Question

What are the characteristics of a federal state?

Answer 1

Characteristics of a federal State :-

1) Supremacy of the Constitution

The constitution is the supreme law in the federal nation. Because federation is an agreement between two or more sovereign nations to form a new state in which each reserves specific powers to exercise. The constitution for this purpose defines the jurisdiction and extent of power by the governments. The constitution is rigid (special procedure for amendment) and written in the federal State.

2) Division of Powers

The Power between the federal (central) and Provincial (state) governments is divided and distributed either expressly in the Constitution (like India) or otherwise.

3) Bicameral Legislature:

This is the most important characteristic of the federal states. Bicameral legislature means two houses, chambers or factions in the legislature. The rights and interest of two governments existing in the federal state are different and in order to protect these interests bicameral legislature is adopted. Generally, the lower house represents the interest of the Nation and upper house represents the interest of the Provinces. In the upper house, an equal number of seats is given to states while lower house members are elected on the population basis.

4) Independent Judiciary.

The judiciary in Federal states is independent of the influence of legislature or Executive to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution.