---
title: "Holding-Together Federation Explained | Model Diplomat"
description: "A holding-together federation devolves power to manage diversity in multi-ethnic states, crucial for UPSC GS2 polity and Model UN discussions."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/holding-together-federation"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- A holding-together federation is a multi-ethnic state where a previously unitary government devolves power to constituent units to accommodate diversity and prevent fragmentation.
- How does a holding-together federation differ from a coming-together federation?
- Why is India considered a holding-together federation?
- Who coined the term holding-together federation?
- Is asymmetric federalism a feature of holding-together federations?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

A holding-together federation is a multi-ethnic state where a previously unitary government devolves power to constituent units to accommodate diversity and prevent fragmentation.

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In August 2019, India's Parliament invoked Article 370 and a reorganisation act to strip Jammu and Kashmir of statehood, demonstrating the centre's holding-together authority to redraw units unilaterally.

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