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Posted by Chester Morton / Thursday 7 April 2016 / No comments
The features 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.
HOW A FEDERATION IS FORMED
A big country is divided into smaller units
A country can be divided into different smaller units to form
a federal state. Usually, that country is very big geographically and by
population. An example of this type of federation is Nigeria.
Independent states coming together
A federation can also be formed by previously independent
entities coming together. An example is the former colonies of the United
States of America.
FEATURES OF A FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
The supremacy of the Constitution
In a federation, the constitution is supreme. The final
authority lies in the constitution. Each of the two levels of government can
exercise their powers only as determined by the constitution.
Division of powers
The powers of both the central and the component government
are divided formally by the constitution and each level of government is given
particular roles to play.
Written Constitution
Usually, a federal system of government operates under a
written constitution. The constitution is usually rigid. This way, the
entrenched clauses cannot be easily amended, it will require the consent of
both the central government and the government of the component units before it
can be amended.
Bicameral Legislature
There is usually an existence of a bicameral legislature in a
federation. This ensures that the second chamber could give equal
representation to the units to bring equality. It is also to slow down the
making of hasty decisions.
Secession is denied
In a federation, the right of secession is generally denied.
Once component states come together to form a unified state, the federal
constitution does not allow the units to break away anymore.
METHODS OF ALLOCATING POWERS IN A FEDERATION
Exclusive Powers
This method specifies a number of functions to be exclusively
performed by either the central government or the unit governments. For example
health, education etc. are usually exclusive to the units whilst defense,
currency control, immigration, emigration, national budget, and foreign affairs
are exclusive to the central government.
Concurrent Powers
With this method, both the centre and the component units are
expected to compromise on certain defined areas of activity to ensure
uniformity and smoothness in the administration of the federal state. In other
words, both the centre and the units have power to control. This area may
include internal security, internal trade, and tariffs.
Residual Powers
These areas are often not clearly defined in the constitution
of the federal state. In a number of federal constitutions, such powers could
be allocated to either the centre or the units, but usually, it is allocated to
the regional units.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. a. Explain the term Federation.[ 2 marks]
b. Highlight five
features of a federal system of government. [10 marks]
2. Highlight six features of a federal system of government.
3. Define a federal system of government and show powers are
shared between the central government and the component units. [12 marks]
4. a. Explain the concurrent functions in a federation. [2
marks]
b. Outline five
features of a federation. [10 marks]
5. a. Explain the residual functions in a federation. [2
marks]
b. Outline five
features of a federation. [10 marks]
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