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Ch 02 - Federalism10th Polity & Civics
Federalism: Core Definition
What is the core definition of Federalism as a system of government?
What is the core definition of Federalism as a system of government?
DEFINITION
Defining Federalism
- Definition: A system of government in which sovereign power is explicitly divided between a central authority and various constituent units (states or provinces) of the country.
- Structure: It typically features at least two levels of government.
- Autonomy: Both levels enjoy their respective powers independent of the other, deriving their legal authority directly from the Constitution.
Prism Memory Hook
Fed equals Divided Power
Unitary vs. Federal Systems
How does the legal relationship between the central government and state governments differ in Unitary versus Federal systems?
How does the legal relationship between the central government and state governments differ in Unitary versus Federal systems?
DISTINCTION
Central vs. State Authority
- Unitary System: There is either only one level of government, or sub-units are strictly subordinate to the center. The central government can legally pass administrative orders to the local/state governments.
- Federal System: State governments possess their own independent powers guaranteed by the constitution. The central government cannot legally order the state to take specific administrative actions within the state's jurisdiction. Both levels are separately answerable to the citizens.
Prism Memory Hook
Unitary Dictates, Federal Cooperates
Jurisdiction in Federalism
What does the term 'Jurisdiction' mean, and how is it secured in a federal structure?
What does the term 'Jurisdiction' mean, and how is it secured in a federal structure?
DEFINITION
Understanding Jurisdiction
- Definition: The specific area over which an entity possesses legitimate legal authority.
- Scope: It can be defined strictly in terms of geographical boundaries (e.g., a state border) or specific subjects of administration (e.g., taxation, defense, policing).
- Constitutional Guarantee: In a true federation, the exact jurisdiction of each tier of government is explicitly specified and protected by the Constitution to prevent overreach.
Prism Memory Hook
Jurisdiction equals Legal Area of Control
Also in this chapter
28 more cards to study in Prism
- 4Core Features of Federalism: Tiers & Jurisdiction
- 5Constitutional Rigidity in Federations
- 6The Judiciary as the Federal Umpire
- 7Financial Autonomy in Federalism
- 8The Dual Objectives of Federalism
- 9Federation Routes: Coming Together vs. Holding Together
- 10Global Federal Footprint
- 11The Union List (Schedule VII)
- 12The State List (Schedule VII)
- 13The Concurrent List (Schedule VII)
- 14Residuary Powers
- 15Union Territories (UTs)
- 16Asymmetric Federalism: Article 371
- 17The Root of India's Federal Success
- 18The Reorganization of States
- 19India's Federal Language Policy
- 20Evolution of Centre-State Relations (Post-1990)
- 21Decentralisation: The Third Tier
- 22The 1992 Decentralisation Amendments
- 23The State Election Commission (SEC)
- 24Women's Reservation (Panchayati Raj)
- 25The 3-Tier Panchayati Raj Structure
- 26The Gram Sabha
- 27Urban Governance: Municipalities vs. Corporations
- 28Participatory Democracy: Porto Alegre
- 29The State Finance Commission
- 30The Panchayat Samiti (Block Level)
- 31Summary: The 7 Key Features of Federalism
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