The classification of governments into unitary and federal is based on the nature of relations between the national and the regional governments.
A federal government is one in which powers are divided between the national government and the regional governments by the Constitution itself and both operate in their respective jurisdictions independently. U.S.A, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Russia, Brazil, Argentina have federal form of governments. In a federal model, the national government is known as the Federal government or the Central government or the Union government and the regional government is known as the state government or the provincial government.
Merits of federal form of government
- Reconciliation of local autonomy with national unity
- Division of power between centre and states leads to administrative efficiency
- It gives rise to big states
- Distribution of powers check the despotism of central government
- More suitable for bigger countries
- It is good for economic and cultural progress
De-merits of federal form of government
- Federal government is weaker when compared to the unitary government.
- Federal government is more expensive
- Provincial tendencies are very common
- Lack of uniformity in Administration
- Threat to national unity
- Distribution of powers between centre and states lead to conflicts
- Double Citizenship
- Rigid constitution cannot be mended easily for changing needs
- The state governments sometimes place hindrances in the foreign policy.
Federal features of the Indian constitution
- Dual Government
- Written Constitution
- Division of Powers
- Supremacy of the Constitution. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. The laws enacted by the Centre and the states must confirm to its provisions.
- Rigid Constitution
- Independent Judiciary
- Bicameralism
