Its key features are: two or more levels; different jurisdictions over the same citizens; a constitutional guarantee for those powers; agreement by both levels for changing the basic division; courts to settle disputes; specified revenue sources; and a balance between national unity and regional diversity.

The levels must respect each other’s areas and cooperate where responsibilities meet. Mutual trust helps the rules work. Federalism seeks unity while allowing people in different regions to meet different needs.

After independence, India reorganised many State boundaries so people using the same main language could live in one administrative unit. The major reorganisation of 1956 is central to this story. Some States were also formed to recognise cultural, ethnic or geographical differences.

It became easier for many people to communicate with government in a familiar language. Fears that linguistic States would necessarily break the country apart did not come true in the textbook’s account: recognising diversity helped make the Union more workable.

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments were passed in 1992 and took effect in 1993. They strengthened rural and urban local self-government. Key measures include regular elections, reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and at least one-third reservation for women.

A State Election Commission supervises local elections. State governments are to share powers and revenue with local bodies, but the actual transfer differs across States. Reservation for backward classes is provided through State law; it is not one identical nationwide constitutional quota.