Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Federal Government: Power is divided between a central authority and constituent units (states/provinces). Both levels enjoy independent powers guaranteed by the constitution. Neither can override the other. Example: India, USA.

Unitary Government: Either there is only one level of government, or the sub-units are subordinate to the central government. The central government can pass orders to provincial governments. Example: Sri Lanka.

Key Difference: In a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government; both are separately answerable to the people. In a unitary system, the central government holds supreme authority.

Source: Chapter 2, 'What is Federalism?'

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• Examiners expect a clear definition of both terms, followed by a stated difference and one example each — this earns all 3 marks.
• The key contrast phrase from the textbook is: "sub-units are subordinate to the central government" (unitary) vs "state government has powers of its own for which it is not answerable to the central government" (federal). Use this language.
• Do not confuse Belgium (shifted from unitary to federal) with Sri Lanka (remains unitary) — both are textbook examples worth remembering.