📘 FEDERALISM – Notes
1. Introduction to Federalism
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central
authority and regional governments (states).
Both levels of government are independent in their own areas and derive their authority
from the Constitution.
India adopted federalism to maintain unity while respecting diversity.
2. Features of a Federal System
A federal government usually has:
● Two or more levels of government
● Written Constitution
● Division of powers
● Independent judiciary
● Bicameral legislature (in many countries)
● Dual administration
India follows most of these features.
3. Federalism in India
India’s Constitution describes India as a “Union of States” (Article 1).
This means India is not a loose federation but a strong union with federal features.
India is called a quasi-federal or cooperative federal system because it combines:
● Federal structure
● Unitary spirit
, 4. Distribution of Powers (Article 246)
The Constitution divides powers between the Union and the States through three lists:
1. Union List (97 subjects)
● Central Government handles
● Includes: Defence, Foreign Affairs, Railways, Banking, Currency
● Parliament has exclusive power
2. State List (67 subjects)
● State Governments handle
● Includes: Police, Public Health, Agriculture, Local Government
3. Concurrent List (47 subjects)
● Both Centre and States can make laws
● Includes: Education, Marriage & Divorce, Forests, Electricity
● If conflict: central law prevails
5. Why India is called “Cooperative
Federalism”?
India’s Centre and States work together instead of competing.
Examples:
● NITI Aayog encourages cooperation
● GST Council includes States + Centre
● Central schemes run with State partnership
● Disaster management done jointly
This shows coordination, not separation.
1. Introduction to Federalism
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central
authority and regional governments (states).
Both levels of government are independent in their own areas and derive their authority
from the Constitution.
India adopted federalism to maintain unity while respecting diversity.
2. Features of a Federal System
A federal government usually has:
● Two or more levels of government
● Written Constitution
● Division of powers
● Independent judiciary
● Bicameral legislature (in many countries)
● Dual administration
India follows most of these features.
3. Federalism in India
India’s Constitution describes India as a “Union of States” (Article 1).
This means India is not a loose federation but a strong union with federal features.
India is called a quasi-federal or cooperative federal system because it combines:
● Federal structure
● Unitary spirit
, 4. Distribution of Powers (Article 246)
The Constitution divides powers between the Union and the States through three lists:
1. Union List (97 subjects)
● Central Government handles
● Includes: Defence, Foreign Affairs, Railways, Banking, Currency
● Parliament has exclusive power
2. State List (67 subjects)
● State Governments handle
● Includes: Police, Public Health, Agriculture, Local Government
3. Concurrent List (47 subjects)
● Both Centre and States can make laws
● Includes: Education, Marriage & Divorce, Forests, Electricity
● If conflict: central law prevails
5. Why India is called “Cooperative
Federalism”?
India’s Centre and States work together instead of competing.
Examples:
● NITI Aayog encourages cooperation
● GST Council includes States + Centre
● Central schemes run with State partnership
● Disaster management done jointly
This shows coordination, not separation.
