Question

1. Federations can be classified as 'Holding Together' and 'Coming Together'.
2. In the former category, a country chooses to divide its authority between the member states and the central government. India and Belgium are examples of such federations.
3. In the latter category, independent states join to form a larger unit. For example, the USA.

In light of the points given above, which of the following statements is/are true?

• A. The Centre is more powerful in 'Holding Together' federations
• B. In the USA, the Centre and the states are said to have equal powers
• C. Both categories accommodate dual politics, providing for regional or provincial governments
• D. In Belgium, the powers of the states are equal to the powers of the Centre.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A The Centre is more powerful in 'Holding Together' federations
B In the USA, the Centre and the states are said to have equal powers
C Both categories accommodate dual politics, providing for regional or provincial governments

Federations can be of two types: 'Holding Together' federations, and 'Coming Together' federations. In 'Holding Together' federations, a nation divides its powers among Centre and state but the Centre has dominance over the states, in that it binds the states together. Eg. India, Belgium, Spain. In 'Coming Together' federations, independent states come together on their own to form larger units, and power is supposed to be equally distributed. Eg. the USA, Australia, Switzerland, etc.