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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

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NCERT Solutions for Federalism Class 10 Questions and Answers - FREE PDF Download

NCERT Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 ‘Federalism’ by Vedantu offers a clear and detailed explanation of the concept of federalism. This discusses the importance of federalism in a diverse country like India, the key features of the federal system, and how it works in practise. Class 10 Civics NCERT Solutions provides detailed answers to all questions in the NCERT textbook. 

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Federalism Class 10 Questions And Answers are prepared to help students gain insights into the functioning of Indian democracy and the role of federalism in maintaining unity and accommodating diversity. Download the FREE Class 10 Civics Chapter 3 Question Answer PDF prepared by Vedantu Experts and updated according to the CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus. Start with Vedantu to pursue a path of academic excellence!


Glance on NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

  • A straightforward understanding of how power is divided between the central and state governments in India is provided in the Federalism Class 10 PDF.

  • Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 Question Answer discusses why federalism is crucial in a diverse country like India to accommodate regional aspirations and ensure effective governance.

  • Different types of federalism, including cooperative federalism where the Centre and states collaborate on policy-making, and competitive federalism where states compete for development and investment are clearly explained in Federalism Class 10.

  • Compare India's federal system with other countries, highlighting similarities and unique features that shape its functioning.

  • Class 10 Federalism Question Answer illustrates how federalism operates in practice through examples of legislative, administrative, and financial relations between the Centre and states.

  • Federalism Class 10 covers key features such as dual government structure, division of powers, and the role of federal institutions like the Supreme Court.

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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 Federalism
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Access NCERT for Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2 Questions and Answers

Short Answers:

1. Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India:

Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa

Ans:


States on a blank outline political map of India


2. Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.

Ans: 


Three federal countries on a blank outline political map of the world


3. Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one 

feature that is different from that of Belgium.

Ans: Similarity: In both the countries, the central government shares its powers with the regional governments.

Difference: Along with the central and state government, Belgium also has a community government.


4. What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one?

Ans: In the Federal form of government, power is shared between the Central government and the other constituent units of the country. Like in India, the power is shared between the Central and the State governments.

The unitary form of government provides power to only one government. Like in Sri Lanka, all the power has been given to the national government.


5. State any two differences between the local government before and after the constitutional amendment in 1992. 

Ans: 

Local governments before 1992- 

  • State controlled the elections and they were held irregularly.

  • No power or resources were given to local governments.

Local governments after 1992-

  • Elections are conducted regularly by an independent State Election Commission.

  • Some powers and revenue is shared with local government bodies by the State governments.


6. Fill in the blanks:

Since the United States is a ____________________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are _______________ vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a _________________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the ___________________ government has more powers.

Ans:

Since the United States is a coming together type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are strong vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a holding together type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the Central government has more powers.


7. Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.

Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.

Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their 

language.

Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.

Ans: I concur with Sangeeta's reaction. Had the policy of accommodation not been followed and the states not been created on linguistic basis, India would have suffered further partition. 

For example, if Hindi would have been declared as the national language, the south would have broken away from the north and have become an independent nation. 


8. The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:

(a) The National government gives some powers to the provincial governments.

(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.

(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.

(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.

Ans: (d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.


Topics Covered in Class 10 Civics Chapter 2: Federalism

S.No.

Topics of Federalism Class 10

1

What is federalism?

2

What makes India a federal country

3

How is federalism practised?

  • Linguistic States

  • Language policy

  • Central-State relations

4

Decentralisation in India



Benefits of Referring to Chapter 2 Federalism Class 10 Questions and Answers

  • Federalism Class 10 helps in understanding how power is divided between the central and state governments, which is crucial for understanding how India is governed.

  • Students get awareness about the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government in managing national and local issues from Federalism Class 10 Solutions.

  • Federalism Class 10 Questions And Answers encourages critical thinking by analysing how federalism impacts policy-making, administration, and democratic practices.

  • Makes it easy for students to understand democratic principles like decentralisation of power and checks and balances, essential for informed citizenship.

  • Class 10 Civics Ch 2 Question Answer develops skills like critical analysis, understanding of rights and responsibilities, and appreciation for democratic values essential for active participation in society.

  • Students can gain foundational knowledge beneficial for careers in governance, law, public administration, and political science that is offered by Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2 Questions And Answers.


Along with Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 NCERT Solutions, you can also refer to Class 10 Federalism Revision Notes and Class 10 Federalism Important Questions.


Conclusion

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Civics Chapter 2 on Federalism by Vedantu offers a comprehensive understanding of how power is distributed between the central and state governments in India. Vedantu’s solutions simplify complex concepts, making them accessible and aiding in effective exam preparation. By focusing on Class 10 Federalism Question Answer, students not only gain clarity on federalism but also develop critical thinking skills necessary for analysing political structures and their implications on society.


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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 Federalism

1. What is the correct way to define federalism as per NCERT Class 10 Civics Chapter 2?

Based on the NCERT solutions for the 2025-26 syllabus, federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and its various constituent units, like states. Both these levels of government enjoy their power independent of the other, as their respective areas of jurisdiction are specified in the Constitution. For example, in India, both the Union Government and the State Governments have distinct powers.

2. How does the Indian Constitution divide legislative powers between the Centre and States in the federal system?

The NCERT solutions for Chapter 2 explain that the Constitution provides a three-fold distribution of legislative powers, detailed in three lists:

  • Union List: Includes subjects of national importance like defence, foreign affairs, and currency. Only the Union Government can make laws on these.
  • State List: Contains subjects of State and local importance such as police, trade, and agriculture. State Governments alone can make laws here.
  • Concurrent List: Covers subjects of common interest to both, like education, forests, and marriage. Both Union and State Governments can legislate. If their laws conflict, the Union law prevails.

3. What is the main difference between a federal and a unitary form of government, explained with examples?

The key difference lies in the distribution of power. In a federal system (like India or the USA), power is shared between two or more levels of government (central and state), with both having constitutional authority. In a unitary system (like the UK or Sri Lanka), there is only one level of government, or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government, which can pass orders to them.

4. How can you distinguish between 'coming together' and 'holding together' federations as per the NCERT textbook?

The NCERT solutions explain two routes to forming federations:

  • 'Coming together' federation: Independent states join to form a bigger unit, pooling sovereignty to increase security. All constituent states usually have equal power. Examples include the USA and Australia.
  • 'Holding together' federation: A large country divides its power between the national government and the constituent states to accommodate diversity. The central government is typically more powerful. Examples are India and Spain.

5. What was the impact of the 1992 Constitutional amendment on local self-government in India?

The 1992 amendment, as detailed in the NCERT solutions, was a major step towards decentralisation. Key changes included:

  • It became constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections for local government bodies.
  • Seats were reserved in elected bodies for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
  • At least one-third of all positions were reserved for women.
  • An independent State Election Commission was created in each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
  • State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies.

6. Why is the judiciary considered the guardian of federalism in India?

The judiciary plays a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of constitutional provisions. According to the NCERT solutions, if any dispute arises about the division of powers between the Centre and States, the High Courts and the Supreme Court have the jurisdiction to make a decision. This ensures that no single level of government can unilaterally change the power-sharing arrangement, thus protecting the federal structure.

7. In case of a conflict over a law on a 'Concurrent List' subject, whose law prevails?

As per the constitutional provisions explained in the NCERT solutions for Class 10 Civics, if there is a conflict between a law made by the Parliament (Union Government) and a law made by a State Legislature on a subject in the Concurrent List, the law made by the Parliament will prevail.

8. Why is the central government in India considered more powerful than the state governments?

India's 'holding together' federation design gives more power to the Union government to maintain national unity. This is evident in several ways explained in the NCERT chapter:

  • The Union government has authority over more crucial subjects in the Union List.
  • It has overriding authority on subjects in the Concurrent List.
  • The Parliament has the power to alter the boundaries of states.
  • The Union government has special powers for certain territories (Union Territories).
  • During emergencies, power becomes highly centralised.

9. How did the creation of linguistic states strengthen the practice of federalism in India?

The formation of states based on language has made the country more united and administration easier. Instead of weakening the country, as some initially feared, this policy of accommodation has strengthened federalism by:

  • Recognising and respecting regional and linguistic diversity.
  • Allowing people who speak the same language to live in the same state, which makes governance more accessible and representative.
  • Reducing the risk of major conflicts over language and culture, thereby promoting national unity.

10. What is decentralisation and why is it essential for a vast country like India?

Decentralisation is the process of taking power away from the central and state governments and giving it to local governments (Panchayats and Municipalities). According to the NCERT solutions, this is crucial for India because:

  • It helps in the effective management of a large and diverse population.
  • Many problems and issues are best settled at the local level as local people have better knowledge of their specific problems.
  • It promotes the direct participation of citizens in decision-making, which is the very spirit of democracy.

11. What is the correct method to answer a question comparing the federal systems of India and Belgium?

To correctly answer this as per the NCERT syllabus, you should point out both similarities and differences.

  • Similarity: Both India and Belgium follow a 'holding together' model of federalism where power is shared between the central government and regional/state governments to accommodate diversity.
  • Difference: The key difference is that Belgium has a third kind of government called the 'community government', which deals with cultural, educational, and language-related issues. India does not have this specific type of government.

12. How do coalition governments at the Centre reinforce the spirit of federalism?

The rise of regional political parties since 1990 has often led to coalition governments at the Centre. This has strengthened federalism because:

  • No single national party could secure a majority, forcing them to form alliances with regional parties.
  • This led to a new culture of power-sharing and respect for the autonomy of State Governments.
  • The interests and concerns of states, represented by regional parties, gained more prominence in national policy-making.