Chapter 7 of Class 11 Political Science Part 2 (Hindi Medium), titled संघवाद, explains how power is shared between the Centre and the States in India. This chapter helps students understand why India is called a federal country and how different levels of government work together while still having their own authority. From Union, State, and Concurrent Lists to the role of the Constitution in dividing powers, this chapter lays the foundation for understanding India’s political structure in a practical way.
I chose to write about this chapter because federalism is not just a textbook concept; it affects our daily lives more than we realise. Whether it is state governments managing education and police, or the central government handling defence and foreign policy, federalism decides who does what. Many students memorise these points for exams but miss the bigger picture. This chapter helps them see how cooperation and balance between governments keep such a large and diverse country running smoothly. Once this idea is clear, topics like centre-state relations, GST, or disputes between states make much more sense.
What Is Federalism?
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various state or regional governments. Both levels function independently in their own areas but are bound by the Constitution.
In India, federalism ensures:
- Unity of the country
- Respect for regional diversity
- Efficient administration
Features of Indian Federalism
The chapter explains the key features that make India a federal state.
Some important features include:
- Written Constitution that clearly divides powers
- Supremacy of the Constitution
- Independent judiciary to settle disputes
- Division of powers between Centre and States
Division of Powers in India
A major part of this chapter focuses on how powers are divided.
Union List
Includes subjects of national importance such as defence, foreign affairs, and currency.
State List
Includes subjects related to states like police, agriculture, and public health.
Concurrent List
Includes subjects where both Centre and States can make laws, such as education and forests.
Role of the Judiciary in Federalism
The judiciary plays a crucial role in maintaining federal balance.
Courts ensure that:
- Neither Centre nor States overstep their authority
- Constitutional boundaries are respected
- Disputes between governments are resolved fairly
This makes federalism stable and trustworthy.
Why Federalism Is Important for India
India is a country with different languages, cultures, and regions. Federalism allows this diversity to exist within one nation.
It helps by:
- Giving states flexibility to address local needs
- Preventing over-centralisation of power
- Strengthening democratic participation
NCERT Class 11 Political Science Part 2 Chapter 7 PDF Download (Hindi Medium)
Students can download the official Hindi PDF by following these steps:
- Visit the official NCERT website
- Go to the Textbooks / E-Books section
- Select Class 11
- Choose Political Science
- Open Indian Constitution at Work – Part 2 (Hindi)
- Click on Chapter 7: संघवाद
- Download the PDF for free
Always download from the official NCERT website to avoid outdated or incorrect content.
