Federalism



Published on 28 Nov 2024

2. FEDERALISM

Federalism is a form of government where power is shared between the national and regional governments by the constitution itself and both operate within their respective jurisdiction. This ensures that there is both independence and interdependence between the government at the Centre and the state.

Types federalism

Coming together model & Holding together model

Parameter

Coming together model

Holding together model

Definition

Separate states or regions come together to form a federal government.

Central government devolves power to the individual states with them having a degree of autonomy.

Emphasis

On preserving diversity and regional identity

On unity and shared objectives.

Power of states

A decentralized model where states have more autonomy.

A centralized model gives less autonomy to states.

Power struggle

Less conflict for power-sharing

States will constantly demand more power leading to more central state conflict

Example

USA, Germany

India, Spain


Why did India choose the holding-together model?

  • Importance to unity: Since the nation was so diverse on multiple grounds, the constitution makers sought to give importance to national unity.

  • Partition effect: Independence was granted to India after partitioning a portion of land and this necessitated creating a more centralized system.

  • Tackle socio-economic challenges: Newly born nations face problems like unemployment, poverty and hunger which should be dealt with at the national level.

  • Holistic development: There was a need to develop India as a nation through coordinated efforts between the states that required a strong union government.

Symmetric & Asymmetric federalism

Parameter

Symmetric federalism

Asymmetric federalism

Definition

All constituent states or regions have equal status and powers.

States or regions have different degrees of autonomy and powers

Reason

The logic of equal treatment for all states and people.

Some states may be lagging on socio-economic parameters or they have some cultural aspects that require special protection.

Resource sharing

Equal sharing of resources between the regional bodies.

Resource sharing is based on the relative disadvantage faced by the state.

Flexibility

The system is less flexible as special treatment is not possible.

A more flexible system as the needs of the states can be better catered.

Stability

The model is more stable 

Less stable due to demand from other states for similar benefits.

Example

USA

India


Why did India choose the holding-together model?

  • Accommodate diversity: The diverse and unique culture of states like the Northeast states demands more powers to them to protect those traditional practices.

    • Example: Article 371 has many sub-clauses which seek to protect the culture and promote decentralized governance in the region.

  • Address development deficit: Certain regions are less developed and require special treatment for decentralized planning and development.

    • Example: Article 371 D specifies local reservation in employment for Andhra Pradesh

  • Strategic importance: Regions which require better recognition due to their strategic positioning must be given special treatment.

    • Example: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were placed as Union territories for more central control.

Cooperative & Competitive federalism

Parameter

Cooperative federalism

Competitive federalism

Definition

Cooperation and collaboration between central government & state government and among state governments.

Competition among constituent states for resources, investment or economic development.

Goal

To achieve common goals through joint efforts and resource-sharing

To stimulate states to outperform one another, potentially leading to innovation and efficiency.

State autonomy

Have autonomy but closely work along with the central government.

States have more autonomy to pursue their policies with less central involvement.

Drawback

Slow decision making may lead to centralization

This can create disparity between states and conflict between them

Example

Canada

USA


India - A mix of cooperative and competitive model

India has advocated a cooperative model of federalism targeting equitable development among states by bridging deficits of backward states through cooperation between central and state governments. This has also been successful to some extent and facilitated overall development across India.

However, the post liberalization period witnessed states becoming more powerful with more investment coming to states. The rise of coalition politics saw regional parties gaining more bargaining power which gave more autonomy to states. Also, innovation and efficiency proved necessary to attract investment in the competitive world. All this resulted in India moving towards competitive federalism in the 21st century.


Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
Federalism Types of Federalism symmetric federalism Coming together cooperative federalism

Related Articles

Mains Current Affairs

Special Category Status

16th Finance Commission

ANDHRA PRADESH BIFURCATION

SPECIAL CATEGORY STATUS

GOVERNOR

DELHI SERVICES BILL, 2023

FISCAL FEDERALISM

Prelims Current Affairs

S.R Bommai v. Union of India case

One Nation One election

Article 341

Finance Commission

Vertical Fiscal Imbalance

Finance Commission

Decoding a Decade of NITI Aayog

President’s Rule in Manipur

Doctrine of pith and substance