Federalism in India

Federalism is an important part of India’s constitutional structure. It maintains a balance between central power and regional autonomy while creating unity in the context of diversity.

Federal Structure of the Indian Constitution

• India’s Constitution establishes a federal structure with a division of powers between the Union (central government) and the States.
• The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution states the distribution of powers into three lists: Union List (subjects exclusively under Union jurisdiction), State List (subjects under State jurisdiction), and Concurrent List (subjects under joint jurisdiction of Union and States).

Balance of Power

• The Indian Constitution seeks to maintain a balance of power between the Union and the States.
• While the Union government has authority over subjects such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency, the States have jurisdiction over matters like agriculture, health, and education.

Role of Federalism in Unity and Diversity

• Federalism plays an essential role in preserving the unity of India while accommodating its diverse linguistic, cultural, and regional identities.
• It provides a mechanism for addressing the needs and aspirations of different regions and communities, thereby promoting inclusivity and social unity.

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• Federalism in India

Article 1 of the Constitution of India lays down the foundation of the Indian Union. It defines India as a “Union of States” rather than a federation of states. It defines the allocation of authorities between the Union and the States, defining their respective jurisdictions and obligations. It establishes the constitutional foundation for governance, maintaining a careful balance between central authority and regional autonomy.

In this article, we are going to properly understand the meaning of the Union of States, as mentioned in Article 1 of the Indian Constitution.