Origin and Evolution of Federalism: Foedus
Origin and Evolution of Federalism: Foedus
1.1 Introduction
Federalism, as a political system, has undergone significant evolution over centuries, shaping the
governance frameworks of various countries across the globe. At its essence, federalism
represents the sharing of power between central and regional authorities, maintaining a balance
between unity and diversity. The roots of federalism can be traced back to ancient societies,
where the necessity for cooperation among different communities led to the establishment of
political alliances and federative structures. As time progressed, the complexity of governance,
demographic shifts, and socio-political factors contributed to the evolution of federal systems,
which adapted to the distinct historical contexts of each nation.
The comparative study of federalism emerged as a specialized academic field in the mid-20th
century, driven by a growing interest in understanding how different federal systems functioned
and performed. Scholars began analyzing various federations, aiming to uncover patterns, draw
comparisons, and extract lessons from the successes and challenges faced by different countries.
This academic development has been marked by the use of diverse methodologies, theoretical
frameworks, and case studies, offering a thorough understanding of federalism's role in
governance, representation, and social cohesion.
Exploring the origin and evolution of federalism, along with the development of comparative
federal studies, underscores the importance of federal systems in contemporary political
discourse. This exploration demonstrates how federalism has adapted to meet the demands of
modern governance while providing fertile ground for scholarly inquiry aimed at improving
political structures. Understanding these dynamics is essential for evaluating the flexibility of
federal systems in addressing the complexities of governance in an increasingly interconnected
world.
Although federalism is often considered the result of historical evolution, the modern
understanding of federalism in theory and practice began to take shape after the establishment of
the American federation in 1787. Renowned scholar Ronald Watts recognizes the U.S. as the
first modern federation, with its federal constitution adopted in 1787. Watts, however, traces the
origins of federalism much further back, citing examples such as the ancient Israelites’ tribes, the
empires of Persia, Rome, and Magadha, and the Swiss confederation, among others. These early
political unions, though not modern federations, laid the foundation for federal principles.
The focus here is not to narrate the history of federalism but to conceptualize the term
"federalism" and "federation" in their contemporary context. Understanding these concepts
requires delving into their definitions and principles. The term "federalism" often carries
conceptual ambiguity, which has led to varying interpretations among political scientists. Many
scholars define federalism in terms of the division of powers between two tiers of government,
incorporating the principles of self-rule and shared rule in a polity.
Preston King offers a more nuanced conceptualization of federalism, distinguishing between its
ideological and institutional aspects. He identifies three ideological orientations of federalism:
centralist, decentralist, and balance. A centralist approach advocates for the centralization of
power in a supranational structure, while decentralism promotes self-rule and the dispersion of
power. The balancing approach seeks to harmonize unity with autonomy, preventing extreme
separatism. King further defines a federation as an institutional arrangement, which reflects these
ideological principles in practice. Watts distinguishes between "federalism," a normative term
referring to shared rule and regional self-rule, and "federal political systems" and "federations,"
which are descriptive terms for specific forms of political organization.
Despite debates over whether federalism is a free-standing ideology, many scholars view it as a
pragmatic tool designed to address specific political challenges. Federalism responds to the need
for balancing the powers of central and regional authorities while allowing for local autonomy.
The division of powers between the national and state governments, often referred to as "levels
of government," aims to prevent the over-concentration of authority in one body and allow for
local control while maintaining national unity.
Classical Federalism: This model emphasizes a clear division of powers between the
national and state governments, designed to prevent tyranny by diffusing political
authority. This is exemplified by the U.S. Constitution, which assigns specific powers to
the federal government while reserving others for the states.
Dual Federalism (Layer Cake Federalism): In this model, the national and state
governments operate independently within their respective domains, with minimal
cooperation. The relationship between the two is characterized by tension rather than
collaboration.
Cooperative Federalism (Marble Cake Federalism): This model encourages joint
action by the national, state, and local governments to address common issues and
implement policies. In cooperative federalism, power is shared and interdependent, rather
than separate.
Competitive Federalism: In this model, competition exists among lower levels of
government (states or localities), which offer citizens choices regarding where to live and
which policies to adopt. The federal government acts as a neutral arbiter in this
competition.
Symmetric Federalism: In this arrangement, all constituent states within a federation
possess equal powers and responsibilities, ensuring equal participation in the federation’s
governance.
Asymmetric Federalism: In this model, different states within the same federation may
have varying degrees of autonomy or power, with some regions enjoying more autonomy
than others despite having equal constitutional status.
Fiscal Federalism: This refers to the allocation of financial resources and taxing
authority between national and subnational governments. It is a crucial aspect of how
federal systems manage resources.
The intellectual debate on the origins of federations delves into the motivations, processes, and
historical contexts that lead to the creation of federal systems. Scholars have proposed various
theories to explain why and how federations emerge, including whether federalism is primarily a
response to external threats or internal divisions, and whether it results from pragmatic needs or
ideological commitments. The debate also explores the role of economic factors versus cultural
and identity concerns. Additionally, federations formed in post-colonial contexts often face
unique challenges compared to those in established democracies or older nation-states.
The formation of federations also has a normative and ideological dimension, where political
thinkers and movements advocate for federalism as an ideal form of governance. Philosophers
such as Montesquieu and Madison viewed federalism as a mechanism for balancing power
between different levels of government, preventing tyranny, and safeguarding liberty,
democracy, and the separation of powers. Thus, federations emerge not only from pragmatic
concerns but also from ideological commitments to these values.
Another explanation for the emergence of federal systems is the economic integration argument.
Scholars like Wallace Oates and Barry Weingast have examined federalism through the lens of
economic integration, arguing that federations arise when regions or states anticipate economic
gains from joining together. Federalism can create a larger common market, reduce internal
barriers, and promote free trade and economic cooperation. This theory is reflected in the
formation of federations like Canada and Switzerland, where economic benefits played a crucial
role in the unification process.
1.5.4 Cultural and Identity Factors
Some scholars highlight cultural and identity factors in the development of federations.
Federations may form in multi-ethnic or multi-national states as a means to balance national
unity with regional diversity. Will Kymlicka argued that federalism accommodates cultural
pluralism by granting autonomy to regions with distinct cultural or ethnic groups, helping
preserve minority cultures while integrating them into the broader political system. For instance,
in Canada, federalism allows Quebec to maintain its unique French-speaking identity through
provincial powers, such as control over language and education. Alfred Stepan distinguishes
between "holding-together" federations, which aim to preserve unity in a diverse society, and
"coming-together" federations, where states voluntarily unite for mutual benefit. Ernest Gellner
suggests that federalism can address the challenges of nationalism in multi-ethnic states by
allowing national minorities self-determination without fragmenting the state. Michael Burgess
notes that in Europe, federalism is often a response to regional diversity, where different cultural
and linguistic groups require flexible governance structures. In Switzerland and Belgium, for
example, distinct ethnic and linguistic groups enjoy significant autonomy, fostering stability and
mitigating ethnic conflict. Arend Lijphart's theory of consociationalism intersects with
federalism in deeply divided societies, where federalism can provide power-sharing
arrangements to prevent political domination by any one group, as seen in Belgium's
accommodation of the Dutch-speaking Flemings and French-speaking Walloons.
In post-colonial states, federations often emerge to address the political realities of newly
independent nations, which are typically composed of diverse ethnic, linguistic, or religious
groups. Daniel J. Elazar argued that federal structures offer a way to grant local autonomy while
promoting national integration, serving as a natural response to the diversity left by colonialism.
In nations like India and Pakistan, federalism has played a critical role in managing regional and
ethnic tensions. Richard Simeon suggested that federalism in post-colonial states is often a
response to the threat of fragmentation in diverse societies, helping diffuse power struggles and
prevent disintegration, as in the case of Sudan before the eventual secession of South Sudan.
Donald Horowitz emphasized that federalism in post-colonial contexts often functions as a
conflict-management tool in ethnically divided societies, providing autonomous regions or states
for different ethnic groups to reduce tensions and prevent conflict over national control. He cited
Nigeria as an example of a post-colonial federation where federalism has been used to manage
ethnic divisions among the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo groups.
Comparative federal studies focus on examining various federal systems across countries to
understand how they function, evolve, and manage the distribution of power between central and
subnational governments. The intellectual and historical roots of comparative federal studies
trace back to the formation of the first modern federal systems, particularly in the United States
and Switzerland. Although scholars began studying federalism as a distinct form of governance,
systematic comparative research was not fully developed at first.
U.S. Federalism
The American Revolution and the creation of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 laid the groundwork
for modern federalism, sparking debate about the balance of power between the federal
government and states. Early political theorist James Madison, through the Federalist Papers,
contributed to the comparative study of federalism by articulating principles later compared with
other systems.
Swiss Federalism
In the late 19th century, comparative political studies began to grow as scholars analyzed
different governmental systems. During this period, federalism became a topic of comparative
analysis, particularly in Europe and the Americas. John Stuart Mill's work Considerations on
Representative Government (1861) explored the U.S. federal system and its potential
applicability in other nations. Similarly, Sir Henry Maine examined centralized and decentralized
government forms. However, most research during this time focused on individual federal
systems rather than cross-national comparisons.
In the early 20th century, as political science became a more established discipline, comparative
federal studies began to develop further. New federations were established in countries like
Australia (1901) and Canada (1867), leading to more comprehensive comparative analyses.
British jurist A.V. Dicey also contributed to the comparative study of federalism in his
Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution (1885), comparing the British unitary
system with the U.S. federal model.
After World War II, comparative federal studies saw significant expansion. Scholars like K.C.
Wheare and Carl Friedrich laid the foundations for systematic comparative studies of federalism.
Wheare's seminal work Federal Government (1946) defined federalism as a system in which
both central and regional governments are autonomous within their respective spheres. Friedrich
expanded this by incorporating sociological and cultural dimensions into the study of federalism,
emphasizing its role in managing political diversity and conflict.
The wave of decolonization in Africa and Asia in the mid-20th century led to the establishment
of federal systems in countries like India (1950) and Nigeria (1960), further stimulating
comparative research. This period saw scholars explore how federalism could address ethnic,
linguistic, and regional divisions in newly independent nations.
By the late 20th century and into the 21st century, comparative federal studies continued to
evolve, with scholars exploring the adaptability of federalism in a globalized world. Recent
research examines the interaction of federal systems with global economic and political forces,
with particular attention given to the European Union's unique form of governance, which blends
federal and confederal elements.
Comparative federalism involves analyzing and understanding how federal political systems
function across various countries. The aim is to examine the power-sharing dynamics between
central and subnational governments, explore how federal structures adapt to social, political,
and economic pressures, and study how they manage diversity within nations. The concept of
federalism encompasses a wide range of political arrangements, with its distinction from a
unitary system largely based on the nature of power distribution between the central government
and other levels of government.
Daniel Elazar identifies several types of federal political systems, including Confederation,
Federation, Federacy, Associated State, Consociation, Union, League, Joint Functional
Authority, and Condominium. Watts (1990) further extends this list to include Constitutionally
Decentralized Unions and Hybrids.
Confederation:
Federation:
Federacy:
A federacy is a political arrangement in which a larger power and a smaller polity are linked
asymmetrically. The smaller polity enjoys significant autonomy, while its role in the governance
of the larger power is minimal. The relationship between the two can only be dissolved by
mutual agreement. Examples include the relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States
and the relationship between Kashmir and India.
Associated State:
An associated state is similar to a federacy, but the relationship can be dissolved by either party
under pre-arranged terms. The Cook Islands' relationship with New Zealand serves as a typical
example.
Consociation:
Consociation refers to a non-territorial federation where the polity is divided into permanent
trans-generational groups (such as religious, cultural, ethnic, or ideological). These groups, also
known as camps, sectors, or pillars, are governed jointly by coalitions of leaders from each
group.
Union:
A union is a polity where the constituent entities maintain their integrity primarily through the
common organs of the general government, rather than through a dual government structure.
New Zealand and Lebanon are typical examples of this system.
League:
A league is an arrangement where politically independent polities join together for specific
purposes, functioning through a common secretariat instead of a government. The member states
may unilaterally withdraw from the league at will, at least formally.
This refers to agencies established by two or more polities to jointly carry out specific tasks.
Examples of such agencies include the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Watts (1990) also notes that joint functional authorities can take the form of trans-border
organizations, such as the inter-state grouping for economic development involving regions from
Italy, Austria, Yugoslavia, and West Germany, or the Regio Basiliensis, a cooperation between
Switzerland, Germany, and France.
Condominium:
A condominium is a political arrangement where two external powers jointly rule a territory
while the inhabitants retain substantial internal self-rule. An example of a condominium is
Andorra, which was under joint rule by France and Spain between 1278 and 1993.
Hybrids:
Hybrids refer to political systems that combine features of various political systems. Watts
(1990) elaborates that some systems may be predominantly federations but include overriding
federal powers typical of a unitary system, such as in Canada (1867), India, Pakistan, and
Malaysia, which have central emergency powers embedded in their constitutions. More recently,
South Africa (1996) has exhibited characteristics of a federation while retaining some unitary
features. Hybrids emerge because political leaders are often more interested in practical solutions
than theoretical purity in their governance models.
Here are 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the content you provided, along with
their answers:
a) Germany
b) United States
c) Switzerland
d) India
4. Who is the scholar recognized for tracing the history of federalism back to ancient times,
including the ancient Israelites?
a) Daniel Elazar
b) Ronald Watts
c) Preston King
d) Alexis de Tocqueville
5. According to Daniel Elazar, federalism originates from the Latin word "foedus,"
meaning:
a) Unity
b) Agreement or covenant
c) Division
d) Autonomy
6. Which of the following best describes the concept of federalism in a political system?
Answer: b) A form of governance where power is divided between a central authority and
subnational units
a) Dual Federalism
b) Cooperative Federalism
c) Competitive Federalism
d) Symmetric Federalism
a) States or local governments compete with each other for resources and power
b) Local governments compete against the federal government for control
c) States and local governments cooperate exclusively in governance
d) Governments engage in internal conflicts for central power
Answer: a) States or local governments compete with each other for resources and power
Answer: b) A federal system where different states have different powers and autonomy
Answer: b) A constitution that defines the powers of central and regional governments
Answer: b) The division of financial resources between national and regional governments
15. In the U.S. federal system, what is the primary role of the bicameral legislature?
16. What is the relationship between federal and state governments in "dual federalism"?
17. In a federal system, what role does the judiciary often play?
Answer: c) The use of a single government structure for both central and regional authorities
a) Dual Federalism
b) Cooperative Federalism
c) Competitive Federalism
d) Symmetric Federalism
These questions are based on the content you provided and are designed to assess understanding
of the key concepts related to federalism and comparative federalism.
Here are 15 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the content you provided, along with
their answers:
1. According to William H. Riker, what are the two main conditions for the formation of
federations?
Answer: b) Mutual defense or security and the desire for local autonomy
a) Arend Lijphart
b) Wallace Oates
c) Will Kymlicka
d) Daniel J. Elazar
4. In which country did federalism help manage ethnic and linguistic diversity, providing
autonomy for distinct cultural groups like the French-speaking Quebecois?
a) India
b) Belgium
c) Switzerland
d) Canada
Answer: d) Canada
6. What is the main role of federalism in post-colonial states like India and Pakistan?
7. According to Richard Simeon, what does federalism help prevent in post-colonial states?
8. What role does federalism play in countries like Nigeria, according to Donald Horowitz?
9. Which scholar argued that federalism can address nationalism challenges in multi-ethnic
states by allowing national minorities self-determination?
a) Arend Lijphart
b) Ernest Gellner
c) Michael Burgess
d) Ronald Watts
10. The creation of which country's federal system in 1848 served as a model for
decentralized governance and managing cultural diversity?
a) Canada
b) Switzerland
c) United States
d) Belgium
Answer: b) Switzerland
11. John Stuart Mill explored the U.S. federal system in his work Considerations on
Representative Government. What was his main focus?
12. What was the main focus of A.V. Dicey’s work in Introduction to the Study of the Law of
the Constitution (1885)?
13. Who is credited with defining federalism as a system where both central and regional
governments are autonomous within their respective spheres?
a) Carl Friedrich
b) K.C. Wheare
c) A.V. Dicey
d) Daniel Elazar
14. After World War II, comparative federal studies expanded with a focus on which key
aspect of federalism?
a) Its role in managing political diversity and conflict
b) Its ability to create a single national identity
c) Its impact on global economic cooperation
d) Its capacity to centralize power
15. What is the central theme of the study of federalism in the 21st century, according to
recent research?
Here are 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the material you've provided, along
with the correct answers:
1. Which of the following is NOT one of Daniel Elazar's types of federal political
systems?
a) Confederation
b) Federation
c) Monarchy
d) Federacy
Answer: c) Monarchy
a) The central government has complete control over its constituent units
b) A larger power and a smaller polity have an asymmetric federal relationship
c) Both constituent entities share equal powers
d) Both entities are completely independent of each other
Answer: b) A larger power and a smaller polity have an asymmetric federal relationship
a) United Nations
b) The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
c) Switzerland’s cantonal system
d) Canada