Federalism

Essay on federalism: Federal system is the method used by various countries in

the world where the power is shared by both the central government and the local or
state governments. The central government can be powerful but cannot take all the
state-level decisions or even choose state leaders.
Federalism allows the citizens to participate and also helps in the overall
management of the country. Thus, the role of elections is very important in federal
systems.

Long and Short Federalism Essay

We are providing students with essay samples on a long essay of 500 words and a
short essay of 150 words on the topic Federalism for reference.

Long Federalism Essay Of 500 Words in English

In federal systems, the national government has the central authority over the whole
national territory, whereas the provincial or state governments have individual power
within their provinces. The duties, rights and responsibilities of the central
government, as well as the state governments, are mentioned in the constitution of
particular countries.
The constitution gives delegated, implied and inherent powers to the central
administrative units whereas certain powers are reserved for the states and local
governing units. The main centre can make national-level decisions, whereas the
states have the power to regulate laws and orders in the various areas within the
state.
The need for security and a common defence system against external conflicts along
with decentralization of administrative power and unequal economic development
between different units of a country may necessitate the adoption of the federal
government.
Federalism plays an important role in unifying states with common cultural and
historical background. The factor of geographical proximity is an important
precondition for the formation of a federation. The countries must have enough
economic resource to adopt the federal system.
Except for China, the seven other largest countries of the world, such as the United
States of America, Canada, Brazil, Russia, Australia, Argentina and India have
federal systems. Austria, Belgium, Ethiopia, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria,
Pakistan, Switzerland, UAE and Venezuela have also adopted federalism.
There are various types of federalism like dual (sovereignty is divided), asymmetric
(differential autonomy of states), cooperative (federal, central and state governments
operate cooperatively), competitive (central government competes with state
governments and vice versa) and creative (federal government provides for the
needs of the states).
On May 25th, 1787, at the Philadelphia convention, the idea of a federal system was
first proposed. The advocates of the federal system were Alexander Hamilton,
James Madison and George Washington who attempted to balance order with liberty
and suggested various reasons for the formation of a federalist system which
included prevention of tyranny, increasing participation in politics and functioning of
the states for new ideas and developments.
In the USA, after the formation of the country and the American Civil War, the
national government came into power with the rise of dual and state-centred
federalism along with the origin of neo-federalism. In France, the whole plan of the
federal government was to weaken the Paris central government by the division of
power to major provinces during the French Revolution.
In India, there is a three-tiered government structure with the Central government,
state and union government and panchayats and municipalities. An asymmetric
federal system can be here with certain states getting limited autonomy.
Advantages of a federal system include diffusion of power, creating responsible state
governments, managing the internal and external disputes, the involvement of the
citizens and spreading awareness about politics and also the demolition of single
regulating power. Disadvantages include unequal distribution of political power,
interference of states in critical policies as determined by the central government and
also internal conflicts within the states. Moreover, the positive aspects of federalism
overshadow the disadvantages.

Short Federalism Essay Of 150 Words in English

Federalism means the coexistence of a central administrative authority and state or
local administrative units in their respective areas. Federalism is an important part of
a nation's political structure by allowing the governing authorities to work separately.
Federalism having a direct influence on a country's fiscal policy, the effectiveness of
the government and economic development. It also allows provision for innovative
ideas, democratic views and unification of unprecedented powers.
You can access more Essay Writing on this topic and many more.
Federalism allows the states to have greater freedom and take individual decisions
within their respective provinces. The Central government can concentrate more on
national issues and international relations. The active participation of citizens results
in greater awareness about their political and civil rights with a sense of national
unity.
Differential state power and internal issues often worsen the federation, but the
merits of federalism are way more than the demerits.
10 Lines on Federalism in English
1. Federalism has two sets of government, one at a regional level and the other
at a national level.
2. Federalism includes dual citizenship which means the citizens are part of both
the country and the state.
3. Each level of government has particular sources of revenue for ensuring
stability.
4. The role of the constitution is very important, and there is no scope for
arbitrary changes without the mutual consent of the central and state
governments.
5. The central and state governments have their jurisdiction.
6. There is no interference of the states in the decisions of the central
government.
7. The states can function independently but are answerable to the central
government.
8. Federalism is solely based on democratic rules.
9. Federalism unites various states and other governing units over a
geographical area.
10. Federalism involves the creation of new laws, regionalism and economic
development with disparities between different regions of a country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) What is the importance of federalism?

Answer: Federalism includes the citizens' opinions, and views are taken into
consideration and balances the internal relationships within the states and acts as a
buffer to external conflicts.

Q) How does federalism affect the state governments?

Answer: The boon of federalism to the state and local governments is that they can
function on their own, but they have to compromise as certain powers are given to
the central authority, and it can interfere in the state government decisions.

Q) What is the effect of federalism on the Indian economy?

Answer: All the economic reforms and the various developments in economic
policymaking take place due to the Indian Federal system.
Q) What is the effect of Covid-19 on Indian federal system?
Answer: The central government has implemented various new reforms in different
domains of the Indian economy, although the global pandemic has been a severe
threat to this federal system.