Outline five factors that give rise to the adoption of federalism.

Answer Details

Federalism is a system in which governmental powers are constitutionally divided between a central government and the component units, each supreme within its own sphere. Five factors that give rise to the adoption of federalism are:

1. Large size of the country: Where a country is very large in area, a federal system is adopted so that government can be brought nearer to the people and administration made more manageable through the units.
2. Ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity: Where a country is made up of many peoples with different languages, customs and religions, federalism enables the diverse groups to live together in one country while each retains a degree of self-government and preserves its identity.
3. Fear of domination by a majority group: Where smaller groups or units fear being dominated by a larger one, federalism reassures them by dividing power among the units so that no single group can control all others.
4. Differences in the level of development: Where the various parts differ widely in education, economic advancement and social outlook, federalism allows each unit to develop at its own pace.
5. Desire for unity in diversity: The need to bind different peoples together into one nation while allowing them to manage their local affairs encourages the adoption of federalism, achieving unity without imposing uniformity.
6. Historical and geographical factors: Previously separate territories or units, or areas separated by geography, may come together for common purposes such as defence and economic strength while retaining their identities, leading to a federal union.
7. Common external interests: The need for a strong common front in matters such as defence, security and economic development can draw separate units into a federation.

(Any five of the above are acceptable.)