The Indian Federal System is a system of governance where powers are divided between the Centre and states, aiming to balance national unity with regional diversity and autonomy.

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• India follows a federal system with powers divided between Centre and states.
• Indian federalism was designed to manage the country’s vast diversity and size.
• Constitution describes India as a “Union of States” under Article 1.
• Indian federation is inspired mainly by the Canadian federal model.
• Unlike the USA, Indian states do not have the right to secede from the Union.
• Indian federalism combines federal and unitary features within one system.
• Federal features include written Constitution, division of powers and independent judiciary.
• Unitary features include strong Centre, single citizenship and emergency provisions.
• Parliament can exercise greater authority during exceptional national situations.
• Supreme Court has described India as a federation with strong central bias.
• Dr. B. R. Ambedkar said India is an indestructible Union of destructible states.
• Granville Austin described Indian federalism as “cooperative federalism.”
• KC Wheare termed India a “quasi-federal” or “semi-federal” state.
• Regional disputes over rivers, borders and resources reflect federal dynamics in India.
• Rise of regional parties strengthened the federal character of Indian politics.
• Creation of new states reflected regional aspirations within constitutional framework.
• Independent judiciary protects constitutional balance between Centre and states.
• Fundamental Rights limit government powers and protect citizens’ freedoms.
• Indian federalism aims to maintain unity while respecting regional identity and dive