Question

Discuss in detail the merits and demerits of federalism

Answer 1

Answer:

Merits of Federalism :

(1) Compatibility of local autonomy and national unity:

 The main advantage of a federal government is that in a country where there are many differences and the formation of a unitary government is not possible, a political organization can be created through this form of government. In this form of government, local self-government, regional autonomy and national unity are possible. In addition, this type of government gives some powers to the central government and the rest to the states or  provinces. In this way, cultural and administrative autonomy is granted to the different nationalities and regions, and subjects such as defense, foreign affairs, communications, etc. are assigned to the center.

(2) The division of competences between the center and the federal states leads to administrative efficiency:

The division of competences relieves the center and the center does not have to concern itself with problems of a purely local nature. You can devote yourself entirely to issues of national importance. Due to the provincial or regional autonomy, the administration of these areas becomes very efficient.

(3) People are more interested in local and regional affairs:

In a federal government, provinces, regions or  states enjoy separate rights and  have separate cabinets and legislatures. Local governments also have  separate rights and councils, elected by the people, run  local administration.When elections to  provincial parliaments and local bodies are held, and when  local and provincial governments are run by people's representatives, people show great interest in government.

(4) Create great states:

Fifty states of America would not have become so powerful if they had not joined the American Federation. Nor could they have enjoyed the standing on the international stage that  they now enjoy  as a strong nation.  Likewise, several Indian princely states could not be of international importance  if they had not joined the Union of India. They hold a prestigious position  in the international arena only because of their affiliation with the Union of India.This  also applies to the Soviet Union, Brazil, Australia and West Germany.

(5) This system is more advantageous for smaller states:

This system is more advantageous for smaller states because they cannot defend themselves  and establish diplomatic relations with other countries, which involves high costs. Their defense costs also decrease when they are merged. Fifty states of America could not defend themselves individually. The same is the case in India and other countries.

Demerits of Federalism :

• Federalism also has disadvantages. Chief among these are economic inequalities between states, the race to the bottom (ie states compete for business by cutting taxes and regulations), and the difficulty of taking action on matters of national importance.
• It limits the powers of federal officials. to determine local policies.
• It reduces the risk of a political party gaining a monopoly on political power.
• It makes it easier for people  to get into political office because they can start seeking elected office there.

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Answer 2

Explanation:

Merits

• Another advantage of federalism is that because our federal system creates two levels of government with the capacity to take action, failure to attain the desired policy goal at one level can be offset by successfully securing the support of elected representatives at another level.
• Thus, individuals, groups, and social movements are encouraged to actively participate and help shape public policy.

Demerits

• Federalism also comes with drawbacks. Chief among them are economic disparities across states, race-to-the-bottom dynamics (i.e., states compete to attract business by lowering taxes and regulations), and the difficulty of taking action on issues of national importance.

• The disadvantages are that it can set off a race to the bottom among states, cause cross-state economic and social disparities, and obstruct federal efforts to address national problems.
  
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