Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states).
1. Key Federal Principles
A classic federation (like the United States) exhibits five essential characteristics:
- Dual Polity: Co-existence of a central government and state governments.
- Written Constitution: The source of powers for both tiers of government.
- Supremacy of the Constitution: Neither tier can unilaterally alter its terms.
- Rigidity of the Constitution: Amendments to federal provisions require joint consent.
- Independent Judiciary: To act as an impartial arbiter of inter-governmental disputes.
2. Comparative Study: USA vs. India
| United States (Classic Federalism) | India (Quasi-Federalism) |
|---|---|
| Result of an agreement between independent, sovereign states. States are indestructible. | Created by administrative division of a unitary state. States are destructible (Article 3). |
| Double citizenship (citizenship of USA and the individual State). | Single citizenship for the entire nation (no separate state citizenship). |
| Separate State Constitutions and dual judicial systems. | Single unified Constitution and a single integrated judicial hierarchy. |
3. Why India Has a Quasi-Federal Structure
Indian federalism was described by K.C. Wheare as "Quasi-Federal" (a unitary state with subsidiary federal features). Dr. B.R. Ambedkar explained in the Constituent Assembly that India is a "Union of States"—meaning the Union is not the result of a voluntary agreement, and no State has the right to secede. The Constitution features a strong centralizing bias to protect national integrity and promote balanced economic growth.
The Supreme Court held that Federalism is a part of the Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution. While the Centre enjoys dominant powers, the States have an independent constitutional existence and are not mere administrative outposts or satellites of the Centre.