NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 2 | What Makes India A Federal Country?

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Topic & sub-topics covered: “What Makes India A Federal Country?” and MCQs Questions: Federalism (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 10th about “What Makes India A Federal Country?” from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 10th chapter 2 “Federalism“.

Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 10 Chapter 2 Federalism PDF Notes

NCERT Civics (Political Science) Class 10th Chapter 2 – Federalism Notes & MCQ’s Question-Answer

Explore the key concept of federalism in Chapter 2 of Class 10 Civics (Political Science). This chapter discusses power-sharing between the central government and states in India, highlighting its role in maintaining unity and promoting regional autonomy, What is Federalism?, What Makes India a Federal Country?, How is Federalism Practised?, Decentralisation in India. Understand Indian federalism’s theory, practices, and its newest tier – local government. These CBSE/NCERT notes simplify the topic with clear explanations and with the help of examples. Make your understanding of democracy and governance strong with comprehensive notes on federalism’s structure and significance.

What Makes India A Federal Country?

Managing Diversity in India

1. Power-Sharing Challenge:

India faces significant challenges in managing diversity due to its vast population with multiple languages, religions, and regions.

Federal Features of the Indian Constitution

1. Union of States:

The Constitution declares India as a “Union of States” based on federal principles, though the term “federation” is not used.

2. Two-Tier System:

Initially, India had a two-tier system: Union Government and State Governments.

3. Three-Tier Federalism:

A third tier was added, introducing Panchayats and Municipalities to Indian federalism.

Three-Fold Legislative Distribution

1. Union List:

Includes subjects of national importance, such as defence, foreign affairs, banking, and communications.
Only the Union Government can legislate on these subjects.

2. State List:

Covers subjects of state and local importance, such as police, trade, agriculture, and irrigation.
State Governments have exclusive power to legislate on these subjects.

3. Concurrent List:

Includes subjects of common interest to both Union and State Governments, like education, forests, and marriage.
In case of conflict, Union Government laws prevail.

4. Residuary Subjects:

Matters not listed in any of the three lists (e.g., computer software) fall under Union Government’s jurisdiction.

Special Provisions and Units

1. Special Status States:

States like Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram have special provisions (Article 371) for land rights, culture, and preferential employment.

2. Union Territories:

Areas like Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, and Delhi are directly governed by the Central Government with limited powers.

Amending Federal Structure

1. Rigidity of Power Sharing:

Changes to the power-sharing arrangement require:
a. Approval by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
b. Ratification by at least half of the State legislatures.

Role of Judiciary

1. Dispute Resolution:

High Courts and Supreme Court resolve disputes over the division of powers between Union and State Governments.

Financial Autonomy

1. Taxation Powers:

Both Union and State Governments can levy taxes to raise resources for their responsibilities.

Illustrative Scenarios

1. Nuclear Policy Example:

States cannot prevent the Central Government from conducting nuclear tests, as defense is under Union List.

2. Textbook Policy:

States like Sikkim can introduce textbooks without Union Government’s permission if it falls under their jurisdiction.

3. State Police Policy:

Chief Ministers can decide their state police’s response without mandatory intervention from the Prime Minister, showcasing state autonomy.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 2: Federalism

Topics No.	Topics Name
1	What Is Federalism?
2	What Makes India a Federal Country?
3	How Is Federalism Practised?
5	Decentralisation in India

MCQs on NCERT Civics Class 10 Chapter 2 Tpoic – What Makes India A Federal Country?

Here are top exam oriented mcq’s type questions on “What Makes India A Federal Country?” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:

Question 1. What did the Indian Constitution declare India as after independence?

a) Federation of States
b) Confederation of States
c) Union of States
d) Democratic Union

Answer: c) Union of States

Question 2. What principle is the Indian Union based on?

a) Unitary governance
b) Decentralization
c) Federalism
d) Socialism

Answer: c) Federalism

Question 3. What tier of government was added later to Indian federalism?

a) Central Government
b) Panchayats and Municipalities
c) Provincial Government
d) Special State Zones

Answer: b) Panchayats and Municipalities

Question 4. Which list in the Indian Constitution includes subjects of national importance?

a) State List
b) Union List
c) Concurrent List
d) Residuary List

Answer: b) Union List

Question 5. Which of the following subjects is NOT in the Union List?

a) Defence
b) Agriculture
c) Foreign Affairs
d) Banking

Answer: b) Agriculture

Question 6. What kind of subjects are included in the State List?

a) Subjects of national importance
b) Subjects of State and local importance
c) Subjects that both Union and State governments legislate on
d) Residuary subjects

Answer: b) Subjects of State and local importance

Question 7. What happens when laws made by the Union Government and State Government conflict on subjects in the Concurrent List?

a) The State law prevails.
b) The Union law prevails.
c) Both laws are nullified.
d) The Supreme Court decides which law prevails.

Answer: b) The Union law prevails.

Question 8. Which of the following is a residuary subject?

a) Trade
b) Police
c) Computer software
d) Agriculture

Answer: c) Computer software

Question 9. Which Article of the Indian Constitution grants special provisions to certain States?

a) Article 356
b) Article 371
c) Article 370
d) Article 395

Answer: b) Article 371

Question 10. Which of the following States enjoy special powers under Article 371?

a) Uttar Pradesh and Punjab
b) Nagaland and Mizoram
c) Gujarat and Maharashtra
d) Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Answer: b) Nagaland and Mizoram

Question 11. Why do some States have special provisions under the Constitution?

a) To ensure uniform governance across all States.
b) To recognize their unique social and historical circumstances.
c) To reduce their autonomy.
d) To make them subordinate to the Union Government.

Answer: b) To recognize their unique social and historical circumstances.

Question 12. Which of the following is a characteristic of Union Territories in India?

a) They enjoy equal powers as States.
b) They are independent of the Central Government.
c) The Central Government has special powers in running them.
d) They have special provisions under Article 371.

Answer: c) The Central Government has special powers in running them.

Question 13. Which of the following is NOT a Union Territory?

a) Chandigarh
b) Delhi
c) Lakshadweep
d) Sikkim

Answer: d) Sikkim

Question 14. What is the basic structure of the Indian Constitution regarding power-sharing?

a) Central Government has complete control over States.
b) States are independent of the Central Government.
c) Power-sharing between Union and State Governments is basic to the Constitution.
d) Parliament can unilaterally change the power-sharing arrangement.

Answer: c) Power-sharing between Union and State Governments is basic to the Constitution.

Question 15. How can changes to the power-sharing arrangement be made?

a) By a simple majority in Parliament.
b) By a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and ratification by half of the State legislatures.
c) By a directive from the Prime Minister.
d) By an order from the Supreme Court.

Answer: b) By a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and ratification by half of the State legislatures.

Question 16. What is the role of the judiciary in the federal system?

a) To execute laws passed by Parliament.
b) To oversee the implementation of constitutional provisions.
c) To legislate on concurrent subjects.
d) To determine taxation policies.

Answer: b) To oversee the implementation of constitutional provisions.

Question 17. Which court resolves disputes about the division of powers?

a) District Court
b) High Court
c) Supreme Court
d) Both b and c

Answer: d) Both b and c

Question 18. How do Union and State Governments raise resources?

a) By borrowing from other countries.
b) By levying taxes.
c) By donations from citizens.
d) By international funding agencies.

Answer: b) By levying taxes.

Question 19. Can a State Government prevent the Central Government from conducting nuclear tests within its territory?

a) Yes, because States have jurisdiction over land.
b) No, because nuclear policy is a subject in the Union List.
c) Yes, because the State Government can overrule Central directives.
d) No, because nuclear tests are under the Concurrent List.

Answer: b) No, because nuclear policy is a subject in the Union List.

Question 20. If a State Government introduces new textbooks in schools, does it need permission from the Union Government?

a) Yes, because education is in the Union List.
b) No, because education is in the Concurrent List.
c) Yes, because the Union Government controls all educational policies.
d) No, because education is exclusively in the State List.

Answer: b) No, because education is in the Concurrent List.

Question 21. Can the Prime Minister intervene and issue an order on how State police should respond to a situation?

a) Yes, because law and order are in the Union List.
b) No, because the police are on the State List.
c) Yes, because the Prime Minister has overriding powers.
d) No, because law and order is in the Concurrent List.

Answer: b) No, because the police are on the State List.