Federalism: Uniting Diverse Entities Under One Banner
Federalism, a pivotal concept in political science, is instrumental in comprehending how political entities, especially nations, structure their governance mechanisms. Chapter 2 of the NCERT Grade 10 textbook breaks down the nuances of federalism, showcasing its role in maintaining unity amidst diversity.
1. What is Federalism?
Federalism stems from the Latin term “foedus,” meaning covenant or treaty. It’s a system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, ensuring that individual entities retain a degree of autonomy.
2. Key Features of Federalism
a. Dual Polity:
In a federation, two levels of government govern the same territory and citizens.
b. Written Constitution:
Federal countries possess a written constitution that clearly details the distribution of power.
c. Supremacy of Constitution:
The constitution, being the supreme law, ensures that governments operate within their designated purview.
d. Rigidity of Constitution:
Changing federal aspects of the constitution requires a special procedure, guarding federalism from whimsical changes.
e. Independent Judiciary:
A neutral judiciary arbitrates disputes between different levels of government.
3. How is Federalism Practiced?
The practice of federalism can be “holding together” or “coming together.”
a. Holding Together:
Here, a large nation divides power between constituent units and the national government. Examples include India and Spain.
b. Coming Together:
Smaller entities come together to form a federation, with the primary aim of increasing security. The USA and Switzerland exemplify this.
4. Federalism in India
Indian federalism has distinct features:
a. Linguistic States:
The reorganization of states on linguistic lines catered to regional demands while maintaining national unity.
b. Centre-State Relations:
While India leans towards a strong center, states have considerable powers within their domains.
c. Decentralization:
India has moved towards decentralizing power further, empowering local governance bodies like panchayats.
5. Why Federalism?
a. Respect for Diversity:
Federalism allows diverse entities to coexist, respecting and accommodating differences.
b. Double Governance:
With governance at two levels, federalism ensures a broader and more inclusive approach to policy-making.
c. Conflict Resolution:
Differences and conflicts between communities can be managed and resolved under a federal setup.
d. Enhances Democracy:
By dispersing power, federalism prevents the concentration of authority, thus deepening democracy.
6. Challenges to Federalism
While federalism has its advantages, challenges persist:
a. Power Imbalances:
Sometimes, the central authority might overshadow smaller units.
b. Regional Disparities:
Economic and developmental disparities can strain federal bonds.
c. Cultural Hegemony:
Dominant culture or language might suppress minority entities.
7. Conclusion
Federalism isn’t merely a system of governance; it’s a belief in collective progress, ensuring that every constituent unit grows without compromising on its unique identity. As democracies evolve, federalism will continue playing a vital role in structuring political entities.
Key Takeaway: Federalism is the essence of collective governance, ensuring unity in diversity, fostering regional growth while maintaining a unified national identity.