Class 11 Political Science - BIHAR
Federalism
This chapter explores federalism, a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent provincial units like states. For Class 11 Bihar Board (BSEB) students, it delves into why India chose a federal structure, the distribution of legislative powers through the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists, and the unique features of Indian federalism such as a strong center and asymmetric federal provisions. Understanding this chapter is crucial for board exams as it forms the foundation of Indian constitutional design, frequently appearing in short-answer questions, long-form essays, and objective queries.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Federalism
A institutional system with two sets of polities—a national government and regional provincial governments—each with independent jurisdictions.
Union List
A list of subjects of national importance like defense, foreign affairs, and atomic energy on which only the Parliament can make laws.
State List
A list of subjects of regional and local importance like police, trade, and agriculture on which state legislatures generally make laws.
Concurrent List
A list of subjects like education and forests where both the Union and state governments can legislate, with central law prevailing in case of conflict.
Asymmetric Federalism
Special constitutional provisions granted to certain states (such as Article 370 previously or Article 371) to accommodate regional diversity.
Governor's Role
The constitutional head of a state appointed by the center, often serving as a key link and sometimes a point of conflict in Centre-State relations.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar (BSEB) Class 11 Political Science examinations, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 10 marks. Questions usually include objective multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions defining key terms like the Concurrent List, and long-answer descriptive questions examining the nature of Indian federalism and Centre-State relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is India a true federal country?
India is often described as 'quasi-federal' or having a federal system with a strong unitary bias, because the central government holds more power and appoints state governors.
What is the difference between Federal and Unitary systems?
In a federal system, power is constitutionally divided between center and states. In a unitary system, all power rests with the central government, which may delegate authority to provinces.
What happens if there is a conflict between a Central law and a State law on a Concurrent List subject?
According to the Indian Constitution, the law made by the Union Parliament prevails over the law made by the State legislature.
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