Federalism : Federalism Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between the central authority and various constituent units of the country.
Key features of Federalism: : Key features of Federalism: There are two or more levels or tiers of government.
Different tiers of government govern same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction is specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
The jurisdiction of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution.
Slide 3 : The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require consent of both the levels of the government.
Courts have power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of the government.
Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified in the constitution to ensure its financial autonomy.
Slide 4 : The federal system thus has dual objectives:
1) To safeguard and promote the unity of the country.
2) To accommodate regional diversity.
Two aspects are crucial for the institution and practice of federalism: : Two aspects are crucial for the institution and practice of federalism: Governments at different levels should agree to some rules of power sharing.
They should also trust each would abide by its part of the agreement.
An ideal federal system has both aspects: : An ideal federal system has both aspects: Mutual trust
Agreement to live together.
Coming together federation: : Coming together federation: Various units come together willingly to form a bigger unit.
State is not subordinate to centre.
People have dual citizenship.
Example – USA
Switzerland
Australia
Holding together federation: : Holding together federation: Powers are divided among the smaller units to hold them together.
States are subordinate to centre.
People don’t have dual citizenship.
Example – India
Spain
Belgium