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Syllabus

Federalism — Syllabus

CBSE · Class 11 · Political Science

What Federalism covers in CBSE Class 11 Political Science: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the CBSE Class 11 Political Science syllabus.

74 questions88 flashcards5 concepts

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4 Topics · CBSE Class 11 Political Science · 2026-27

Topics in Federalism

1

Meaning and Features of Federalism

  • Federalism is an institutional arrangement that allows two levels of government to function in their own spheres.
  • India has a Union government for the whole country and State governments for individual States.
  • Federalism helps manage diversity by giving people both a regional identity and a national identity.
2

Why India Adopted a Strong Centre

  • India is a country of continental size and great diversity.
  • At independence, India had more than 500 princely states that had to be integrated.
  • The framers of the Constitution wanted unity as well as development.
3

Distribution of Powers

  • The Constitution divides subjects between the Union and the States.
  • Union List subjects include Defence, Atomic Energy, Foreign Affairs, War and Peace, Banking, Railways, Post and Telegraph, Airways, Ports, Foreign Trade, and Currency and Coinage.
  • State List subjects include Agriculture, Police, Prison, Local Government, Public Health, Land, Liquor, Trade and Commerce, Livestock and Animal Husbandry, and State Public Services.
4

Centre-State Relations and Political Practice

  • Federalism in India has been shaped not only by the Constitution but also by political practice.
  • In the 1950s and early 1960s, the foundation of Indian federalism was laid under Jawaharlal Nehru.
  • During this period, Congress dominance existed at the centre and in the States.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Federalism in the Indian Constitution

Meaning of federalismIndian constitutional designDivision of powersStrong central governmentCentre-State relationsGovernor and President’s RuleDemands for autonomyCreation and reorganisation of States

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Federalism for CBSE Class 11 Political Science?
Key topics in Federalism include Meaning and Features of Federalism, Why India Adopted a Strong Centre, Distribution of Powers, Centre-State Relations and Political Practice. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 11 exams.
How should I revise Federalism for Class 11 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 74 practice questions on Federalism. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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All CBSE Class 11 Political Science Syllabus

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