What is the difference between coming together federation and holding together federation in Class 10 Civics?

Question

I study in a Delhi government school (CBSE). In Civics chapter Federalism, the two routes of forming a federation confuse me. Which countries go under which type, and why is India called holding together? I want to write a clear 3 or 5 mark answer.

GradeHunt_Team · Answer

Your NCERT Democratic Politics book (chapter Federalism) describes two routes by which federations are formed.

1. Coming together federation
Independent states come together on their own to form a bigger unit. By pooling sovereignty and keeping their identity, they increase their security.
The constituent states usually have equal power, and they are strong compared with the federal government.
Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia.

2. Holding together federation
A large country decides to divide its power between the constituent states and the national government.
The central government tends to be more powerful than the states. The constituent units often have unequal powers, and some units are given special powers.
Examples: India, Spain, Belgium.

Why is India holding together? India was not formed by independent states agreeing to join. After independence, the Constitution divided power between the Union and the States to keep a large and diverse country united. The Union List has subjects of national importance, the State List has subjects of state and local importance, and on Concurrent List subjects, if there is a conflict, the Union law prevails. That tilt towards the centre is typical of a holding together federation.

How to frame a 5 mark answer:
1. One line defining federalism (power divided between a central authority and constituent units).
2. Two or three points for each type, set out as a comparison: how formed, balance of power, equality of units.
3. Examples for each.
4. One line on India.

A mistake to avoid: do not write that states in a holding together federation have no power. They have their own powers under the Constitution. The difference is in the balance, not the absence of power.

What is the difference between coming together federation and holding together federation in Class 10 Civics?

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