Explain the main features of the Indian federal system.

(i) The Constitution mentioned India as a union of states based on the principles of federalism.

(ii) There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government- Centre, State and Local government.

(iii) Different tiers of government govern the same citizens.

(iv) The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the Constitution.

(v) The fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government.

(vi) Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution and the powers of different levels of government.

(vii) Distribution of Legislative powers among three lists – Union, State and Concurrent are mentioned in the Constitution.

(viii) Those subjects that do not fall in any of the three lists are called the residuary subjects. According to our Constitution, the Union government has the power to legislate on these residuary subjects.

(ix) Some states enjoy special powers under certain provisions of the Constitution of India. Union Territories are governed by the Centre.

(x) Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.

(xi) The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity.