Question

Explain any five key features of Federalism.

Answer 1

Answer:

Federalism is a political structure in which power is distributed between a central authority and the country’s different constituent units.

Federalism – 7 Key Features

Some of the key features of federalism are given below:

Different Levels of Government

• In the Federalism structure, there will be at least 2 tiers or levels of Government.

Jurisdiction

• In matters of administration, taxation, and legislation; each level of Government will work under its jurisdiction.

Constitutional Guarantee

• The authority bestowed at each level of Government is guaranteed by the Constitution.
• Constitution will specify the jurisdiction of each tier or level of Government.

Changing the Provisions

• Without the consensus of different levels of Government, the fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be altered unilaterally, by a Government at one level.

Power of Courts in Disputes

• If there is a dispute at different levels of Government i.e. if a conflict arises at different levels of Government while they are exercising their respective powers, then Courts are authorized to interpret the provisions mentioned in the Constitution and accordingly give their verdict on the conflict and resolve the problem.

Revenue

• In Federalism, for each level of Government, the sources of revenues are mentioned clearly. This is done to ensure financial autonomy.

Unity and Diversity

• Federalism has two main objectives. One objective is that regional diversity has to be accommodated. The other objective is to promote and safeguard the unity of the country.

Federalism in India

• The word Federation was not used in the Constitution of India, however, it is based on principles of Federalism.
• Initially, the Constitution of India provided provisions for 2 tiers or levels of Government i.e. Central Government and State Governments. However, Panchayat and Municipalities were added at a later date, thereby creating the third tier in Indian Federalism.
• The Constitution of India demarcated the powers or jurisdiction of Central and State governments with the help of 3 lists named: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
• Both State Governments and Union Governments can make laws on subjects mentioned in the concurrent list. Some of the subjects which are covered in the concurrent list are adoption and succession, trade unions, marriage, forest, and education.
• For the subjects which are covered under State List, only state Governments have the powers to make or change laws. The subjects covered under the state list are irrigation, trade, agriculture, commerce, and police.
• For the subjects which are mentioned in the Union List, only Union Government has the power to make laws. Some of the subjects covered under the Union List are Foreign Affairs, Defence, currency, banking, and communications.