Federalism is one of the many types of government organization. This method of organization combines the presence of a central, federal government, which works alongside smaller, regional governments. The governance at a local level can be further divided into provinces, states, specific territories, among others. There are other types of government organization that are similar to a federalism, in the way that they choose to divide government power on global and local levels. For example, confederalism, which sees global government put in a subordinate role to regional leadership. In a federation, the global government has power over its regions, able to introduce general legislation, prosecute people or administer funding. Among the most well-known examples of a federal state are countries such as the US, Canada, Germany, India, and Australia.
The regional and central government have different authority and power, which is reserved only for them. In order to understand this, the US distribution of power can be discussed. In the US, there are generally three kinds of government powers – ones reserved for the central government, ones reserved for the local government, and ones shared between them. First, the US central government has the right to coin money and regulate trade and the economy. In addition, it has the ability to declare war on other nations, maintain the army and recruit individuals into it. Comparatively, there are also a number of powers that both the central and regional government share. Taxation of individuals and companies, city infrastructure, such as building roads, and the creation of lower courts (“Relationship Between the States and the Federal Government (article)”). On a local level, then, each state in America can own property, educate its citizens, implement policies and welfare programs within its borders. The distinction between local and global government powers is made to allow each state to manage itself with accordance to its own needs. This can be seen as one of the defining positives of federalism – its ability to give people in an area the necessary power to make their wishes a reality. However, this comes with a significant problem as well. In particular, it is impossible for the central government to ensure that each of its states are equal in terms of economic prosperity, development and investment (Ene). Because of this, some states inevitably face more financial problems than others.
Works Cited
Ene, Princewill. “Federalism | Definition, Features & Problems of Federalism.” Walyben, 2022.
“The Relationship Between the States and the Federal Government (article).” Khan Academy.