Federalism, State and Local Government – SS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central government and its constituent units, such as states and local governments.

• Sphere of power: each unit has powers that only it can exercise.
• Shared powers: some other powers are exercised by more than one level.
• Nigerian example: Nigeria is a federation with the federal government, 36 state governments and local governments, plus the Federal Capital Territory.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define federalism and state its features;
2. list the merits and demerits of federalism;
3. explain what state government and local government are;
4. state the functions of state government and local government;
5. identify the problems of the three tiers of government;
6. explain why power-sharing among the tiers of government is relevant.

What are the three tiers of government in a federation?

There are three tiers of government in Nigeria: federal, state and local.

• Federal government: the central government for the whole country, led by the President.
• State government: the government of a state, led by a Governor.
• Local government: the third tier, closest to the people, led by a Chairman.

What are the features of federalism?

The features of federalism are the main characteristics that mark a federal system.

• Legal independence: each level of government is independent within its own sphere.
• Division of powers: the constitution specifies the jurisdiction of each level.
• Rigid constitution: one level cannot change the basic provisions of the constitution alone.
• Role of the courts: the courts interpret the constitution and settle disputes over the powers of each level.
• Revenue sources: the sources of income are specified for each level of government.

What are the merits of federalism?

The merits of federalism are its advantages to a country and its people.

• State loyalties: it encourages people to be loyal to their own states.
• Policy choice: each unit can choose policies that solve its own problems.
• Laboratories of democracy: a state can try a new policy, and others copy it if it works.
• Political stability: it reduces tension among different groups.
• Pluralism: it recognises national, state and local levels of government.
• Closeness to leaders: people have more access to leaders and more chances to take part in government.
• Division of powers: it prevents power from resting in one place and so checks tyranny.
• Suits diverse countries: it works well where people differ in race, religion and language.
• Local needs: local needs are met more effectively.
• Lighter load: the central government has fewer responsibilities.
• Training in self-government: people learn how to govern themselves.
• Dignity and safety for small states: small units keep their identity and are safer from foreign aggression.

What are the demerits of federalism?

The demerits of federalism are its disadvantages.

• Weak national policy: it is hard to make one policy for the whole country.
• Weak accountability: it can be unclear which level is responsible for a failure.
• Citizen confusion: citizens may not know which level does what.
• Inefficiency: laws and administration differ from one unit to another.
• Rivalry: there is often a tug-of-war between national and local interests.
• High cost: running many governments is expensive.

What is state government?

A state government is the government of a state in a federation, which shares political power with the federal government.

• Law-making: it makes and enforces laws for the state.
• Autonomy: it has its own powers set out in the constitution.
• Arms: the executive (Governor), the legislature (State House of Assembly) and the judiciary (State courts).

What are the functions of state government?

• Public services: it provides roads, water, hospitals, schools and public utilities.
• Education: it runs state secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
• Health: it provides basic healthcare and runs vaccination programmes.
• Natural resources: it protects and regulates the sustainable use of natural resources.
• Business and jobs: it supports small businesses and job training.
• Fair business: it enforces fair and responsible business practices and protects consumers.
• Civil law: it makes and enforces laws on property and conduct.
• Welfare: it provides disaster relief, public parks and subsidised housing.

What is local government?

Local government is the third tier of government, which administers a town, district or rural area close to the people.

• Grassroots government: it is the government nearest to the people.
• Head: a Chairman leads the local government council.
• Local laws: the laws it makes are called bye-laws or local laws.

What are the functions of local government?

• Planning: it sets the direction for the local area through long-term planning.
• Services: it delivers services such as health centres, local road maintenance, markets and recreation facilities.
• Law-making: it makes bye-laws on matters within its authority, such as use of public land and animal control.
• Enforcement: it enforces local laws and other laws within its authority.
• Policies: it develops and carries out local policies.
• Representation: councillors speak for the community on matters of concern.
• Advocacy: it presents local needs to the state and federal governments.
• Registration and licensing: it registers births and deaths and licenses bicycles, canoes and carts.
• Sanitation: it handles refuse disposal and public conveniences.

What are the problems of the three tiers of government?

The problems of the three tiers are the weaknesses that prevent government from serving citizens well.

• Corruption: public funds are stolen or misused.
• Nepotism and favouritism: jobs and contracts go to relatives and friends instead of qualified people.
• Poor financing: there is not enough money to carry out duties.
• Mismanagement of resources: available funds and materials are wasted.
• Poor planning, monitoring and supervision: projects are badly designed or left unfinished.
• Ethno-religious crisis: conflict among ethnic and religious groups disrupts governance.
• Ghost worker syndrome: salaries are paid to workers who do not exist.

Why is power-sharing among the three tiers of government relevant?

Power-sharing is relevant because it spreads authority among tiers, so that no single tier controls all of government.

• Rights secured: the rights of citizens are protected.
• Stability: the stability of government is guaranteed.
• Rule of law: it promotes respect for the law.
• National interest: it keeps attention on national interests and objectives.
• Participation: it encourages citizens to take part in governance and politics.
• Healthy rivalry: tiers compete to perform better.
• Development: it speeds up social, economic and political development.
• Peace and harmony: it promotes peace in society and among the tiers.
• Cooperation: the tiers work together.
• Own pace: each unit can develop at its own pace.
• Jobs: it creates more employment opportunities.
• Closeness to people: government programmes reach the people more easily.
• Efficiency: it improves efficiency in governance.
• No dictatorship: it prevents power from being concentrated in one tier.
• Better budgeting: it supports proper budgeting and sharing of resources.

Evaluation

1. Define federalism.
2. State four features of federalism.
3. List four merits and three demerits of federalism.
4. What is local government? State three of its functions.
5. State four problems of the three tiers of government.

Assignment

Explain what a state government is, then state five reasons why power-sharing among the three tiers of government is relevant.