Federal Government SS1 Government Lesson Note

FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

This can be defined as one in which all governmental powers and functions that exist in a country are shared between the central government and the component states or units. In this system, all levels of government derive their powers from the Constitution. 

Examples of countries that practice a federal system are; Nigeria, the U.S.A, India, Russia and so on.  

FEATURES

1. There is a constitutional division of powers.

2. All levels of government derive their powers from the Constitution.

3. It is usually suitable for a large populated country.

4. It is best practiced in a heterogeneous state or country.

5. It encourages local initiatives.

6. The Constitution is supreme.

7. There is a clear separation of powers.

8. Each state or unit is allowed to develop at its own pace.

REASONS FOR THE ADOPTION OF A FEDERAL SYSTEM

1. To bring the government closer to the people.

2. Size of the country: It is best practiced in a large country.

3. To prevent the minority from being dominated by the majority.

4. Heterogeneous nature of the country: It is best adopted in a country with diverse cultures.

5. The nearness of states to each other can bring about the desire for a federal system of government.

6. The need to pool resources together to form a stronger economy necessitates the adoption of a federal system of government.

MERITS OF A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

1. It brings the government closer to the people.

2. It prevents dictatorship.

3. It reduces the workload of the central government.

4. Employment opportunities are created with the duplication of functions.

5. The Constitution is supreme. It encourages grassroots participation in politics.

6. The system protects the interests of the minorities.

DEMERITS OF A FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

1. There is a delay in decision-making

2. Threat of Secession: Some units may threaten to break away from the union.

3. There is unhealthy rivalry among the component units

4. Boundary disputes: Component units always fight over boundaries.

5. The minorities are always afraid that the majority will dominate them.

6. Problem of state creation: All the ethnic groups want to have their state which is not possible

7. It is very expensive to operate because of duplication of functions.

8. There is no uniform development since each region is allowed to develop at its own pace.