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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?

  • Absolute power concentration (correct)
  • Territorially large countries
  • Culturally diverse countries
  • Countries with substantial autonomy for regions

    • 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?

    <p>Potential for deeper conflicts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way can federalism hinder governance?

    <p>Through legal complexities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key characteristic of asymmetrical federalism?

    <p>Greater autonomy for certain regions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does federalism typically support democratic resilience?

    <p>By ensuring participation at local levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following countries is known for having a federal-like system?

    <p>Argentina (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential negative effect of federalism on minority groups within constituent units?

    <p>Exposure to discrimination and oppression (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can a strong central government benefit minority groups?

    <p>By ensuring equal protection of the law for locally concentrated minorities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the challenges posed by local elites in a federal system?

    <p>They may misuse subnational governments for private gain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can worsen the effectiveness of subnational governments?

    <p>Lack of human and financial resources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What risk does the decentralization of government pose in a federal system?

    <p>It may lead to decentralized oligarchy or autocracy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can federalism create instability in conflict-prone areas?

    <p>By fostering secessionist demands through institutional mechanisms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could happen if demands for secession are not addressed in a federal system?

    <p>It could result in destabilizing and potentially violent secession (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What consequence may arise from overburdening weak governing institutions in a federal system?

    <p>Disillusionment, distrust, and discontent among the populace (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main levels in a typical federal system of government?

    <p>National and regional levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a supreme judicial body in a federal system?

    <p>To adjudicate disputes between different levels of government (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identity federalism is characterized by which of the following?

    <p>Multiple communities with distinct cultural identities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes efficiency federalism?

    <p>Decentralization to enhance democratic accountability in a culturally homogeneous nation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key components of a federal system?

    <p>Rigidity in power distribution (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example represents a country with identity federalism?

    <p>Belgium (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a federal system, what is the significance of having shared powers?

    <p>To ensure collective governance on issues of common concern (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one advantage of federalism in terms of policy development?

    <p>It allows for innovation and experimentation in policymaking by subnational units. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic distinguishes a federal system from a unitary system?

    <p>Separation of powers across multiple levels of government (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does federalism affect the central government's responsibilities?

    <p>It frees the central government to focus on strategic national challenges. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a possible disadvantage of federalism?

    <p>It can lead to duplication of government functions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of federalism enhances public participation?

    <p>Decentralized governance allowing more people to engage in politics. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a potential impact of federalism on economic development?

    <p>It may promote geographically diverse economic and social development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do state institutions play in a federal system?

    <p>They serve as a training ground for public officials and citizens. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism in federalism helps ensure fair resource distribution?

    <p>Revenue sharing and fiscal arrangements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can lead to challenges in policy coherence in a federal system?

    <p>Duplication of government functions across different levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase ‘We the people’ signify in relation to the U.S. Constitution?

    <p>It emphasizes that the Constitution is the fundamental law of the United States. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do federal systems provide a governance structure for large or diverse countries?

    <p>By decentralizing power within the state structure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between ‘coming together’ and ‘holding together’ federalism?

    <p>Coming together involves independent states forming a federation, while holding together involves a single state transitioning to a federal structure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of federalism, what is a common misconception about the term used to describe the federal level of government?

    <p>It can be referred to as 'national', 'central', or 'union' government. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the relationship between U.S. citizens and their governments under federalism?

    <p>Citizens are subject to both federal and state laws in prescribed spheres. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why has federalism gained prominence globally over time?

    <p>It decentralizes power, helping to unify diverse populations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a term used to refer to constituent units in federal systems?

    <p>Districts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of federal systems in terms of power distribution?

    <p>There is a dual authority in governance with overlapping powers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary rationale for adopting a federal system of governance?

    <p>To allow for local governance and autonomy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of federalism?

    <p>Complexity in governance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of federalism does 'coming together' refer to?

    <p>States uniting to form a national entity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the distribution of powers in federalism is true?

    <p>Powers are divided between national and state governments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of advantages of federalism, which option is often highlighted?

    <p>Flexibility to adapt policies to local needs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'holding together' mean in the context of federalism?

    <p>An agreement between states to maintain separate identities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does federalism impact legislative powers?

    <p>Both national and state legislatures have defined powers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a common argument against federalism?

    <p>It can dilute accountability among government officials (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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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