Q3. Define federalism. Ans. Federalism is a system of govt. in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country. Q4. What are the two levels of govt. which a federation usually has? Ans. 1. The govt. for the entire country is usually responsible for a few subjects of common national interest. 2. The others are govts at the level of provinces or states that look after much of the day-to-day administering of their state. Both these levels of govts enjoy their power independent of each other. Q5. What are the distinguishing features of federal and unitary govts? OR Compare and contrast unitary govts with federal govts. Ans. Unitary Govt.
1. Under the unitary system, either there is only one level of govt. or the subunits are subordinate to the central govt. 2. The central govt. can pass on orders to the provincial or the local govt.
Federal Govt.
1. State govt. has powers of its own for which it is not answerable to the central govt. 2. Central govt. cannot order the state govt. to do something.
Q6. What are the key features of federalism? Ans. 1. There are two or more levels (or tiers) tiers) of govt. 2. Different tiers of govt. govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration. VSP
3. The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of govt. are specified in the constitution. 4. The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of govt. 5. Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of govt. 6. Sources of revenue for each level of govt. are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy. Q7. In which situation does the highest court act as an umpire? Ans. When disputes arise between different levels of govt in the exercise of their respective powers. Q8. What are the dual objectives of Federal system? Ans. 1. To safeguard and promote unity of the country 2. Accommodate regional diversity. Q9. Which two aspects are crucial for federalism? Ans. 1. Govts at different levels should agree to some rules of power sharing. 2. They should also trust that each would abide by its part of agreement. Q10. The exact balance of power between the central and state govts varies from one federation to another. Elucidate. Ans. This balance depends mainly on the historical context – the routes through which federations have been formed. (Combine answer 11 with this)
