Class 10 Social Science - Democratic Politics - Chapter Federalism NCERT Solutions | The distinguishing feature of a federal

Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.

Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.

Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.

A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.
A. Defence; B. Police; C. Agriculture; D. Education; E. Banking; F. Forests; G. Communications; H. Trade; I. Marriages

Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India:
Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Goa.

Consider the following two statements.
A. In a federation the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.
B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the States have been devolved to the local government bodies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B and C (b) A, C and D (c) A and B only (d) B and C only

Fill in the blanks:
Since the United States is a ___________________ type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ______________vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a_____________________ type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the ____________ government has more powers.

What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence on politics?

State the various functions political parties perform in a democracy.

How does democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government?

Writing your own definition of a good democracy.​

What are the different forms of power-sharing in modern democracies? Give an example of each of these.

Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.

Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.

Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?

What are the various challenges faced by political parties?

What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?

When does a social difference become a social division?

Organisations that undertake activities to promote the interests of specific social sections such as workers, employees, teachers, and lawyers are called _____________________ groups.

What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?

Match List I (organisations and struggles) with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

State one prudential reason and one moral reason for power-sharing with an example from the Indian context. [CBSE Sept. 2010]

Read the following passage, and pick out any one of the prudential reasons for power sharing offered in this.

“We need to give more power to the panchayats to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi, and the hopes of the makers of our Constitution. The Panchayati Raj establishes true democracy. It restores power to the only place where power belongs in a democracy – in the hands of the people. Giving power to Panchayats is also a way to reduce corruption, and increase administrative efficiency. When people participate in the planning and implementation of developmental schemes, they would naturally exercise greater control over these schemes. This would eliminate the corrupt middlemen. Thus the Panchayati Raj will strengthen the foundations of our democracy."

Describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?

Identify the challenges to democracy in the following descriptions. Also suggest policy/institutional mechanism to deepen democracy in the given situations:
    *  Following a High Court directive a temple in Orissa that had separate entry doors for dalits and non-dalits allowed entry for all from the same door.
    *  A large number of farmers are committing suicide in different states of India.
    *  Following allegation of killing of three civilians in Gandwara in a fake encounter by Jammu and Kashmir police, an enquiry has been ordered.

What is a political party?

The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town’s schools. He said that the ban would help all non¬Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium’s power sharing arrangements ? Give your reasons in about 50 words.