| We will quote
the following definitions to clarify the concept
of federalsim.
Federalism is a system of government in which
power is divided by constitutional right between
national and local units of government in regions.
A state that follows the federal system is known
as a federation. (Wikipedia: Federalism 2004)
Federalism is division of government authority
between at least two levels of government. In
the US authority is divided between the state
and federal (or national) government (Federalism
2004)
A large number of countries in the Western indutrialized
world follow this form of government. For instance,
The United States of America, Canada, Australia,
Germany, Belgium, Switzerland all follow the federal
system. There are some countries that are not
declared Federations but have given as much, or
more, autonomy to the regions as is generally
given under a federal system. Countries in this
category include Spain and the United Kingdom.
China is another example where informal powers
have come to be given without formal legislation.
Such countries are said to be de facto federal.
A common feature of the federal system is the
independent constitutionally guaranteed authority
for the federating units. This is in contrast
to the unitary system under which the powers to
the local government are granted to them by the
center and which powers can be curtailed or wthdrawn.
It is important to remember that the federating
units do not have national sovereignty and have
no standing under international law. These units
generally are prevented from pursuing their own
independent foreign policies and from maintaining
their individual armed forces. Another subject
that is taboo for the units is that of having
their individual currencies. They are however
free to have independent policies in such fields
as trade. commerce and industry, health, education,
environment, agriculture, mining, fishing, forestry,
laws, welfare, employment etc. The degree of such
indepedence allowed though will differ from country
to country. (Wikipedia: Federalism 2004)
Division of power and responsibility between
national and local governments is often a bone
of contention with each side wanting greater authority
and control over the subjects. The U.S. judicial
system resolves such conflicts in the light of
laid down rules. Also there is clash between local
and regional interests based on linguistic or
ethnic considerations. For example the French
speaking Canadians demand greater say in the running
of their affairs. The existence of well respected
institutions which decide on merit alone goes
a long way in amicable settlement of such differences.
In the United States a bitter civil war was fought
over such differnces in the absence of a mechanism
for negotiations and dialogue.
In some cases the units (states) evolve before
the creation of the nation. United States is the
prime example of this. In other cases, as in the
caseof Spain and germany after the War, the power
is being decentralised from the national government
to the states.
Advocates of federalism cite many advantages
of this system of governance. It is claimed that
it checks the growth of tyranny. Also that federalism
promotes unity and at the same times has room
for diversity to accommodate regional preferences
and a degree of freedom. The units do not fell
being dictated to or stifled. The system encourages
experimentation. Yet another plus point is that
this system keeps government closer to the people.
Local control over local matters encourages participation
which in turn creates a sense of attachment and
belonging. Local issues can be attended quickly
under federalism. Even smaller states can have
their voice heard rather than be drowned in a
sea of noise on the national level.
It is said that federalism enabled the American
expansion. The federal government, for example,
had the power to make the Louisiana Purchase.
Also that vested interest cannot hijack the popular
choice and is unable to capture the national government
and suppress the interest of others. (Nathan Edelman
Chapter 3: American Federalism 2004)
Summary/Conclusion
We have seen what is involved under a federal
system of government. In the United States the
growth of urbanization has placed demands on the
governments to provide services. Also the position
of the United States as the world leader demands
a strong national government. For this the unstinted
support of the states is required. Therefore the
federal system suits the United States most.
|