What do you understand by the federal form of governments? Give two features.

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What are the four essential elements or characteristics of Federal Government?

According to Garner, 'Federation is a system of central and local government combined under a common sovereignty with central and local organization being supreme within definite sphere, marked out for them by general constitution or by the act of Parliament which create the system'. From the above definition we can conclude that 'Federal form of government is that government in which the power are divided between central government and the government of states and both are functioning in their spheres.

Features of the Federal Government:

1. There are two sets of polities-one at the regional level and the other at the national level. Each government is autonomous in its own sphere.

2. The details of this dual system of government are generally spelt out in a written constitution, which is considered to be supreme.

3. To prevent conflicts between the centre and the state, there is an independent judiciary to settle disputes.

4. Another important feature of the federal form of government is that it combines the advantage of national unity with those of local autonomy.

5. One of the important features of federal form of government is that it safeguards the weak states from a stronger state.

6. Federal form of government is an ideal system for those countries which have great diversities in language, religion, caste and culture. Federal system establishes unity in diversity.

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