The federal system in India, also known as the federal structure or federalism, is a form of government where power is divided between the central government and the constituent states and union territories. This system is designed to accommodate India's vast diversity, including its numerous languages, cultures, and religions, while ensuring that the various regions and communities are fairly represented and their interests are taken into account in the decision-making process.

India's federal system is enshrined in its Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950. The Constitution establishes India as a Union of States and provides a detailed framework for the distribution of powers between the central government and the states. The division of powers is primarily laid out in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, which consists of three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List.

The Union List contains subjects on which only the central government can legislate, such as defense, foreign affairs, and atomic energy. The State List comprises subjects on which only the state governments can make laws, such as public health, agriculture, and local government. The Concurrent List includes subjects on which both the central and state governments can legislate, such as criminal law, bankruptcy, and marriage. In case of a conflict between central and state laws on a subject in the Concurrent List, the central law prevails.

India's federal system is characterized by a strong central government, which is granted extensive powers to maintain the unity and integrity of the country. The President of India, as the ceremonial head of state, has the authority to dismiss state governments and dissolve state legislative assemblies under certain circumstances, such as a breakdown of constitutional machinery.

Over time, India's federal system has evolved to accommodate the changing political, social, and economic landscape of the country. This has included the creation of new states, the establishment of regional political parties, and the increasing importance of coalition governments at both the central and state levels.

The Indian Constitution is designed to accommodate the country's vast diversity through a federal structure. This federal system divides powers between the central government and the states, ensuring that various regions and communities are fairly represented and their interests are taken into account

Division of Powers