Highlight five features of federalism?

Answer Details

Features of federalism

Federalism is a system of government in which governmental powers are shared between a central (federal) government and component units (states or regions), each supreme within its own sphere.

1. Division of powers: Powers are constitutionally shared between the central government and the component units, usually through exclusive, concurrent and residual lists.
2. Written and rigid constitution: There is a supreme written constitution which clearly spells out the powers of each level of government and is not easily amended.
3. Supremacy of the constitution: The constitution is the highest law of the land; both the federal and state governments derive their powers from it.
4. An independent judiciary/Supreme Court: A neutral court interprets the constitution and settles disputes between the levels of government.
5. Bicameral legislature: There is usually a two-chamber legislature to give representation both to the population and to the component units.
6. Duplication of governmental organs: Each level of government has its own executive, legislature and administrative machinery.