NCERT Class 10 Political Science (Civics) Chapter 2, Federalism, introduces students to one of the most important features of the Indian Constitution—division of power between central and state governments. The chapter explains how federalism works in theory and practice, how power is distributed, and how it helps maintain unity in a country as large and diverse as India. It also covers the structure, features, and real-life examples of federal systems in India and across the world.
I chose to write about this chapter because it is not just important for exams but also helps students understand how our country is governed. Many people think only the central government takes decisions, but this chapter shows that power is shared in a balanced way between different levels of government. With regular discussions around issues like state autonomy, central schemes, and local governance, it is essential for students to understand how federalism works. If you want to revise the topic quickly or study from the textbook directly, you can Click Here to Download NCERT Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2: Federalism PDF and keep it handy during exam preparation.
NCERT Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2 Syllabus
- What is federalism
- Features of federalism
- How federalism is practised
- Decentralisation in India
What You Will Learn in Chapter 2: Federalism
The chapter begins by explaining the basic idea of federalism. It is a system where power is divided between two or more levels of government—usually a central government and state governments. Both levels are independent in their own areas of power and responsibilities.
India is described as a federal country, even though the word “federalism” is not used directly in the Constitution. It has a three-tier government structure:
- Union Government (Central level)
- State Governments
- Local Governments (Panchayats and Municipalities)
The chapter then describes the features of a federal system:
- Division of powers through three lists – Union List, State List and Concurrent List
- Written Constitution
- Independent judiciary to resolve disputes
- Clear financial arrangements
It also discusses how federalism is practised in real life. For example, earlier India had a strong centralised system, but after 1990, the rise of regional political parties led to more power being shared with the states. The chapter explains how this shift created a more balanced federal system.
Another important section of the chapter is about decentralisation. India has added a third level of government through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. This allows local governments in villages and cities to take decisions on local matters, making the system more democratic and responsive.
The chapter also gives comparisons with other federal countries like the USA and Belgium, helping students understand that there is no single model of federalism.
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Click Here to Download NCERT Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2: Federalism PDF
