Federal systmem of government

Definition of Federalism

A federal system of government can be defined as one in which governmental powers that exist in the country are shared between a central government that represent the whole country and government of component regions or states, so that each government is legally and constitutionally independent and autonomous.

It does not mean that powers are shared equally between the central government and government of the component regions or state. Countries that practice federalism adopt federal constitution. Examples of countries that adopt federalism include; U.S.A., Nigeria, Federal Republic of Germany, Brazil, Switzerland, Australia, Yugoslavia, India among others.

The powers of the government are assigned constitutionally among the states and central government. The powers are usually referred to as legislative lists. Under the federal exclusive legislative lists in Nigeria are the federal civil service, mining, defense, foreign policy, currency and banking, aviation, immigration, police, customs, and prisons. Only the central government can legislate on the subjects in the exclusive lists. Concurrent list of power are areas where powers are shared jointly by both the central and state government. In case there is conflict of laws made by both governments, the central government laws will supersede that of the state government. Subject matters on concurrent list include health, education, agriculture, roads, housing etc. Residual powers are powers not included in either the exclusive list or the concurrent lists, and this rest in the states. Matters in the residual lists include chieftaincy matters, local governments, markets, etc.

Reasons for Federating

The following are the reasons for the adoption of federal system of government.

1. For Rapid and Even Development: Some countries adopt federalism to ensure rapid and even development of a country.
2. The Size of the Country:A federal system is suitable for a state with large geographical area and large population.
3. To Bring Government Nearer to the People:Federalism which leads to the creation of state or regions brings government very close to the people especially to those at local areas.
4. To Expand Local Markets:The division of a country into different regions or states under federalism is done with the reason to expand the local markets.
5. Tribal Differences:Differences in culture, religion, language, custom, tradition, etc among different groups of a country may lead to the adoption of federalism.
6. To create more Employment Opportunities:The division of powers and the duplications of offices and services create employment opportunities more than any other system.
7. Desire for Union: Some states desire a union because of threat to their independence or fear of external attacks.
8. For Diverse Law to be made:Federalism is also established in order to make it possible for diverse laws that will suit the diverse communities in the country.
9. For Easy and Effective Government: Countries advocate for federalism because, division of powers just like division of labour, will make the art of governance more effective, efficient, time saving, less fatigue and less energy-sapping.
10. Protection of the Interest of Minority Groups: In order to protect the interest of the minority group in a country where there is sharp demarcation between majority and minority group, it will be necessary to establish federalism.

EVALUATION

1. Explain federal system of government.
2. Enumerate four reasons for the adoption federal system of government.

Characteristics or Features of Federal System of Government

The following are the basic characteristics of the federal system of government:

1. The constitutional powers are shared among the levels or tiers of government; that is, the federal, state and local governments.
2. Each component unit or government has sole control over the area under its authority.
3. The constitution of a federal state is usually rigid. It cannot be amended by any one level of government, but by all the governments together.
4. Supreme Court settles constitutional conflicts.
5. Federal system of government adopts written constitution.
6. There is duplication of organs of government in all levels or tiers of government.
7. The constitution is supreme in federalism.
8. The constitution of federalism forbids secession.
9. The constitution specifies the areas of responsibility of each level of government.
10. All the levels of government derive their powers from the constitution.

Resource Control in a Federal System Government

In a federal system of government, the state or local government would manage the resources from their territories under federal guidelines, and then remit taxes to the federal government.

EVALUATION

1. State four characteristics of federal system of government.
2. What is resource control in federal system of government?

Merits and Demerits of Federalism

Merits or Advantages of Federalism

1. Faster Development: The distribution of powers into different areas in a federation, ensures faster and even development.
2. It Brings Government Nearer to the People: Federalism which involves division of a country into smaller governments, brings these government to the door step of the people.
3. Encouragement of Healthy Competition:Federalism encourages healthy competition among the component states or regions which goes a long way in leading to rapid development.
4. Prevention of Emergence of Dictator:This is as a result of the fact that powers are not concentrated in a single authority as is done in unitary system of government.
5. It Allays Fear of Domination: Fear of domination of one ethnic group on others are reduced by federalism since each ethnic group is given the opportunity to rule itself in its own way.
6. Creation of more Employment Opportunity:the duplication of offices gives room for employment opportunities.
7. Guarantee Human Rights:This is as a result of the fact that in a federation, constitution is supreme.
8. It Maintains Political Stability: The division of powers in a federation removes all forms of dissatisfaction that leads to political instability.
9. Economic Advantages: Federalism brings about rational utilization of the material and human resources in all levels of

Demerits or Disadvantages of Federalism

1. Inter-State Friction: This is as a result of differences in opinions among these component states or regions into which powers are divided.
2. It is Expensive to Operate:It cost a lot in terms of material and human resources required to operate a federal system of government due to duplication of positions and offices
3. Difficulty in Taking Quick Decisions:This is as a result of the consultations required before decisions are taken especially in matters that fall into concurrent lists that involves both the central and the state government.
4. Fear of Domination:In spite of the fact that powers that exist in the country that adopt federalism are divided into many areas, it still does not remove the fear of one ethnic group dominating others at the centre.
5. Problem of Wealth Sharing: Federalism creates the problem of sharing the wealth of the country among different component states and the central government.
6. Problems of Co-ordination: It is problematic in coordinating a federal state as a result of many areas into which powers are divided.
7. Difficulty in Amending the Constitution:This is as a result of lack of flexibility and rigid nature of the federal constitution adopted in a federation.
8. It Leads to Dual Loyalty:The citizens tend to have two different governments to demonstrate their loyalty, which is the state and central government.

EVALUATION

1. Highlight five merits of federal system of government.
2. Identify and explain five demerits of federal system of government.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. What is a federal state?
2. Highlight any four weaknesses of the federal system of government.
3. What are the factors that necessitated the adoption of a federal system in Nigeria.
4. Discuss resource control in federal system of government.

State five disadvantages of federalism