Federalism

Question 1

what are unitary systems

Answer 1

• government is centralized

- regional governments = extension of central government

Question 2

what are examples of unitary systems

Answer 2

france, china, turkey

Question 3

what are features of unitary systems

Answer 3

• regional powers are delegated and taken away by central government
• local policy = set by central government (uniformity across the country)
• regional admin appointed by central govt

Question 4

what is federalism

Answer 4

a structure of government that…

• has at least 2 levels of government
• each level has final say over separate issues

Question 5

what are examples of federalist countries

Answer 5

united states, germany, india

Question 6

what are the features of federalism

Answer 6

• constitutionally protected powers
• bicameral parliament
  (upper house represents territorial units)
• regional governors and legislatures = elected

Question 7

what are different types of federalism

Answer 7

asymmetric AND symmetric

Question 8

what is symmetric federalism

Answer 8

federal units are equal in rights

Question 9

how is the US symmetric federalism

Answer 9

• two senators
• representation in House by population
• autonomous policy areas (eg. education)

Question 10

what is asymmetric federalism

Answer 10

federal units are NOT equal in rights

Question 11

how is the US asymmetric federalism

Answer 11

Puerto Rico, compared to states not

• no senators
• no voting representation
• more federal control over policy (overturn law)
• less power/autonomy than states

Question 12

where is federalism

Answer 12

a) LARGE COUNTRIES
eg. US, russia, canada, australia, mexico, brazil, germany
b) SMALL BUT DIVERSE
eg. belgium, switzerland