Posted by Chester Morton / Thursday 7 April 2016 / No comments
The conditions necessary for the adoption of a Federal system of Government
A FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
Definition
A federal system of government is a system in which the
powers of government are constitutionally shared between the central government
and regional units in such a way that each level of government is independent
and autonomous. Countries with a federal system of government include the
United States of America, Nigeria, Canada, Malaysia, Australia, and Germany.
CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR THE ADOPTION OF A FEDERATION
Geographical nearness
The various states which desire to form a federation must be
close to one another. If they are not physically close to each other, it is not
possible for the federation to work.
Need for defense and security
One of the ways in which a federation is formed is when
previously independent states come together as one federating unit. One of the
reasons why this happens is the threat of an external aggressor. For example,
the thirteen American colonies joined together in a federation following the
American War of independence for reason of collective security.
Preservation of local autonomy
The federal system is adopted to provide a considerable amount
of decentralization in the administration. It brings the government closer to
the door steps of the people, encouraging local participation in the political
process.
Differences in level of economic development
Sharp differences in the level of economic development
between different units of a country may lead to the adoption of a federation
to enable each unit to have the freedom to develop at its own pace.
The need to check dictatorship
Different groups within a country may adopt federalism as a
means of preventing the over-concentration of power at the centre. This is one
way in which they can prevent the country from drifting into dictatorship.
Common culture and historical background
States with a common historical background can come together
to form a federation. For instance, the different parts of Nigeria adopted
federalism at independence on account of the common historical background. They
were all under the British colonial empire.
Resource Pooling
Some states adopt federation because of the desire to pool
resources together for the development of the country as a whole. For instance,
the desire to promote trade through the removal of all internal trade barriers
is a condition for successful federation. It was this desire which contributed
to the success of the American federation.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. Highlight six conditions that may lead to the adoption of
a federation. [12 marks]
2. a. Define a federal system of government. [2 marks]
b. Explain five
conditions that must be present for a federation to succeed. [10 marks]
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