Question

Explain any five features of the Federal Government.

Answer 1

Hint: Federal governments work best in large countries with a diverse population with varying needs but a shared culture that brings them all together. Consider the differences between Wyoming and New Jersey, for example. Clearly, each state's local demands will differ, so each state should have its own local government to fulfil those needs.

Complete answer:
A federal government is a system of power-sharing that involves a central national government and local state governments that are linked by the national government. Some aspects of public life are governed by the national government, while others are governed by municipal governments.

The following are the main characteristics of a federal government:
i) Two or more levels of Government: There are two or more levels of governance in a federal government: state, provincial, and local. In India, we have a third level of governance, which is at the municipal level.
ii) Constitutional status: Federalism ensures the existence and authority of each layer of government through constitutional guarantees. The constitution specifies the jurisdiction of the various levels or tiers of government.
iii) Independent Judiciary: The federal government's foundation is an independent judiciary. Courts have the authority to interpret the constitution and the powers of the various levels of government in this country. If a dispute emerges between different levels of government in the execution of their distinct functions, the highest court acts as an umpire.
iv) Financial Autonomy: To ensure financial autonomy, federalism allocates specific revenue streams to each level of government. Every level is free to levy taxes and raise cash through remunerative enterprises in its own way. In this approach, a "federal government" serves two purposes: to protect and enhance the country's unity via mutual trust and consent to live together.
v) Distribution Powers: Different tiers of government manage the same individuals in federalism, yet each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific legislative, taxation, and administrative affairs.

Note: The federal government of the United States is the country's national government, which is made up of 50 states, a federal district, five main self-governing territories, and many island possessions in North America.