NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Civics: FederalismExplain the key features of federalism. How does a federal political system differ from a unitary political system?

Introduction to Federalism\nFederalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. Usually, a federation has two levels of government.

Key Features of Federalism

• Two or More Levels of Government: There are multiple tiers of government. In India, we have the Union Government, State Governments, and local bodies.
• Separate Jurisdictions: Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation, and administration.
• Constitutional Guarantee: The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution. So the existence and authority of each tier of government are constitutionally guaranteed.
• Rigid Constitution: The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both levels of government.
• Independent Judiciary: Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of government. The highest court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers.
• Revenue Sources: Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified by the constitution to ensure its financial autonomy.

Difference Between Federal and Unitary Systems

• Power Distribution: In a federal system, power is divided between the central government and state governments constitutionally. In a unitary system, either there is only one level of government or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government.
• Central Government Authority: In a unitary system, the central government can pass orders to the provincial or local government. In a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government to do something for which the state has independent constitutional authority.
• Accountability: In federalism, state governments have their own responsibilities for which they are answerable to the people, whereas in a unitary setup, all ultimate powers rest with the central center.