October 28, Slides 7 Flashcards
What is federalism?
Federalism is a system of governance where powers are divided between two levels of government—national and provincial/state. It follows the principle of subsidiarity, ensuring that responsibilities are handled by the most appropriate level.
What is the “principle of subsidiarity”?
The principle of subsidiarity states that responsibilities should be managed at the most local level capable of addressing them effectively. It ensures governance is closer to the people when possible.
Why did Canada adopt federalism?
Canada adopted federalism to provide collective security and opportunities for economic growth while also respecting its distinct cultural and linguistic regions, such as the majority-French region of Quebec.
How does federalism address regional diversity?
Federalism allows regional governments to manage local issues while the federal government handles national matters, ensuring diverse regions like Canada’s French-speaking Quebec or the USA’s North-South divide have representation.
What is the international role of the federal government?
Internationally, the federal government is viewed as the sovereign entity representing the nation. Domestically, however, sovereignty is shared between the federal and provincial/state governments.
How does federalism benefit provinces or states?
Federalism benefits provinces or states by providing them with collective security, economic opportunities, and the ability to govern local issues, while also offering a federal outlet for managing potentially divisive or unwanted responsibilities.
How does federalism handle divisive issues?
Federalism allocates divisive or contentious responsibilities, such as slavery in the USA’s North-South divide, to the federal government, enabling regional governments to focus on shared interests and local matters.
What role do provincial governments play in federalism?
Provincial governments focus on regional issues, such as education, health, and local infrastructure, while also contributing to national unity through shared economic and security goals.
What are the challenges of federalism?
Federalism can lead to conflicts over jurisdiction, inefficiency in policy implementation due to overlapping responsibilities, and disparities between regions in terms of resources and development.
How does federalism promote collective action?
Federalism enables regions to come together for collective security, economic integration, and national identity while maintaining local governance to address specific regional needs.
