Federalism Flashcards
How is Aristotle’s concept of a “golden mean” helpful in thinking about politics in general and federalism in particular?
an excess is unitary, and a deficiency is confederal. The golden mean then, is the federal government.
How can the golden mean be applied to democracy and democratic power?
Democratic power can have too much influence and be a mob rule, or too little influence and not be a real democracy
How does Federalism relate to separation of powers?
It is divided between the national and regional government.
What are the elements of a unitary system?
- Power centralised
- state gov can be abolished by natural gov
- state gov. has no final authority
What are some examples of a unitary system?
United Kingdom, Japan, and France
What are the elements of a confederal system?
- power is held by regional gov.
- state can abolish national gov
- State gov has final authority
What are some examples of a confederal system?
Soviet Union (CIS, commonwealth)
What are the elements of a federal system?
- Power divided between national + regional gov.
- State gov cannot be abolished
- state has authority over certain gov decisions
What are some examples of a federal system?
America (RAAA U.S.A.!! U.S.A.), Cananda, Germany
