Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary objective of federalism as a constitutional mechanism?
What is the primary objective of federalism as a constitutional mechanism?
- To eliminate diverse identities within a country
- To prohibit self-government in federated units
- To divide power between different levels of government (correct)
- To centralize power in one governmental unit
Which of the following is NOT typically associated with federal systems?
Which of the following is NOT typically associated with federal systems?
- Absolute power concentration (correct)
- Territorially large countries
- Culturally diverse countries
- Countries with substantial autonomy for regions
What are some potential advantages of federalism?
What are some potential advantages of federalism?
- Encouragement of diverse identities (correct)
- Enhanced democratic participation (correct)
- Elimination of local governance
- Centralized service delivery
What risk is associated with federalism in culturally diverse nations?
What risk is associated with federalism in culturally diverse nations?
In what way can federalism hinder governance?
In what way can federalism hinder governance?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of asymmetrical federalism?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of asymmetrical federalism?
How does federalism typically support democratic resilience?
How does federalism typically support democratic resilience?
Which of the following countries is known for having a federal-like system?
Which of the following countries is known for having a federal-like system?
What is a potential negative effect of federalism on minority groups within constituent units?
What is a potential negative effect of federalism on minority groups within constituent units?
How can a strong central government benefit minority groups?
How can a strong central government benefit minority groups?
What is one of the challenges posed by local elites in a federal system?
What is one of the challenges posed by local elites in a federal system?
What can worsen the effectiveness of subnational governments?
What can worsen the effectiveness of subnational governments?
What risk does the decentralization of government pose in a federal system?
What risk does the decentralization of government pose in a federal system?
How can federalism create instability in conflict-prone areas?
How can federalism create instability in conflict-prone areas?
What could happen if demands for secession are not addressed in a federal system?
What could happen if demands for secession are not addressed in a federal system?
What consequence may arise from overburdening weak governing institutions in a federal system?
What consequence may arise from overburdening weak governing institutions in a federal system?
What are the two main levels in a typical federal system of government?
What are the two main levels in a typical federal system of government?
What is the role of a supreme judicial body in a federal system?
What is the role of a supreme judicial body in a federal system?
Identity federalism is characterized by which of the following?
Identity federalism is characterized by which of the following?
Which of the following best describes efficiency federalism?
Which of the following best describes efficiency federalism?
What is one of the key components of a federal system?
What is one of the key components of a federal system?
Which example represents a country with identity federalism?
Which example represents a country with identity federalism?
In a federal system, what is the significance of having shared powers?
In a federal system, what is the significance of having shared powers?
What is one advantage of federalism in terms of policy development?
What is one advantage of federalism in terms of policy development?
Which characteristic distinguishes a federal system from a unitary system?
Which characteristic distinguishes a federal system from a unitary system?
How does federalism affect the central government's responsibilities?
How does federalism affect the central government's responsibilities?
Which of the following is a possible disadvantage of federalism?
Which of the following is a possible disadvantage of federalism?
What aspect of federalism enhances public participation?
What aspect of federalism enhances public participation?
Which of the following best describes a potential impact of federalism on economic development?
Which of the following best describes a potential impact of federalism on economic development?
What role do state institutions play in a federal system?
What role do state institutions play in a federal system?
What mechanism in federalism helps ensure fair resource distribution?
What mechanism in federalism helps ensure fair resource distribution?
What can lead to challenges in policy coherence in a federal system?
What can lead to challenges in policy coherence in a federal system?
What does the phrase ‘We the people’ signify in relation to the U.S. Constitution?
What does the phrase ‘We the people’ signify in relation to the U.S. Constitution?
How do federal systems provide a governance structure for large or diverse countries?
How do federal systems provide a governance structure for large or diverse countries?
What is the difference between ‘coming together’ and ‘holding together’ federalism?
What is the difference between ‘coming together’ and ‘holding together’ federalism?
In the context of federalism, what is a common misconception about the term used to describe the federal level of government?
In the context of federalism, what is a common misconception about the term used to describe the federal level of government?
Which statement best describes the relationship between U.S. citizens and their governments under federalism?
Which statement best describes the relationship between U.S. citizens and their governments under federalism?
Why has federalism gained prominence globally over time?
Why has federalism gained prominence globally over time?
Which of the following is NOT a term used to refer to constituent units in federal systems?
Which of the following is NOT a term used to refer to constituent units in federal systems?
What is a key characteristic of federal systems in terms of power distribution?
What is a key characteristic of federal systems in terms of power distribution?
What is the primary rationale for adopting a federal system of governance?
What is the primary rationale for adopting a federal system of governance?
Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of federalism?
Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of federalism?
What aspect of federalism does 'coming together' refer to?
What aspect of federalism does 'coming together' refer to?
Which of the following statements about the distribution of powers in federalism is true?
Which of the following statements about the distribution of powers in federalism is true?
In terms of advantages of federalism, which option is often highlighted?
In terms of advantages of federalism, which option is often highlighted?
What does 'holding together' mean in the context of federalism?
What does 'holding together' mean in the context of federalism?
How does federalism impact legislative powers?
How does federalism impact legislative powers?
Which is a common argument against federalism?
Which is a common argument against federalism?
Flashcards
Federalism
Federalism
A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional governments.
Distribution of Powers
Distribution of Powers
How legislative and executive responsibilities are divided between the central and regional governments in a federal system.
Legislative Powers
Legislative Powers
The authority to create and pass laws.
Executive Powers
Executive Powers
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Rationale for Federalism
Rationale for Federalism
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Advantages of Federalism
Advantages of Federalism
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Disadvantages of Federalism
Disadvantages of Federalism
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Constitutional Building
Constitutional Building
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Constitutional mechanism
Constitutional mechanism
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Federated units
Federated units
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Power sharing
Power sharing
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Risks of Federalism
Risks of Federalism
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Culturally diverse countries
Culturally diverse countries
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Territorially large countries
Territorially large countries
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Two Levels of Government
Two Levels of Government
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Local Government Roles
Local Government Roles
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Identity Federalism
Identity Federalism
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Efficiency Federalism
Efficiency Federalism
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Federalism Goals
Federalism Goals
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Constitutional Distribution
Constitutional Distribution
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Federalism: Supreme Judicial Body
Federalism: Supreme Judicial Body
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US Federalism: A New System
US Federalism: A New System
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Dual Authority
Dual Authority
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Federalism's Spread
Federalism's Spread
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Federalism's Two Faces
Federalism's Two Faces
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Federalism: A Global Mosaic
Federalism: A Global Mosaic
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Federalism and Decentralization
Federalism and Decentralization
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Terminology Matters
Terminology Matters
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Federalism's Global Relevance
Federalism's Global Relevance
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Innovation in Policymaking
Innovation in Policymaking
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Reduced Central Government Burden
Reduced Central Government Burden
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Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
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Diverse Development
Diverse Development
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Training Ground for Citizens
Training Ground for Citizens
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Potential Duplication of Work
Potential Duplication of Work
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Policy Incoherence
Policy Incoherence
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Functional Boundaries
Functional Boundaries
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Minority Exclusion in Federalism
Minority Exclusion in Federalism
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Central Government's Role in Minority Protection
Central Government's Role in Minority Protection
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Abuse of Power by Local Elites
Abuse of Power by Local Elites
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Decentralized Democracy vs. Oligarchy
Decentralized Democracy vs. Oligarchy
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Capacity Issues in Subnational Governments
Capacity Issues in Subnational Governments
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Destabilizing Effects of Federalism
Destabilizing Effects of Federalism
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Federalism and Secessionist Demands
Federalism and Secessionist Demands
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Suppression of Secessionism
Suppression of Secessionism
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Study Notes
Introduction
- Federalism is a constitutional system dividing power between different levels of government.
- Federated units have guaranteed autonomy in certain policy areas.
- The system combines partial self-government with partial shared government.
- Federal systems are often associated with culturally diverse or geographically large countries, including examples like Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Spain, South Africa, and the United States.
- Federalism aims to ensure peace, stability, and mutual accommodation in countries with diverse identities. Improved service delivery and democratic resilience are also potential benefits.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Federalism
- Rationale: Federalism addresses problems of scale and diversity.
- Scale: Small communities can participate more directly in democracy, but representatives, rather than direct participation, are needed on a national scale. Federalism allows smaller units to address their specific needs, with the national government handling broader issues.
- Diversity: Recognizes different ethnic, religious, or linguistic communities.
- Potential disadvantages:
- Increased regional differences in wealth and resource distribution (unless revenue sharing is in place).
- Potential for harmful economic competition between subnational units.
- Judicialization of politics (disputes between levels are more likely to be resolved in the courts).
- Potential exclusion of minorities.
- Ineffective governance due to a lack of capacity and/or ineffective decision-making at the local level.
- Increased government operations resulting in high costs.
- Instability and threats to democracy.
What is the Issue?
- Federalism is a system that divides power between levels of government. There are usually two levels: a central/federal level, and a provincial/state/regional level.
- Federalism allows distinct communities to exercise autonomy over local matters, while also participating in a unified nation.
- Components required in a federal system include a constitution that specifies power distribution, judicial bodies to settle disputes between levels, and legislative/executive institutions at each level.
- Identitiy federalism: occurs when distinct communities have common interests that cause them to unite geographically, but still desire to maintain autonomy.
- Efficiency federalism: occurs when a geographically large nation desires more democratic representation, by decentralizing power and resources at regional levels for more accountability.
- The issue revolves around balancing the need for unity and common ground with regional diversity and autonomy.
Other Potential Advantages of Federalism
- Power-sharing: Different groups can have influence at different levels within the federation.
- Broader power base: Allows minorities representation, by enabling them to hold office at regional levels.
- Effective policy innovation: Local governments may test innovative policies that could be useful on a national level.
- Reduced burden on national government: Allows certain aspects of governance to be handled locally
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