Federalism: Definition, Principles, and Types

Study Notes

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority (federal government) and smaller regional entities (states, provinces, or territories)
Key principle: shared sovereignty between the federal government and constituent units
Federalism aims to balance national unity with regional autonomy and diversity

Dual Federalism: Federal government and states have separate and distinct spheres of authority (e.g., United States, 1787-1937)
Cooperative Federalism: Federal government and states collaborate and share authority (e.g., United States, 1937-1964)
Competitive Federalism: Federal government and states compete with each other for power and authority (e.g., United States, 1964-present)
Asymmetrical Federalism: Different states or regions have varying levels of autonomy and authority (e.g., Canada, Spain)

Division of Powers: Federal government has authority over national matters, while states or regions have authority over local matters
Dual Citizenship: Citizens have dual citizenship, both of the federal state and their regional entity
Representation: Representation in the federal government is based on population, while representation in regional entities is based on regional identity
Supremacy Clause: Federal laws take precedence over state or regional laws in case of conflict

Promotes National Unity: Federal government ensures national unity and coordination
Encourages Regional Autonomy: Regional entities have authority to address local needs and concerns
Increases Representation: Citizens have multiple layers of representation, ensuring their voices are heard
Fosters Cooperation: Federalism promotes cooperation and collaboration between different levels of government

Conflict between Levels of Government: Federal and regional governments may have conflicting interests and priorities
Inequitable Distribution of Power: Smaller or less populated regions may have limited influence in federal decision-making
Jurisdictional Disputes: Conflicts may arise over which level of government has authority over a particular issue

Federalism is a system where power is divided between a central authority and smaller regional entities to balance national unity with regional autonomy and diversity.
Shared sovereignty between the federal government and constituent units is a key principle of federalism.

Dual Federalism: Separate and distinct spheres of authority for federal government and states (e.g., United States, 1787-1937).
Cooperative Federalism: Federal government and states collaborate and share authority (e.g., United States, 1937-1964).
Competitive Federalism: Federal government and states compete for power and authority (e.g., United States, 1964-present).
Asymmetrical Federalism: Different states or regions have varying levels of autonomy and authority (e.g., Canada, Spain).

Division of Powers: Federal government has authority over national matters, while states or regions have authority over local matters.
Dual Citizenship: Citizens have dual citizenship, both of the federal state and their regional entity.
Representation: Representation in the federal government is based on population, while representation in regional entities is based on regional identity.
Supremacy Clause: Federal laws take precedence over state or regional laws in case of conflict.

Promotes National Unity: Federal government ensures national unity and coordination.
Encourages Regional Autonomy: Regional entities have authority to address local needs and concerns.
Increases Representation: Citizens have multiple layers of representation, ensuring their voices are heard.
Fosters Cooperation: Federalism promotes cooperation and collaboration between different levels of government.

Conflict between Levels of Government: Federal and regional governments may have conflicting interests and priorities.
Inequitable Distribution of Power: Smaller or less populated regions may have limited influence in federal decision-making.
Jurisdictional Disputes: Conflicts may arise over which level of government has authority over a particular issue.