Federalism Class 10 important questions with answers

What comes in the exam

• Federalism is in Democratic Politics – II.
• More than half the questions here are 1-mark MCQs.
• Almost every year you get the three lists (Union, State and Concurrent) as MCQs and 3-mark answers, what makes India a federal country as 3- and 5-mark answers, and the tiers of local government.
• The 1992 amendment on local government, the features of federalism and the two routes to federation (coming together and holding together) also come almost every year, with 5-mark questions on the 1992 amendment.
• There are 4-mark case studies on decentralisation and local democracy too.

Top 10 Federalism questions from board papers

Real CBSE questions, printed as they appeared. Open each answer to see the marking and the steps.

1. Q1 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2026

   Match lists with subjects

   Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option : Column I (List) — Column II (Subject) a. Union list — i. Police b. State list — ii. Computer software c. Concurrent list — iii. Adoption d. Residuary subjects — iv. Defence

   • (A) a-i, b-ii, c-iii, d-iv
   • (B) a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i
   • (C) a-iv, b-i, c-iii, d-ii
   • (D) a-iv, b-i, c-ii, d-iii
   Answer and marking

   Correct option: (C) a-iv, b-i, c-iii, d-ii

   1. Place each subject in its list. Defence → Union ; Police → State ; Adoption → Concurrent ; Computer software → Residuary
   2. So a-iv, b-i, c-iii, d-ii. Answer: (C) 1 mark

   Answer: (C) a-iv, b-i, c-iii, d-ii.

   Marks: Correct option 1

   For full marks: Learn one sure subject per list; computer software is the book's residuary example.

   Where students lose marks: Picking (D), which swaps adoption and computer software; adoption is concurrent, software is residuary.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (C) a-iv, b-i, c-iii, d-ii.

   Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in Dhee →
2. Q2 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2026

   Two features of federalism

   Explain any two features of federalism.

   Answer and marking

   1. Name the levels and who they govern. There are two or more tiers of government, each governing the same citizens 1 mark
   2. Say where each tier's powers are fixed. The jurisdiction of each tier is specified in the constitution 1 mark

   Answer: Two or more tiers ; jurisdictions fixed by the constitution

   Marks: Any two points 1 each

   For full marks: Give two different features, one line each, within 40 words.

   Where students lose marks: Writing 'the centre controls the states' — that is a unitary feature, not federal.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any two (2x1): two or more tiers of government; each tier governs the same citizens with its own jurisdiction; jurisdictions fixed by the constitution; basic provisions changed only with consent of both levels; courts interpret powers; revenue sources specified; unity with regional diversity; any other relevant point.

   Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in Dhee →
3. Q3 Very short answer · 2 marks CBSE · 2024

   Role of the Constitution

   Examine the role of the Constitution in the Federal System of India in two points.

   Answer and marking

   1. Say what the Constitution fixes for each tier. The jurisdictions of the tiers of government are specified in the Constitution 1 mark
   2. Say what that gives each tier. So the existence and authority of each tier is constitutionally guaranteed 1 mark

   Answer: Jurisdictions specified ; existence and authority guaranteed

   Marks: Any two points 1 each

   For full marks: Two points, one line each, within 40 words.

   Where students lose marks: Writing one idea twice, such as 'powers are in the Constitution' and 'jurisdictions are fixed', which earns only one mark.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any two, 1 each: jurisdictions of the tiers of government are specified in the Constitution; existence and authority of each tier is constitutionally guaranteed; Constitution provides rules for coordination between Centre and States; any other relevant point.

   Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in Dhee →
4. Q4 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2026

   How the three lists work

   How does the ‘system of three lists’ function in Indian federalism ? Explain with examples.

   Answer and marking

   1. Give the Union List with examples and who makes its laws. Union List: defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications, currency; only the Union makes laws, for a uniform national policy 1 mark
   2. Give the State List the same way. State List: police, trade, commerce, agriculture, irrigation; only the States make laws on these 1 mark
   3. Give the Concurrent List and the rule when laws clash. Concurrent List: education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption, succession; both make laws, and Union law prevails in a conflict 1 mark

   Answer: Union List (defence, currency) ; State List (police, irrigation) ; Concurrent List (education, forest), Union law prevails

   Marks: Any three points 1 each

   For full marks: For each List, give two examples and say who makes the laws; 'Union law prevails' is the paid line for the Concurrent List.

   Where students lose marks: Listing subjects without saying who legislates on each List, which is how the system 'functions'.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any three (1x3): three-fold distribution of legislative powers; Union List — defence, foreign affairs, banking, communications, currency; only Union legislates for uniform policy; State List — police, trade, commerce, agriculture, irrigation; only States legislate; Concurrent List — education, forest, trade unions, marriage, adoption, succession; both legislate, Union law prevails in conflict; residuary subjects (computer software) go to the Union; any other relevant point.

   Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in Dhee →
5. Q5 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2025

   Federal vs unitary government

   Differentiate between federal and unitary form of government with examples.

   Answer and marking

   1. Compare the number of levels. Federal: two or more levels of government; Unitary: only one level of government 1 mark
   2. Compare where power sits. Federal: power is decentralised between the levels; Unitary: all powers are vested in the central government 1 mark
   3. Compare how the centre and states relate, with an example of each. Federal: centre and states work in coordination, e.g. Belgium, USA; Unitary: states are sub-units of the centre, e.g. Sri Lanka 1 mark

   Answer: Two or more levels vs one level ; decentralised vs centralised ; coordination (Belgium, USA) vs sub-units (Sri Lanka)

   Marks: Any three points 1 each

   For full marks: Each point must state both sides, and examples are compulsory: Belgium or USA for federal, Sri Lanka for unitary.

   Where students lose marks: Leaving out the examples the question asks for, or naming India as a unitary country — India is federal.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any three points (3x1), example mandatory. Federal: two or more levels of government; centre and states work in coordination; decentralisation of power; balance of power between levels; e.g. Belgium/USA. Unitary: only one level of government; states work as sub-units of the centre; all powers vested in the central government (centralisation); absolute control by the centre; e.g. Sri Lanka.

   Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in Dhee →

6. Q6 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2025

   Case: Need for decentralising

   Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : Decentralisation in India The need for decentralisation was recognised in our Constitution. Since then, there have been several attempts to decentralise power to the level of villages and towns. Panchayats in villages and municipalities in urban areas were set up in all the States. But these were directly under the control of state governments. Elections to these local governments were not held regularly. Local governments did not have any powers or resources of their own. Thus, there was very little decentralisation in effective terms. A major step towards decentralisation was taken in 1992. The Constitution was amended to make the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective. (35.1) At how many levels has decentralisation of power been done in the Indian Constitution ? (1) (35.2) Explain the role of local self-government in solving problems. (1) (35.3) "Local government is the best way to realise one important principle of democracy, namely local self-government." Explain the statement. (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (i) Count the levels and name them. Three levels: Central, State and Local Government (rural and urban) 1 mark
   2. (ii) Give one reason from the source. Many problems are best settled at the local level, as people know their local problems better 1 mark
   3. (iii) Show how it lets people act directly. People can directly participate in decision making 1 mark
   4. Add what it does for different groups. It ensures representation of diverse groups and deepens democracy through large participation 1 mark

   Answer: (i) Three: Central, State, Local ; (ii) Problems best settled locally ; (iii) Direct participation ; representation and deeper democracy

   Marks: (i) 1 · (ii) 1 · (iii) Any two points 1 each

   For full marks: In (i) give the number and name all three levels.

   Where students lose marks: In (i) writing two levels, Centre and State, and leaving out local government.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (35.1) (1): Central, State and Local Government (urban and rural). (35.2) Any one (1): many problems are best settled at the local level; people know their local problems better; they have better ideas on where to spend money and how to manage things efficiently. (35.3) Any two (2x1): ensures representation of diverse groups; people can directly participate in decision making; deepens democracy through large participation of people.

   Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in Dhee →
7. Q7 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2025

   Case: Experiment in Brazil

   Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : An Experiment in Brazil A city called Porto Alegre in Brazil has carried out an extraordinary experiment in combining decentralisation with participative democracy. The city has set up a parallel organisation operating alongside the municipal council, enabling local inhabitants to take real decisions for their city. The nearly 13 lakh people in this city get to participate in making the budget for their own city. The city is divided into many sectors or what we call wards. Each sector has a meeting, like that of the gram sabha, in which anyone living in that area can participate. There are some meetings to discuss issues that affect the entire city. Any citizen of the city can participate in those meetings. The budget of the city is discussed in these meetings. The proposals are put to the municipality that takes a final decision about it. (35.1) Explain the meaning of 'participatory democracy'. (1) (35.2) In the context of separation of powers, the given example defines which type of government ? (1) (35.3) Describe the structure of the system in India which is almost similar to the above example of Brazil. (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (i) Define it in one line. Direct participation of people in the decision-making process 1 mark
   2. (ii) Name the level of government the example shows. Local self-government 1 mark
   3. (iii) Name India's similar local bodies and how they are chosen. Local self-government: Panchayati Raj, Municipalities and Municipal Corporations, all elected by the people 1 mark
   4. Add the body where people take part directly, like Porto Alegre's ward meetings. Gram Sabha in the Gram Panchayat, where people of the area participate directly 1 mark

   Answer: (i) Direct participation in decisions ; (ii) Local self-government ; (iii) Panchayati Raj, Municipalities, Corporations ; Gram Sabha

   Marks: (i) 1 · (ii) 1 · (iii) Any two points 1 each

   For full marks: In (iii) name the Indian bodies and the Gram Sabha, which matches the Brazil ward meetings.

   Where students lose marks: In (ii) writing 'federal government' or 'State government' — the example is of local self-government.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (35.1) Direct participation/involvement of people in the decision-making process (1). (35.2) Local self-government (1). (35.3) Any two (1+1): local self-government—Panchayati Raj, Municipalities, Municipal Corporations; all local bodies are elected by the people; Gram Sabha in the Gram Panchayat where people of the area participate directly; any other relevant point.

   Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in Dhee →
8. Q8 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2025

   Case: Reorganising States

   Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : State Reorganisation Commission "The report of the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC), was implemented on November 1, 1956. This, in its own time and own way, has also transformed the political and institutional life of the nation. ... Gandhi and other leaders promised their followers that when freedom came, the new nation would be based on a new set of provinces, these based on the principle of language. However, when India was finally free in 1947, it was also divided... Far from undermining Indian unity, linguistic states have helped strengthen it. It has proved to be perfectly consistent to be Kannadiga and Indian, Bengali and Indian, Tamil and Indian, Gujarati and Indian. To be sure, these states based on language sometimes quarrel with one another. (36.1) What promise did Gandhiji make to his followers ? (1) (36.2) How did language strengthen the unity of India ? (1) (36.3) Mention the names of major language of Kerala and Andhra Pradesh states. (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (i) Read the promise in the source. The new nation would be based on a new set of provinces, organised on the principle of language 1 mark
   2. (ii) Say what linguistic States did to unity. Linguistic States strengthened the nation and made the country more united 1 mark
   3. (iii) Name Kerala's language. Kerala — Malayalam 1 mark
   4. Then name Andhra Pradesh's language. Andhra Pradesh — Telugu 1 mark

   Answer: (i) Provinces based on language ; (ii) Strengthened unity ; (iii) Malayalam ; Telugu

   Marks: (i) 1 · (ii) 1 · (iii) Two languages 1 each

   For full marks: In (iii) pair each State with its language — one mark each.

   Where students lose marks: In (iii) writing Tamil for Kerala or Kannada for Andhra Pradesh — Kerala is Malayalam, Andhra Pradesh is Telugu.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (36.1) Any one (1): the new nation would be based on a new set of provinces; these would be organised on the principle of language; any other relevant point. (36.2) Any one (1): creation of linguistic states strengthened the nation / made the country more united; it made administration easier; any other relevant point. (36.3) (1+1): Kerala - Malayalam; Andhra Pradesh - Telugu.

   Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in Dhee →
9. Q9 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2025

   Case: Local self-government

   Read the following source and answer the questions that follow : Local Self Government The local government structure goes right up to the district level. A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form what is usually called a panchayat samiti or block or mandal. The members of this representative body are elected by all the panchayat members in that area. All the panchayat samitis or mandals in a district together constitute the zilla (district) parishad. Most members of the zilla parishad are elected. Members of the Lok Sabha and MLAs of that district and some other officials of other district level bodies are also its members. Zilla parishad chairperson is the political head of the zilla parishad. Similarly, local government bodies exist for urban areas as well. Municipalities are set up in towns. Big cities are constituted into municipal corporations. Both municipalities and municipal corporations are controlled by elected bodies consisting of people's representatives. Municipal chairperson is the political head of the municipality. In a municipal corporation, such an officer is called the mayor. This new system of local government is the largest experiment in democracy conducted anywhere in the world. 36.1 Explain the relationship between gram panchayats and panchayat samitis. (1) 36.2 How is the structure of municipal corporation different from municipality ? (1) 36.3 How does the local government structure promote democracy ? Examine. (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (i) Use the source's line on how a samiti is formed. A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form a panchayat samiti. 1 mark
   2. (ii) Compare where each body works. A municipal corporation administers a big city, while a municipality administers a town. 1 mark
   3. (iii) Give the first way it helps democracy. It promotes grassroots democracy and deepens democracy. 1 mark
   4. (iii) Give a second, different way. People participate directly in decision making. 1 mark

   Answer: (i) gram panchayats grouped form a samiti ; (ii) corporation for big cities, municipality for towns ; (iii) grassroots democracy ; people take part in decisions

   Marks: (i) 1 · (ii) 1 · (iii) Any two 2

   For full marks: Read the source; (i) and (ii) are in its lines. For (iii) give two separate ways it promotes democracy.

   Where students lose marks: Mixing up the levels, for example saying panchayat samitis form gram panchayats, or that a municipality is for big cities.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (36.1) Any one (1): gram panchayats are grouped together to form a panchayat samiti; the samiti links the zilla parishad and gram panchayats; any other relevant point. (36.2) (1): a municipal corporation is an urban local body administering a (big) city; a municipality administers a town; any other relevant point. (36.3) Any two (1+1): promotes grassroots democracy; deepens democracy; increases women's participation; people participate in decision making; any other relevant point.

   Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in Dhee →
10. Q10 Long answer · 5 marks CBSE · 2026

    1992 amendment provisions

    Examine the provision made for local self-government by the 1992 constitutional amendment.

    Answer and marking

    1. Give the rule about elections. Regular elections to local government bodies are now constitutionally mandatory 1 mark
    2. Give the reservation for weaker sections. Seats and executive heads are reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes 1 mark
    3. Give the reservation for women. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women 1 mark
    4. Name the body that runs these elections. An independent State Election Commission in each State conducts panchayat and municipal elections 1 mark
    5. Say what States must share with local bodies. State governments must share some powers and revenue with local government bodies 1 mark

    Answer: Regular elections mandatory ; reservation for SC, ST, OBC ; one-third for women ; State Election Commission ; powers and revenue shared

    Marks: Any five points 1 each

    For full marks: Write five separate provisions, one mark each, within 120 words; 'examine' wants each provision stated clearly.

    Where students lose marks: Spending lines on how panchayats worked before 1992 — the question asks for the provisions of the amendment, and the history earns nothing.

    CBSE marking scheme

    Any five, 1 each: (i) regular elections to local bodies are constitutionally mandatory; (ii) seats and executive heads reserved for SCs, STs and OBCs; (iii) at least one-third of all positions reserved for women; (iv) a State Election Commission in each state conducts panchayat and municipal elections; (v) state governments must share some powers and revenue with local bodies; (vi) any other relevant point.

    Write your answer, send a photo, get it marked in Dhee →

Free 10-question test: Federalism

MCQ and Assertion–Reason questions from CBSE papers. About 10 minutes. Your score shows straight away.

Common mistakes in Federalism

How to write for full marks

• Count the marks: 'any five' for 5 marks means five separate points, one mark each. Number them.
• Keep to the word limits on the paper: about 40 words for 2 marks, 60 for 3 marks and 120 for 5 marks.
• For 'explain with examples', name the list, say who makes laws on it and give two or three subjects. Put each Concurrent List subject only under the Concurrent List, as the book does.
• For 'support the statement' on 1992, start with the point that the Constitution was amended to make the third tier more powerful, then give the provisions one by one.
• In a case study, read the source first and answer each part under its own number; some answers, like the levels of government, are in the source.

Questions students ask