Concept of Federalism

   - **Definition**: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units (states/provinces).

   - **Key Features**:

     - Two or more levels of government.

     - Each level has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation, and administration.

     - Constitution guarantees the authority of each level.

     - Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and resolve disputes between levels of government.

#### 2. **Types of Federalism**

   - **Coming Together Federation**: Independent states come together to form a larger unit (e.g., USA).

   - **Holding Together Federation**: A large country divides power between the central government and states (e.g., India).

#### 3. **Federalism in India**

   - **Constitutional Framework**:

     - India is a union of states with a strong central government.

     - Constitution provides a three-fold distribution of legislative powers (Union List, State List, Concurrent List).

   - **Key Features**:

     - Written and rigid constitution.

     - Division of powers between the Union and States.

     - Independent judiciary to resolve disputes.

     - Bicameral legislature (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).

#### 4. **Challenges to Indian Federalism**

   - **Centralization**: Tendency towards a strong central government.

   - **Regional Disparities**: Economic and social inequalities among states.

   - **Language and Culture**: Managing diversity and ensuring equal representation.

   - **Coalition Politics**: Impact of coalition governments on federal structure.

#### 5. **Decentralization in India**

   - **Panchayati Raj System**: Local self-government at the village level.

   - **Municipalities**: Urban local self-government.

   - **73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments**: Provided constitutional status to local governments, ensuring regular elections and reservation of seats for marginalized groups.

#### 6. **Comparative Federalism**

   - **USA vs. India**: Differences in the division of powers, role of states, and constitutional amendments.

   - **Unitary Features in India**: Despite being federal, India has unitary features like emergency provisions and central control over certain state matters.

#### 7. **Recent Trends**

   - **Cooperative Federalism**: Collaboration between the center and states for national development.

   - **Competitive Federalism**: States competing for investments and development projects.

   - **GST Council**: Example of cooperative federalism in economic policy.