Using examples, highlight the distinctions between “holding together federations” and “coming together federations.” (A response of 200 words) (Answer in 200 words)
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Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units of the country by the Constitution itself. However, all the federations across the world are not the same and they can be broadly categorised into “coming together’ federation and ‘holding together’ federation.
‘Coming together federations’ like the United States and Switzerland form when previously autonomous regions choose to unite voluntarily for collective strength, driven by shared economic and political goals. These federations typically grant significant autonomy to their constituent units, which play a pivotal role in their formation and governance. In contrast, ‘holding together federations’ such as India and Spain adopt a federal structure as a means to decentralize power from a unitary state in order to maintain national unity while accommodating the diverse demands of regions or ethnic groups. These federations face the challenge of managing centrifugal forces by devolving power to the constituent units, aiming to balance unity with diversity. The key differences between the two lie in their origins, motivations, and approaches to managing autonomy and diversity within their borders. Understanding these distinctions provides insights into the diverse nature of federal systems around the world and the complex interplay between unity and diversity in governance.
In political science, “coming together federations” and “holding together federations” are two different types of federal systems. Here is the description about these two federation with suitable examples:
¹. Coming Together Federation: It was formed when independent states voluntarily unite to create a larger political entity. This type of federation ensures that member states benefit from shared sovereignty while retaining significant powers. Its primary motive is to enhance security, economic strength, and international influence.
Characteristics: It typically features a strong central government to handle common interests like defense, foreign affairs, and trade.
Examples : United States, Switzerland, India, Australia
Holding Together Federation: It is formed when a large country decide to share its power between the constituent states and the national government to manage differences and prevent parts of the country from breaking away. This helps maintain national unity while allowing regions to handle their own affairs.
Characteristics: The central authority seeks to manage regional aspirations and prevent fragmentation and it also features a weaker central government with significant powers devolved to regional governments.
Examples: India, Belgium, Spain
Coming together federation:
Federalism is a form of territorial organisation in which unity and regional diversity are accommodated with a single political system by distributing power among the central and state governments in a manner constitutionally safeguarding the existence and authority of each. USA, Switzerland and Australia are coming together federations. The US federation was formed when 13 North American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. In the Swiss federation, according to the principle of subsidiarity, the Confederation (central government) only undertakes tasks that the cantons (federating units) are unable to perform or which require uniform regulation by the Confederation. The Australian federation is also established by six separate British colonies that came together to form the Commonwealth of Australia.
Holding together federation:
: In India, which is a holding together federation, there is a clear cut well-defined division of powers between the Union and state-level governments. This division of power is mentioned in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution which contains three lists with legislative subjects: Union List, State List and Concurrent List. The subjects which are not included in either of these three lists are known as residuary powers.
FEDARALISM IS DIVIDED INTO TWO FORMS i.e. the coming together fedaration and the holding together fedaration . Holding together fedartaion means that when a larger country decides to divide its power and authority in to the member states and the central government . Coming together fedaration on the other hand means that the wherein the sovereign states they join their hands with other sovereign states in order to form a larger unit . In holding together fedaration the central government has its dominance in the other state constituences and that of the coming together fedaration both the state and the central government has the equal power distribution .
Examples of Holding together fedaration : India and Spain .
Examples of Coming together fedaration : USA and Australia.