Federal system of government is a system in which governmental powers that exist in the country are shared between the central and the component regions or states, in such that each government is constitutionally independent and autonomous. It does not mean that the powers are shared equally between the central and component governments, powers are shared according to the provisions of the constitution. Countries that adopt federal system of government include USA, Nigeria, Brazil, Switzerland, India etc.
Features of Federal system of Government
1. There is division of powers between the central and component governments of a state.
2. The different governments derived their powers from the constitution.
3. All countries that adopt federal system of government adopt written constitution.
4. There is supremacy of the constitution in a federal system of government.
5. There is the existence of Supreme Court for judicial interpretation and review.
6. There is the existence of bi-cameral legislature
7. There is duplication of organs of government in all governments.
Reasons for the Adoption of federal system of government.
a. Fear of Domination: in countries that there exist multi-ethnic group, the fear of one ethnic group dominating the other may give rise to the establishment of Federalism.
b. Tribal Differences: differences in culture, religion, language, custom/tradition etc. among different groups of a country may give rise to the adoption of federal system of government.
c. The Size of the Country: large population and wide geographical are some of the reasons that give rise to the adoption of Federalism
d. Protection of the interest of Minority: In countries that have majority and minority groups, it will be necessary to adopt federalism in order to protect the interest of the minority.
e. For Rapid and Even Development: federalism leads to rapid development as a result of competition among the component groups that make up the country, hence the reason for its adoption.
f. To create more Employment opportunities: Federalism creates more employment opportunities through division of powers and the duplication of ministries and offices.
Advantages of Federal System of Government
1. Faster Development: the division of powers into different areas in a federation ensures faster development.
2. Unity in Diversity: Federalism provides for the diverse element that made up the country through the recognition of the different ethnic groups that exist in the country.
3. It Allays Fear of Domination: fear of domination of one ethnic group on others are reduced by federalism as a result of autonomy given to each ethnic group within the federation.
4. Encourages Healthy Competition: Federalism encourages healthy competition among the component states, which goes a long way in leading to rapid development.
5. It Brings Government closer to the People: Federalism which involves division of a country into smaller government brings these government to the door steps of the people.
6. It allows for greater Participation of People in Government: this is made possible by the division of powers into central and component states, which gives rise to the duplication of offices and the requirement of more people to manage these offices.
Disadvantages of Federal System of Government
1. Inter-state Friction: Federalism causes disagreement among states that made up the federation. This is as a result of differences in opinion among the component states into which powers are divided.
2. It Breeds Sectional Consciousness: division of a country into different areas as done in a federal state breeds regional or state consciousness instead of national consciousness.
3. Duplication of Organs of Government: All countries that practice federal system of government have the same structures of government that are in the central government in all the federating units, thereby duplicating unnecessarily.
4. It is Expensive to Operate: It cost a lot in terms of materials and human resources required to operate a federal system of government mainly because of the duplication of offices.
5. Fear of Domination: though powers that exist in a country are divided among the federating units, there still exist the fear of one ethnic group dominating others at the centre.
6. It Leads to Dual Loyalty: the citizens tend to have two different government to demonstrate their loyalty, which is loyalty to their states and to the central government.
How powers or Function are Shared between the Central/Federal Government and the State Government in a Federation.
In a federal system of government, powers or functions are shared between the central government and the regional or state governments in the constitution, so that each government will be independent within the sphere of powers allocated to it., and in no way subordinate to the other. Powers are shared in the following ways:
Exclusive List or Powers
These are powers that are reserved exclusively for the federal government alone. This means that only the central or federal government can legislate on the subjects in the exclusive list. Interference of the regional or state governments on matters in the exclusive list can be declared null and void and unconstitutional. Powers under exclusive list include; defence, foreign affairs, security, currency, census, international trade etc.
Concurrent list or Powers
These are areas where powers are jointly shared by both the central and state governments. As stated in the constitution, even though both governments can make laws on matters that fall under the concurrent lists, the central government is supreme. This means that in case there is conflict on laws made by both government on such matters, the central or federal government laws will supersede that of the regional or state governments. Concurrent powers include powers include; health, education, agriculture, roads, housing etc.
Residual List or Powers
These are powers that are reserved for the regional or state governments to legislate on. They are powers that are not in the exclusive and concurrent lists. Though in some countries/constitutions, residual powers are exercised by both government. But in the case of Nigeria, the constitution set aside these powers for the state government alone. Residual powers include; chieftaincy matters, local government, market, taxations etc.
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