We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Federalism

Save
May 1, 2024 3 minute read

Federalism is a system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government. The best example of federalism is a federal state. A federal state is a state that is composed of several smaller states, each of which has its own government. These smaller states are often called provinces, cantons, regions, or republics, depending on the state in question. The central government is responsible for certain matters, such as foreign affairs, defense, and interstate commerce, while the provincial governments are responsible for other matters, such as health care, education, and environmental protection.

Types of Federalism

There are two main types of federalism: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In a symmetrical federation, all of the provinces have the same powers and responsibilities. In an asymmetrical federation, the provinces have different powers and responsibilities.

Advantages of Federalism

Share

Help others find this page about Federalism: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Federalism.
This classic collection of essays by the Founding Fathers of the United States provides foundational arguments in favor of federalism.
This textbook offers a comprehensive overview of federalism in comparative perspective, exploring different models, theories, and challenges associated with federal governance.
Examines the Canadian federal system in comparative perspective, discussing its unique features, challenges, and contributions to federal theory.
Examines the relationship between federalism and democratic theory, discussing how federalism can enhance or undermine democratic values.
Explores the role of federalism in environmental governance, discussing the challenges and opportunities for coordinating environmental policies across multiple levels of government.
Table of Contents
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser