Federalism — Class 10 Social Science NCERT Solutions (Free)

Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 10 Social Science chapter "Federalism" — 6 important questions with detailed answers for CBSE board exam preparation.

TL;DR: Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 10 Social Science chapter "Federalism" — 6 important questions with detailed answers for CBSE board exam p…

By Syllab.in · Updated Jun 17, 2026

Key Questions Covered:

What is federalism and what are its key characteristics?
How is India a federal state and what are its distinctive features?
What is the three-fold distribution of legislative powers in India?
How does the principle of cooperative federalism work in India?
What are the conflicts and tensions in Indian federalism?
How does decentralization at the local level strengthen federalism?

Solutions Summary:

Question	Status
What is federalism and what are its key characteristics?	✓ Solved
How is India a federal state and what are its distinctive…	✓ Solved
What is the three-fold distribution of legislative powers…	✓ Solved
How does the principle of cooperative federalism work in …	✓ Solved
What are the conflicts and tensions in Indian federalism?	✓ Solved
How does decentralization at the local level strengthen f…	✓ Solved

Showing 6 of 6 questions

Q1: What is federalism and what are its key characteristics?

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional units (states or provinces). Key characteristics include: (1) Written constitution defining power distribution, (2) Dual sovereignty with both central and state governments, (3) Separate executive, legislature, and judiciary at both levels, (4) Amendment requiring consent of both levels, (5) Supreme Court arbitrating disputes.

Q2: How is India a federal state and what are its distinctive features?

India is a federal state with power divided between the Union (central) government and State governments. Distinctive features include: (1) Asymmetrical federalism giving Jammu-Kashmir and Nagaland special status, (2) Three lists (Union, State, Concurrent) dividing legislative powers, (3) Union controls defense, foreign relations, and taxation; States control education, police, (4) Panchayati Raj adds third tier of governance.

Q3: What is the three-fold distribution of legislative powers in India?

The Indian Constitution divides legislative powers into: (1) Union List (97 subjects): Defense, foreign affairs, currency, income tax—Union Parliament legislates, (2) State List (66 subjects): Police, education, agriculture, local governance—State Legislature legislates, (3) Concurrent List (52 subjects): Criminal law, contracts, labor—Both can legislate, but Union law prevails if conflict.

Q4: How does the principle of cooperative federalism work in India?

Cooperative federalism involves coordination and collaboration between Union and State governments. Mechanisms include: (1) Finance Commission allocating funds, (2) Scheduled negotiations between Union and States, (3) Planning Commission coordinating development, (4) Zonal councils facilitating coordination, (5) Special laws for unique regions. Cooperative federalism balances autonomy with national integration.

Q5: What are the conflicts and tensions in Indian federalism?

Tensions arise from: (1) Revenue sharing disputes between Union and States, (2) Disagreements over resource distribution, (3) States demanding greater autonomy or financial support, (4) Language and cultural issues in multilingual nation, (5) Implementation of central policies by resistant State governments, (6) Special status demands from specific regions. Despite conflicts, federalism remains India's framework.

Q6: How does decentralization at the local level strengthen federalism?

The 73rd Amendment introduced Panchayati Raj (village councils) and the 74th Amendment introduced Municipal Corporations (urban councils) as third tier of government. This decentralization brings governance closer to people, ensures grassroots participation, and allows local issues to be addressed locally. It strengthens federalism by creating multiple levels of governance and accountability.

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