FEDERALISM-CH--2--POLITICALSCIENCE

FEDERALISM
FEDERALISM-It is a system of govt. in which the power is divided between a
central authority and constituent units of the country.
Usually, a federation has two levels of govt., both of them enjoy power independent
of the other.
a) A govt. for the entire country-- responsible for few subjects of common interest.
b) The other at the level of provinces or states that look after day to day functioning
of the state.
UNITARY SYSTEM VS FEDERAL SYSTEM
1..Either there is only one level of govt or sub units are subordinate to the central govt.
1There are two levels of govt-Central and Provincial or State govt.
2.The central govt. can pass orders to the provincial or the local govts
2.The central govt. can not order the state govt. to do something.
3.The state govt. is answerable to the central govt.
3.State govt. has power of its own and is not answerable to the central govt
Key features of federalism :
1.There are two or more levels (tiers) of govt.
2.Different tiers of govt. govern same citizens but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
3.The jurisdiction of specific levels are specified in the constitution and is therefore is constitutionally guaranteed.
4.Fundamental provisions of the constitutions can not be unilaterally changed by one level of govt. and require the consent of both levels of govt.
5.Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of govt. of different levels.The higest court acts as the umpire if disputes arise in the exercise of their respective powers.
6.Sources of revenue are specified to ensure the financial autonomy.
7.The federal system has dual objectives: a) to safe guard and promote the unity of the country. b) accmmodate regional diversity .