Federalism

It is a political system where the powers are constitutionally divided by the center and the constituent units or states. These units have the power to govern independently in most case like education, public health, sanitation and conduct of local election, but during a crisis, calamities, security threat, and financial loans, the states have to depend on the centre. Today besides developed countries like the United States, Canada Australia and thedeveloping countries like Mexico, India and Brazil follow federalism as it is more democratic. Besides, the states can solve their problems by themselves without depending on the centre for help. Furthermore, the governments in the states are formed by local people who are the real representatives of the people and are in a position to understand their needs better than a centralized government seated far away. In addition, timely action could be taken for urgent needs as the state government would be able to understand the issue better and remedy the problem. It also would provide opportunity for people of different communities to take part in the administration and their cause could be equally represented in the government. Most importantly, by decentralization of power the centre can focus its attention on more important issues like international policies, trade, security and scientific development. Federalism can also give scope for new experiment and research in the field of administration thereby accepting new improvisation for the betterment of the people. Federalism may however prove to be very expensive for the country as running two sets of government would mean double expenditure to the nation. Secondly, at the time of disasters the concerned state has to wait for aid from the centre which would lead to tremendous loss of life and property. Moreover, this division of powers may lead to unnecessary rivalry between states over various issues .Besides, some states may show progress while others may not depending on the available resources and the government in power.