NCERT Solutions Class 11 Polity Chapter 7 Federalism – This article includes the free NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Polity Chapter 7 Federalism. It will help the students of Class 11 to learn the solutions and ace their exams. It has been developed by the subject matter experts at GFG, according to the latest CBSE Syllabus 2023-24, and guidelines. It helps the students of Class 11 create a solid conceptual base for Polity Chapter 7 Federalism.

The solutions to all the exercises in Class 11 Polity Chapter 7 Federalism of your NCERT textbook have been collectively covered in NCERT Solution for Class 11 (2024-2025).

NCERT Solutions Class-11 Polity Chapter-7: Federalism

Who decides the powers of the central government in a federation? (Page – 156)

The constitution of a federation majorly decides the powers of the central government. The constitution is the outline of the structure and related powers of the central government which acts like a fundamental document for a country. It also describes the roles, responsibilities, and rights of the citizens also.

How are conflicts between the central government and the States resolved in a federation? (Page – 156)

In a federal system, the independent judiciary acts as an umpire to resolve the issues and conflicts between the central government and the States. As per Article 131, the Supreme Court can hear disputes and solve the problems between the central and the state.

Do you think that there is a need for mentioning Residuary powers separately? Why? (Page – 158)

Yes, mentioning residuary powers separately. In the Indian Constitution, it is necessary to avoid ambiguity and disputes over the division of powers between the central government and state governments.

Why do the States feel dissatisfied about the division of powers? (Page – 158)

The States feel dissatisfied about the division of powers because of the centralization the whole power became consolidated in the central government. It may lead to the lack of autonomy of the states and dissatisfaction between them as well.

Give two reasons for the claim that our Constitution has a unitary bias. (Page – 163)

Two reasons for the claim that our Constitution has a unitary bias because the power is strong for the central government, we have a single constitution, we have emergency provisions, and much more.

Do you think that:(Page – 163)

• A strong centre makes the States weak?
• Strong States will weaken the centre?

A strong central government and its powers can weaken states. Centralizing the fiscal resources with the central government does not necessarily lead to a national integration process. It can move the resources back to the states. As well as it can strengthen the economy and make the country a stronger political entity in front of the world.

Why do States want more autonomy? (Page – 170)

States want more autonomy because the regional parties may feel the existing constitutional federal scheme may not respect the feelings of the states. Maximum autonomy may demanded for growth and development as well.

What is the difference between autonomy and secession? (Page – 170)

The difference between autonomy and secession is important as autonomy is a special status that is given to a group in a particular state. It allows them to express the identity of a specific people and region. On the other hand; succession is a quest group that helps to complete the process of statehood and territorial separation process.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Polity Chapter 8: Local Governments – Exercise

Q1. From the list of following events, which ones would you identify with the functioning of federalism? Why?

(a) The Centre on Tuesday announced Sixth Schedule status to GNLF-led Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, which would ensure greater autonomy to the governing body in the Hill district of West Bengal. A tripartite Memorandum of Settlement was signed in New Delhi between the Centre, West Bengal government and the Subhas Ghising-led Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) after two days of hectic deliberations.

(b) Government action plan for rain-hit states: Centre has asked the rain-ravaged States to submit detailed plans for reconstruction to enable it to respond to their demands for extra relief expeditiously.

(c) New Commissioner for Delhi: The Capital is getting a new municipal commissioner. Confirming this, present MCD Commissioner Rakesh Mehta said he has received his transfer orders and that he is likely to be replaced by IAS officer Ashok Kumar, who is serving as the Chief Secretary in Arunachal Pradesh: Mehta, a 1975 batch IAS officer, has been heading the MCD for about three-anda- half years.

(d) CU Status for Manipur University: Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a Bill to convert the Manipur University into a Central University with the Human Resource

Development Minister promising such institutions in the North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim as well.

(e) Funds released: The Centre has released ₹553 lakh to Arunachal Pradesh under its rural water supply scheme. The first instalment was of ₹466.81 lakh.

(f) We’ll teach the Biharis how to live in Mumbai: Around 100 Shiv Sainiks stormed J. J. Hospital, disrupted daily operations, raised slogans and threatened to take matters into their own hands if no action was taken against non-Maharashtrian students.

(g) Demand for dismissal of Government: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in a representation submitted to the State Governor recently, has demanded dismissal of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government for its alleged financial mismanagement and embezzlement of public money.

(h) NDA government asks Naxalites to surrender arms: Amid a walkout by opposition RJD and its allies Congress and CPI (M), the Bihar government today appealed to the Naxalites to shun the path of violence and reaffirmed its pledge to root out unemployment to usher in a new era of development in Bihar.

a. The process and facts are very much state concerned. Once upon a time, West Bengal was appointed as the party to perform the settlement process as the manifestation of working. 

b. It shows us a path of sensitivity of the center that wants to provide help to the different states to solve their problems. 

c. It is not involved in the process of functioning that reflects the process of central authority.

d. As per the Indian Constitution, education is a subject matter that falls under the concurrent lists. It establishes the central institutions which can be identified as a function of federalism. 

e. This is also called the federalism because central releases the funds for the states. 

f. It can not identified as federalism. 

g. No, it is not involved with the function of federalism.

h. Yes, it involves functioning the federalism. 

Q2. Think which of the following statements would be correct. State why.

(a) Federalism enhances the possibility of people from different regions to interact without the fear of one’s culture being imposed upon them by others.

(b) Federal system will hinder easier economic transactions between two different regions that have distinct types of resources.

(c) A federal system will ensure that the powers of those at the centre will remain limited.

(a) This is valid when the federal government divides power. The power is divided among the federal government, state governments, and local governments.

(b) It is incorrect since the resources are of diverse types. The federalism encourages different trade between different regions.

(c) This is correct. The federalism gives the constituent parts of the federation with the additional power.

Q3. Based on the first few articles of Belgian constitution given below, explain how federalism is visualized in that country. Try and write a similar Article for the Constitution of India.

Title I:

On Federal Belgium, its components and its territory.

Article 1: Belgium is a Federal State made up of communities and regions.

Article 2: Belgium is made up of three communities: The French Community, the Flemish Community and the German Community.

Article 3: Belgium is made up of three regions: The Walloon region, the Flemish region and the Brussels region.

Article 4: Belgium has four linguistic regions: The French-speaking region, the Dutch-speaking region, the bilingual region of Brussels Capital and the German-speaking region. Each commune (county borough) of the Kingdom is a part of one of these linguistic regions

Article 5: The Walloon region is made up of the following provinces: The Walloon Brabant, Hainault, Liege, Luxemburg and Namur. The Flemish region is made up of the following provinces: Antwerp, the Flemish Brabant, West Flanders, East Flanders and Limburg.

(a) Article 1: It declares India to be a federation of states as a country.

(b) Article 2: India is a secular country.

(c) Article 3: India is made up of 28 states and seven union territories.

(d) In the first schedule, the states and union territories are already listed.

(e) Article 4: There are 22 official languages in India and covered under the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution.

(f) Article (5): According to states and union territories must be listed in the first schedule.

Q4. Imagine that you were to rewrite the provisions regarding federalism. Write an essay of not more than 300 words making your suggestions about:

(a) division of powers among the centre and the States,

(b) distribution of financial resources,

(c) methods of resolving inter-State disputes and

(d) appointment of Governors

Federalism is a whole institutional structure that has two sets of structures. There are two structures including the division of powers where the central and states have their own set of powers. Distribution of financial resources allows taxes and methods of resolving the inter-state dispute is a process where parliament can create the inter-state committees as well. 

Q5. Which of the following should be the basis for formation of a State? Why?

(a) Common language

(b) Common economic interests

(c) Common religion

(d) Administrative convenience

There are some certain factors that determines the formation of the state. It is related to ranging from the language, culture, administrative convenience, geographical location, economic and political interests and several more. These factors are taken into consideration before the formation of a new state.

Q6. President’s rule can be imposed in a State if the government is not being run according to the provisions of the Constitution. State whether any of the following conditions are a fit case for imposition of President’s rule in the State. Give reasons.

(a) Two members of the State legislative assembly belonging to the main opposition party have been killed by criminals and the opposition is demanding dismissal of the State government.

(b) Kidnapping of young children for ransom is on rise. The number of crimes against women are increasing.

(c) No political party has secured a majority in the recent elections of the State Legislative Assembly. It is feared that some MLAs from the other parties may be lured to support a political party in return for money.

(d) Different political parties are ruling in the State and at the centre and they are bitter opponents of each other.

(e) More than 2000 people have been killed in the communal riots.

(f) In the water dispute between the two States, one State government refused to follow the decision of the Supreme Court.

(a) This situation does not demonstrate a breakdown in the constitutional mechanism.

(b) This situation does not represent a breakdown in the constitutional system.

(c) It does not indicate the system that the President’s ruling can be enforced.

(d) In the state, two parties control, and federalism rules at the federal level.

(e) The imposition of President’s rule is appropriate.

(f) Declaring President’s Rule is appropriate since no state can deviate from the Supreme Court’s ruling.

People Also Read:

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FAQs on NCERT Solutions Class 11 Polity Chapter 7: Federalism

What is federalism in India?

Federalism is a system of government in which powers have been divided between the centre and its constituent parts such as states or provinces. It is an institutional mechanism to accommodate two sets of politics, one at the central or national level and the second at the regional or provincial level.

Why is India a federal country?

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.

What are the features of federalism?

Federalism in India is guaranteed by the Indian constitution which is seen as supreme. There are several important features of federalism like the division of power, Constitutional supremacy, written constitution, rigidity, independent judiciary and a bi-cameral legislature.

Is India a federal country?

India is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic with a Parliamentary form of government which is federal in structure with unitary features. There is a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minster as its head to advice the President who is the constitutional head of the country.

What are the three major features of federalism?

Indian federalism is a threefold distribution based on three lists: I Union List on which centre make laws such as defence currency etc. II State List on which state make laws such as police trade agriculture etc. III Concurrent List on which both Centre and State Legislates such as education marriage etc.