Class 10 Social Science - KERALA
Political Science: Federalism
The chapter 'Federalism' in Class 10 Political Science (Kerala SCERT) explores the sharing of power between the central government and state governments. Students will learn the key features of federalism, the difference between unitary and federal systems, and how the Indian federal system operates in practice. The chapter also highlights the linguistic reorganization of states, center-state relations, and the role of decentralization through local self-governments like Panchayats and Municipalities. This chapter is extremely important for Kerala State Board exams as it forms the basis of Indian democratic governance and frequently features in both objective and descriptive questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Federalism
A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country, usually with two or more levels of government.
Unitary System
A political system where either there is only one level of government or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government.
Union List, State List, and Concurrent List
The constitutional division of legislative powers between the Union and State governments, along with a Concurrent list where both can make laws.
Linguistic States
The creation of states in India based on language to ensure that people speaking the same language lived in the same state, strengthening national unity.
Decentralization
When power is taken away from central and state governments and given to local government bodies, making grassroots democracy stronger.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala SCERT Class 10 Social Science board examinations, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short-answer questions on the features of federalism or the lists of power, and essay-type questions explaining decentralization and the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a federal government and a unitary government?
In a federal government, power is shared between the center and states with constitutional guarantees, whereas in a unitary system, all power is held by the central government, which can pass orders to sub-units.
What happens if there is a conflict between a central law and a state law on a subject in the Concurrent List?
According to the Indian Constitution, if there is a conflict between laws made on subjects in the Concurrent List, the law made by the Union (Central) Government will prevail.
Why was decentralization introduced in India through the 1992 constitutional amendment?
Decentralization was introduced to give more power to local communities so they can directly address local problems, manage their own development, and deepen democratic participation at the grassroots level.
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