Question

meaning and key features of federalism

Answer 1

Federalism is the mixed or compound mode of government, combining a general government (the central or 'federal' government) with regional governments (provincial, state, cantonal, territorial or other sub-unit governments) in a single political system. Its distinctive feature, exemplified in the founding example of modern federalism by the United States of America under the Constitution of 1787, is a relationship of parity between the two levels of government established. It can thus be defined as a form of government in which there is a division of powers between two levels of government of equal status.

Key Features of Federalism:

There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.

Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.

The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution.

Answer 2

Answer:

some of the key features of federalism:

(i) There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.

(ii) Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own JURISDICTION in a specific matter of legislation, taxation and administration.

(iii) The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the Constitution.

(iv) The fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government.

(v) Courts have the power to interpret the Constitution and the powers of different levels of government.

(vi) Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.

(vii) The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and promote the unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversities.

(viii) There are two kinds of routes through which federations have been formed.

a) The first route involves independent States coming together on their own to form a bigger unit so that by pooling sovereignty and retaining identity they can increase their security. This is ‘coming together’ federations.

b) The second route is where a large country decides to divide its power between the constituent States and the national government. This is ‘holding together’ federations.