Chapter: 11th 12th std standard Political Science History goverment rule laws life Higher secondary school College Notes

Forms of Government : Federal

The term 'Federation' is derived from the Latin word 'foedus' meaning treaty or agreement - that is agreement between central government (federal government) and the state governments.

Government is one of the essential elements of the State. It is the working agency of the State. The importance of the Government in modern times is highly felt. Attempts have been made from time to time to classify the various forms of Government.
Forms of Government -> 1.Dictatorial 2.Democratic
Democratic -> 1.Presidential 2.Parliamentary

Presidential -> 1.Unitary 2.Federal
Parliamentary -> 1.Unitary 2.Federal

FEDERAL

The term 'Federation' is derived from the Latin word 'foedus' meaning treaty or agreement - that is agreement between central government (federal government) and the state governments.

Prof. Dicey defines federalism as a political contrivance intended to reconcile national unity with the maintenance of state rights.

Federalism is the theory or advocacy of federal political order, where final authority is divided between sub-units and a centre. Unlike a unitary state, sovereignty is constitutionally split between at least two territorial levels so that units at each level have formal authority and can act independently of the others in some area. Citizens thus have political obligations to two authorities. The allocation of authority between the sub-units and centre may vary, typically the centre has powers regarding defence and foreign policy, but sub-units may also have international roles. The sub-units may also participate in central decision-making bodies. Much recent philosophical attention is spurred by renewed political interest in federalism, coupled with empirical findings concerning the requisite and legitimate basis for stability and trust among citizens in federations.

FEATURES OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

1.       The supremacy of the constitution.

2.       The division of powers between the central government and state governments.

3.       The rigidity of the constitution.

4.       The independent judiciary.

1. The supremacy of the constitution:- There must be a written constitution. A written constitution is one in which provisions are written down in a document for both the federal government and state governments. The constitution is the supreme authority.

2. The division of powers:- In a federal form of government the powers of the government are divided between a government for whole country and government for parts of the country in such a way that each government is legally independent within its own sphere.

3. The rigidity of the constitution:- According to Prof. Dicey, a rigid constitution is one under which certain laws generally known as constitutional or fundamental laws cannot be changed in the same manner as the ordinary laws are changed.

Constitutional laws refer to those provisions of the constitution. Ordinary laws are those laws enacted by the parliament. The constitutional law is placed above the ordinary law.

4. The independent judiciary:- In a federal government, conflicts may arise between the federal government and a state government or between state governments. The power to settle the conflicts or to interpret the constitution is given to the judiciary. The judgement given by the court must be obeyed by the centre as well as states.

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11th 12th std standard Political Science History goverment rule laws life Higher secondary school College Notes : Forms of Government : Federal |