Federalism can be defined as a system of government where the powers are divided equally between the Centre and its various parts, including provinces and states. Federalism is an institutional mechanism for accommodating two different sets of politics: First, at the national level the Centre and secondly, at the provincial and regional levels. 

What is Federal Polity?

A federal constitution establishes the dual polity with the Union at the Centre and the States at the periphery, each endowed with the sovereign powers to be exercised in the field assigned to them respectively by the constitution.

Indian Federal System

In the Indian federal set-up, the constitution divides powers between Centre and states as:

1) Legislative

2) Administrative

3) Financial

Federal Features of the Indian Constitution

• India has both states as well as the central government
• Written Constitution: The Indian Constitution is the longest in the world
• Dual government polity: Existence of two governments, Central and State.
• Division of powers at various levels: According to the 7th schedule of the Constitution of India, the powers are divided between the state and central government through a state and central list.
• Constitution Supremacy: Supreme Court is termed the Guardian of the Indian Constitution and is responsible for maintaining its supremacy.
• Independent Judiciary: It has fixed service conditions and security of tenure to ensure the Constitution’s supremacy.
• Rigid Constitution: In the federal system, amendment procedures are strict.
• Bicameral Legislature: Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha are responsible for ensuring federalism in government.

What is the Difference between Federal Government and Unitary Government?

Importance of Federalism in India

Article 200 of the Indian Constitutions stipulated that the states must obey the laws made by the Central government and during emergency situations it empowers the Union Government to make it all powerful

• Single Constitution
• Single citizenship
• Flexibility of Constitution
• Integrated judiciary
• Appointment of the Centre
• All India Services
• Emergency provisions

Thus, federalism becomes a relevant and important factor of modern politics. The core objectives of Indian federalism is unity in diversity, decentralization in administration and devolution in authority. The state will be able to pursue goal of common welfare in the midst of diversity through federalism.

Federal System Of Government, Federal System Of Government

Read Also: Functions And Responsibilities Of Union And The States