Federalism Flashcards
what are unitary systems
- government is centralized
- regional governments = extension of central government
what are examples of unitary systems
france, china, turkey
what are features of unitary systems
- regional powers are delegated and taken away by central government
- local policy = set by central government (uniformity across the country)
- regional admin appointed by central govt
what is federalism
a structure of government that…
- has at least 2 levels of government
- each level has final say over separate issues
what are examples of federalist countries
united states, germany, india
what are the features of federalism
- constitutionally protected powers
- bicameral parliament
(upper house represents territorial units) - regional governors and legislatures = elected
what are different types of federalism
asymmetric AND symmetric
what is symmetric federalism
federal units are equal in rights
how is the US symmetric federalism
- two senators
- representation in House by population
- autonomous policy areas (eg. education)
what is asymmetric federalism
federal units are NOT equal in rights
how is the US asymmetric federalism
Puerto Rico, compared to states not
- no senators
- no voting representation
- more federal control over policy (overturn law)
- less power/autonomy than states
where is federalism
a) LARGE COUNTRIES
eg. US, russia, canada, australia, mexico, brazil, germany
b) SMALL BUT DIVERSE
eg. belgium, switzerland
