📘 What is Federal Feature?
👉 In a federal system, power is divided between the central (national) government and state (regional) governments.
✅ Key Points:
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Two levels of government: Central + State
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Each has independent powers and responsibilities.
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Constitution clearly divides powers.
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Both work independently in their own areas.
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Example countries: USA, India (quasi-federal), Canada
🧠 Easy Example: Like a cricket team where captain (Centre) and vice-captains (States) have separate roles, but work together.
📙 What is Unitary Feature?
👉 In a unitary system, power is concentrated in the central government. States or local governments exist, but they are controlled by the centre.
✅ Key Points:
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Only one central government has real power.
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States/provinces follow orders from the centre.
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Constitution may not divide powers clearly.
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Centre can create or remove states.
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Example countries: UK, France, Japan
🧠 Easy Example: Like a school where the principal (Centre) decides everything, and teachers (States) just follow instructions.
🧭 In Short:
| Feature Type | Meaning | Power Sharing |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | Power is divided between Centre & States | Shared |
| Unitary | Power is centralized in one authority | One-sided |
🇮🇳 India's Special Case:
India has both:
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Federal Features: Dual government, Constitution, Supreme Court, etc.
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Unitary Features: Centre can override states during Emergency, Parliament can change state boundaries, etc.
So, India is called “Quasi-Federal” – federal in normal times, unitary in emergencies.
🔴 Federal Features vs Unitary Features (Simple Concept)
| Federal Features (Like a group of friends sharing power) | Unitary Features (Like a strict parent controlling everything) |
|---|---|
| 1. Dual government – Central + State governments | 1. Single government – Central is the only real power |
| 2. Division of powers – Constitution clearly divides powers between Centre and States | 2. No division – Central government can give or take power from States |
| 3. Written Constitution – Power-sharing is written clearly | 3. May or may not be written – No strict rules needed |
| 4. Supremacy of Constitution – Everyone must follow it | 4. Parliament is supreme – Constitution can be easily changed |
| 5. Independent Judiciary – Supreme Court can solve Centre-State disputes | 5. Judiciary is not independent in the same way – Follows central government's wishes |
| 6. Rigid Constitution – Hard to change, needs state approval too | 6. Flexible Constitution – Can be easily changed by central govt |
🎯 Examples:
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Federal System – USA, India (Quasi-federal), Australia
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Unitary System – UK, France, China
🇮🇳 India’s Case – A Mix of Both (Quasi-Federal)
India is federal in structure but has strong unitary features, especially during emergencies.
Let’s look at Indian examples:
| Federal Features in India | Unitary Features in India |
|---|---|
| 1. Written Constitution | 1. Strong Centre – Centre can dismiss State Govt |
| 2. Division of powers (Union, State, Concurrent) | 2. Single Constitution for Centre & States |
| 3. Independent Judiciary | 3. States have no separate Constitution |
| 4. Bicameral Parliament (Rajya Sabha for states) | 4. Parliament can change State boundaries |
| 5. Elected State Governments | 5. During Emergency, Centre gets full power |
🔑 Trick to Remember:
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🧩 Federal = Friends sharing powers
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🧱 Unitary = One boss controlling all