Federal system of government Federal system Federation and confederation Difference between federation and confederation Essential condition of federation: 1.Sense of unity 2.common culture 3.Aspiration to regional autonomy 4.Geographical contiguity 5.Equality in federating units 6.political consciousness 7.Uniformity of political institution 8.economic self sufficiency

1. FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
 In modern day world, there are some countries with a very small population & lesser area, like
Monaco. San Marino ,Maldives, Malta, Vatican City & Grenada etc. But there are countries with a
vast area & huge population, like Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Australia, USA, Brazil etc.
 For the purpose of administrative convenience, vast territory of modern state is divided into small
administrative units. They are given different names. (Pakistan-Provinces),(USA-States),(SWL-
Cantons), (India-Riyasat /State). Normally they are called the Federating Units or Regional or
Provincial governments. Powers are divided between the central & Regional governments.
 Federal System. When a country is divided into a central and Regional governments and
the powers of the government are constitutionally divided between the central/ Federal
government and the Regional governments (Federating Units), the system will be called Federation
or Federal System of government.
 Matters of national importance on which uniformity of Laws & Policies is required are allocated to
the Federal government and the Federating units are given the matters of regional importance.

2. Federation & Confederation
Confederation is a loose union of independent sovereign states united together to
achieve some specific goals or for strategic reasons. e.g German confederation (1815-
1866), Swiss confederation (1815-1884) & American confederation (1778-1787). At
present no confederation.
Difference Between Federation & Confederation. The basic difference
between the two lies in the principal of Sovereignty.
 1. In federation, the component units are not Sovereign, whereas in Confederation, the
components are Sovereign.
 2. In federation, the components enjoy the given autonomy in the constitution, while
in confederation, they are independent & sovereign states.
 3. In federation, the component units are bound together with a constitution, while in
confederation the units are together due to an agreement or convent.

3. Difference Between Federation & Confederation. (continued)
 4. In confederation, the units are voluntarily cooperate with each other on some
common matters and can exit the union at any time. In federation a unit cannot exit
the union and all units are bound to cooperate with each other & with the central
government.
 5. In federation, all the citizens of the federating units have to obey the federal
government. In case of violation, they can be punished, but In confederation, the
central government has no authority to deal with the citizens of component states. It
can implement its decisions through the respective government of the member state.
 6. A federation is a stable and permanent union and no component unit has the option
to exit from the union. Whereas, confederation is a weak union and a temporary
political arrangement. Every state can exit the union whenever its national interests so
demands.

4. Essential Conditions Of Federation
1. Sense of Unity. It is most important condition. Formation of federation is not
possible, if there is no sense of unity. The prospects of the formation of a federation
become bright, when the people & leadership of geographically linked small states
start thinking in terms of common defense or promotion of economic prosperity.
2. Common Culture. Similarity of social, cultural, economic institutions & common
cultural heritage play a major role in uniting people. If people are divided on the basis
of language or culture then union is very difficult.
 3. Aspiration for Regional Autonomy. The federating units should preserve their
separate political entity. A suitable balance must be maintained between the federal
government & the federating units.
 4. Geographical Contiguity. Physical linkage between different federal units is
necessary for political stability in a federation. Geographical barriers obstructs the
promotion of national integration. (Separation of East Pakistan-1971)

5.  5. Equality in Federating Units. Acute diversity in the size, population and
resources of the federating units creates problems in uniting people. A dominant unit
can influence and effect the weaker units. A bigger and more resourceful unit try to
dominate the others. ( Example Pakistan, India)
6. Political Consciousness. Citizens of a federal state has to deal with two
governments. Federal & Regional / Provincial. Maximum political participation from
citizen require a higher sense of political awareness and responsibility.
7. Uniformity of Political Institutions. There should be complete uniformity &
understanding between the central & regional governments. This uniformity increases
the output capabilities of the political system, as the people develop a better
understanding & experience of the working machinery.
8. Economic Self-Sufficiency. For the success of Federation, federating units should
be economically self sufficient. Sufficient economic resources are required to meet the
administrative expenditures. Lack of economic resources increase their dependence on
the central government resulting undue central intervention in their domestic
jurisdiction. ( Separation of East Pakistan).