Federalism

Question 1

What is Federalism?

Answer 1

. A theory of government by which political power is divided between a national government and state governments, each having their own area of substantive jurisdiction.

Question 2

What other political theory does Federalism lead to and what does the political theory mean?

Answer 2

. Decentralisation

. Is the principle by which governmental and political power is vested not only in the federal government, but also in the state governments

Question 3

What are the pro’s of Federalism ?

Answer 3

. Permits diversity
. Creates more access points in government
. Enables a better protection of Civil Rights
. Is well suited to such a large geographical nation

Question 4

What are the cons of Federalism?

Answer 4

. Can mask economic and racial inequalities
. Frustrates the National will making solving problems more complex
. Is overly Bureaucratic, therefore is costly to run and is resistant to change
. The Federal State government relationship is a continual source of conflict and controversy