Describe the Core Features of a Federal Form of Government
What is Federalism?
Federalism is the compound mode of two governments. That is, in one system there will be a mixture of two governments – state government with the central government. In India, we can describe federalism as a distribution of authority around local, national, and state governments. This is similar to the Canadian model of political organization.
Federalism is at its core a system where the dual machinery of government functions. Generally, under federalism, there are two levels of government. One is a central authority that looks after the major affairs of the country. The other is more of a local government that looks after the day-to-day functioning and activities of their particular region.
For example, our Indian Constitution says that India too is a federal country. As you know we have two levels of parliament, the at center the Union government and at State level, we have the individual State governments.
Features of Federalism
The best way to comprehensively understand the federal system is to learn about its features. These characteristics combined to reflect the true essence of federalism. Let us study them.
- The essential feature, which is the definition of federalism is that there are two levels of governance in the country at least. There can even be more. But the entire power is not concentrated with one government.
- All levels of governance will govern the same citizens, but their jurisdiction will be different. This means that each level of government will have a specific power to form laws, legislate and execute these laws. Both of the governments will have clearly marked jurisdiction. It will not be that one of the governments is just a figurehead government.
- Another important feature is that the constitution must guarantee this federal system of government. This means the powers and duties of both or all governments must be listed down in the constitution of that country hence guaranteeing a federal system of governance.
- As stated above the federalism of a country must be prescribed by the constitution. But it is also important that just one level of government cannot make unilateral changes or amendments to the important and essential provisions of the constitution. Such changes must be approved by all the levels of the government to be carried through.
- Now there are two levels of government with separate jurisdictions and separate duties. Yet there is still a possibility that a conflict may arise between the two. Well in a federal state, it will fall upon the courts or rather the judiciary to resolve this conflict. The courts must have the power to interfere in such a situation and reach a resolution.
- While there is power-sharing between the two levels of government, there should also be a system in place for revenue sharing. Both levels of government should have their own autonomous revenue streams. Because if one such government depends on the other for funds to carry out its functions, it really is not autonomous in its true nature.
India – A Federal State
India is a federal country. But not once in the constitution is the word “federation” ever mentioned. Instead what is said is that India is a “Union of States’.Actually many historians believe that India is a quasi-federal country. It means it is a federal state with some features of a unitary government. Let us see the reasons.
The constitution of India has essentially prescribed a federal state of government. As you already know we have several levels of government, The Government at the center, which id the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Then the various state governments, the Vidhan Sabhas, and the Vidhan Parishad. And finally, we have the Municipal Corporations and the Panchayats, which are forms of local governance.
Our constitution makes a clear demarcation about legislative powers and jurisdictions. It is done through the three lists.
Union List: This includes subjects that carry national importance, like defense, finance, railways, banking, etc. So such subjects only the Central Government is allowed to make laws.
State List: Includes all matters important to the functioning of a particular trade like transport, Trade, Commerce, agriculture, etc. The state government is the deciding authority for framing laws on these subjects
Concurrent List: This list includes topics on which both the Union and the state government can make laws. These are related to education, forests, trade unions etc. One point to be noted is if the two governments are in conflict with these laws, the decision of the Union Government will prevail, It is the final authority,
KEY FEATURES OF FEDERALISM:
1}There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
2}Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation, and administration.
3}The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution.
4}The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both levels of government.
5}Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of government.
6}Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
7} The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and promote the unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity.
Question for You
Q: Which of the following country is an example of a ‘coming together’ Federation?
- Belgium
- Spain
- Nepal
- Switzerland
Ans: The correct option is “D”. “Coming together” federation is nothing but independent states coming together on their own to form a bigger country. Independent states pool their sovereignty but maintain their independent status. USA, Switzerland, and Australia are examples of such types of federation.
Q: There are two or more tiers in a Unitary government. True or False?
False. Under the Unitary system of government either there is only one type of government, or there are sub-units subordinate t the central government. The central government can pass on orders to the provincial or local governments. The UK and Sri Lanka have unitary governments