalism.
  2. Event 2: This demonstrates federalism as the Centre is responding to the needs of rain-ravaged states by asking for detailed plans for reconstruction and relief. This highlights the cooperative aspect between the central and state governments in addressing crises.
  3. Event 3: While the transfer of an officer is an administrative function, in a federal system, such transfers often involve coordination between the Centre and states, especially for All India Services officers. This inter-governmental administrative coordination can be seen as part of the broader functioning of federalism.
  4. Event 4: Education is on the concurrent list in India. The establishment of Central Universities, with the promise of more in North Eastern states, shows the Centre's role in a subject that can be managed at both central and state levels, reflecting federal principles.
  5. Event 5: This is an example of federalism because the Centre is releasing funds to a state (Arunachal Pradesh) under a specific scheme (rural water supply). This financial assistance and scheme implementation by the Centre for states is a common feature of federal governance.
  6. Event 6: This event cannot be identified with federalism. The actions described, involving threats and disruption by a regional group against people from other regions, do not promote the spirit of cooperation, fraternity, or mutual respect essential for a federal system.
  7. Event 7: This event pertains to the internal political dynamics of a state, specifically the demand for the dismissal of a state government based on alleged mismanagement. While the Governor is an appointee of the Centre, the core issue is state governance, which falls under the purview of state-level politics within the federal structure. It reflects the functioning of state governments.
  8. Event 8: This event describes the Bihar government appealing to naxalites and addressing unemployment. This is primarily a function of the state government in maintaining law and order and promoting development within its territory. While the Centre may provide support, the primary responsibility and action lie with the state, showcasing state-level governance within the federal framework.

Question 2

Think which of the following statements would be correct. State why.
  1. Federalism enhances the possibility of people from different regions to interact without the fear of one's culture being imposed upon them by others.
  2. A federal system will hinder easier economic transaction between two different regions that have distinct types of resources.
  3. A federal system will ensure that the powers of those at the centre will remain limited.
Solution:
  1. Statement 1: Correct. Federalism promotes interaction among people from different regions by ensuring that regional identities and cultures are respected and protected. The division of powers prevents any single region or culture from dominating others, fostering a sense of security and encouraging interaction without fear of imposition.
  2. Statement 2: Not Correct. A federal system, by establishing common economic policies, facilitating trade, and often creating a unified market, actually enhances easier economic transactions between different regions. While regions may have distinct resources, federalism provides a framework for their efficient exchange and utilization.
  3. Statement 3: Correct. A fundamental principle of federalism is the division of powers between the central government and the constituent units (states or regions). This division inherently limits the absolute power of the central government, as significant powers are reserved for the regional governments.

Question 3

Based on the first few articles of the Belgian constitution – given below – explain how federalism is visualised in that country. Try and write a similar Article for the Constitution of India.

Title I: On Federal Belgium, its components and its territory.

Article 1: Belgium is a Federal State made up of communities and regions.

Article 2: Belgium is made up of three communities: The French Community, the Flemish Community and the German Community.

Article 3: Belgium is made up of three regions: The Walloon region, the Flemish region and the Brussels region.

Article 4: Belgium has four linguistic regions: The French speaking region, the Dutch- speaking region, the bilingual region of Brussels Capital and the Germanspeaking region. Each "commune" (county borough) of the Kingdom is part of one of these linguistic regions. ...... Article 5: The Walloon region is made up of the following provinces: The Walloon Brabant, Hainault, Liege, Luxemburg and Namur. The Flemish region is made up of the following provinces: Antwerp, the Flemish Brabant, West Flanders, East Flanders and Limburg. .....

Solution:

Federalism in Belgium:

Federalism in Belgium is visualized as a state composed of distinct communities and regions, with a clear emphasis on linguistic divisions. Articles 1, 2, 3, and 4 establish Belgium as a federal state structured around three communities (French, Flemish, German) and three regions (Walloon, Flemish, Brussels). Article 4 further delineates four linguistic regions, showing how language is a key organizing principle. The constitution explicitly defines these components and their territorial divisions, indicating a federal structure designed to accommodate linguistic and cultural diversity.

Similar Article for the Constitution of India:

While India is a Union of States, a similar article reflecting federal principles could be conceptualized. Drawing inspiration from Belgium's structure, an article for India might emphasize its diverse nature:

Article 1 (Conceptual for India): India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States, comprising diverse linguistic, cultural, and regional identities. The Constitution recognizes the distinct character of its constituent states and provides for a federal structure that balances national unity with regional autonomy.

Explanation of the difference:

The provided answer seems to have misinterpreted the request. The source text for Q3 Answer 3 is very brief and appears incomplete or incorrectly transcribed. It mentions "Article (1): It says that India shall be a union of states." and "Article (2): India aspires to be a society free from caste discrimination but seats in each province have been distributed among the communities of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and general." and "Article (3): India is a union of 29 states and seven union territories. As per Article (1) of Constitution of India:". This does not accurately reflect the structure of the Indian Constitution or directly answer how federalism is visualized in India based on the Belgian model. A more appropriate response would focus on India's federal structure as a Union of States, with powers divided between the Union and State governments, and potentially mention the recognition of linguistic states as a key aspect of its federalism, similar to how Belgium recognizes communities and regions.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing federalism with a unitary system where power is concentrated centrally.
  • Misinterpreting actions that do not promote cooperation or mutual respect as examples of federalism.
  • Overlooking the role of concurrent lists or central assistance in federal governance.
  • Failing to distinguish between state functions and central government responsibilities within a federal structure.

Revision tips

  • Focus on understanding the core principles of federalism as explained in the solutions.
  • Use the provided examples to differentiate between federal and non-federal actions.
  • Pay attention to the comparison with Belgium's federal structure to grasp different models.
  • Review the statements in Q2 to solidify your understanding of federalism's benefits and implications.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of federalism?

Q2. The event where the Centre announced 'Sixth Schedule status' to a regional council is an example of:

Q3. According to the provided text, which subject falls under the concurrent list in India, strengthening federalism?

Q4. Why is the action of Shiv Sainiks threatening non-Maharashtrian students NOT considered an example of federalism?

Q5. Statement: A federal system will ensure that the powers of those at the centre will remain limited. Is this statement correct?

Frequently asked questions

What is Federalism?

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. It ensures that both levels of government have distinct powers and responsibilities.

How does federalism help manage diversity in India?

Federalism allows different regions with diverse cultures and interests to have a say in their governance, promoting cooperation and preventing the dominance of one group over others, thus managing diversity effectively.

Are all actions involving the Centre and States examples of federalism?

Not necessarily. While cooperation between the Centre and States is key, actions that do not promote fraternity, cooperation, or mutual trust are not considered manifestations of federalism.

What is the significance of the concurrent list in federalism?

The concurrent list includes subjects on which both the central and state governments can legislate. This shared legislative power strengthens federalism by allowing for coordinated action on important issues.

How does federalism limit the powers of the central government?

By constitutionally dividing powers and granting significant autonomy to constituent units, federalism ensures that the central government's powers remain limited and are checked by the powers of the states.

How can these NCERT solutions help in exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to textbook questions, explaining concepts like federalism, its functioning, and its implications with examples, which aids in thorough revision and understanding for exams.

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