Understanding Federalism And Unitary Systems

Governments around the world are categorized as unitary or federal, depending on the relationship between the central authority and regional administrations. This classification helps in understanding how power is distributed and exercised within a political system.

Unitary Government: In a unitary system, the central or national government holds all governing powers. Regional or local authorities, if they exist, function under the authority and directives of the central government. These subordinate units have no autonomy of their own and rely entirely on the central body for their powers and responsibilities.
Federal Government: A federal system is characterized by a constitutional division of powers between the national and regional governments. In this arrangement, both levels of government operate independently within their assigned spheres of authority. Neither derives its powers from the other, ensuring a balance and coexistence within the framework established by the Constitution.

Unitary And Federal Systems: Concepts, Origins, And Examples

Countries with Unitary Governments

Nations like Britain, France, Japan, China, Italy, Norway, and Sweden follow a unitary system of governance. In these countries, the central government holds supreme authority, and any regional entities derive their powers solely from the central authority.

Countries with Federal Governments

In contrast, nations such as the United States, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Russia, Brazil, and Argentina operate under a federal model. Here, the Constitution divides powers between a central authority—referred to as the Federal, Central, or Union Government—and regional governments, known as state or provincial governments.

Origin of the Federation Concept

The term “federation” comes from the Latin word foedus, meaning “treaty” or “agreement.” A federation emerges as a political system created through an agreement or treaty among multiple units. These units are given various names, such as states (in the US), cantons (in Switzerland), provinces (in Canada), or republics (in Russia).

Formation of Federations

Federations are formed through either integration or disintegration:

Integration: Several smaller, independent, and often militarily or economically weaker states unite to form a stronger federation. For example, the United States was created when 13 states came together to establish a unified nation.
Disintegration: A previously unitary state transitions into a federal structure by granting autonomy to its regional units to address local interests. Canada is an example, evolving into a federation to accommodate regional needs.

Examples Of Established Federations

The United States, formed in 1787 after the American Revolution (1775–83), is the world’s first and oldest federation. Initially comprising 13 states, it has now expanded to include 50 states and serves as a benchmark for federal systems worldwide. Similarly, the Canadian Federation, established in 1867 with four provinces and now comprising ten, is one of the oldest federations.

Also Read | Federal And Unitary Features Of India’s Constitution

The Indian Federal System: Foundations And Features

India’s Constitution outlines a federal system of governance tailored to the country’s unique characteristics. The framers of the Constitution chose this model to address India’s vast geographical expanse and its rich socio-cultural diversity. A federal framework was seen as the best way to ensure effective administration while balancing national unity with regional autonomy.

India as a ‘Union of States’

Although the Indian Constitution establishes a federal structure, it avoids using the term “federation.” Article 1 of the Constitution instead refers to India as a “Union of States.” Dr. B.R. Ambedkar explained that this terminology reflects two critical principles:

Unlike the United States, where states came together through an agreement to form a federation, the Indian federation is not a product of such an agreement.
Indian states do not possess the right to secede from the union, making the federation an indestructible entity.

The Canadian Model Of Federalism

India’s federal system takes inspiration from the Canadian model rather than the American model. The Canadian framework emphasizes a strong central government, a principle reflected in India’s governance structure. The similarities between the Indian and Canadian federations include:

Formation: Both federations emerged through a process of disintegration, where a larger entity granted autonomy to its regional units.
Terminology: Like India, Canada also uses the term “Union” to describe its federation.
Centralized Power: Both systems assign more authority to the central government, ensuring a stronger center compared to the states or provinces.

India’s federal structure, therefore, strikes a balance between decentralization and a robust central authority, ensuring the country’s unity and diversity coexist effectively.

Why is Indian Federalism Considered Quasi-Federal?

Indian federalism is often described as quasi-federal because it combines elements of both federal and unitary systems of governance. This duality ensures a unique balance between the central and state governments while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.

Federal Features of the Indian Constitution

The Constitution of India incorporates a federal framework by clearly delineating powers and responsibilities between the central and state governments. This division of authority allows states to operate with autonomy in their designated areas, ensuring a decentralized governance model.

Unitary Characteristics and Their Role

Despite its federal foundation, the Indian Constitution includes unitary traits that empower the central government under specific conditions. For instance, during emergencies or situations requiring unified action, the central government can assume a more dominant role, overriding state autonomy.

A Flexible and Adaptive System

This combination of federal and unitary elements makes India’s governance structure dynamic and responsive. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, aptly described the Indian Constitution as one that can function as both federal and unitary, depending on the demands of time and circumstances.