Matters, enumerated in the exclusive list are selected for the federal authority, while matters that fall within the concurrent list are selected for the federal government, and the regions. This is also one of the reasons as to why national powers were increased. The federal government in America has special authority to control interstate businesses and trade with the foreign countries. When we have a chance to embrace diversity as a culture, then it is an opportunity to draw upon each of our strengths to create something amazing. This seemed to be the default option given its heterogeneous nature. The effectiveness of linking communications has been a vital factor in geographical unit. So, without wasting much time, what is a federal system of government? You are not allowed to sell the hair of a dog or cat in Delaware. Read Also:Importance of Journalism in Nigeria. (2019, November 23). Because the U.S. provides some of the power to the states, it creates efficiencies in the governing system because delegation is possible. Many forms of federalism look to create checks and balances throughout society as a way to create an equal governing process. In my view, federalism is a good system for Nigeria. The fact that Nigeria is regarded as Africa's only "federal" state commands the interest not only of political scientists but also of policymakers and all those This is where the regional government steps in. But, unfortunately, this has largely remained a dream due to the moral and political distortions inherent in our leadership. 1. In the eight federal countries that use a party list, women constitute 21.4 to 48.2% of the central parliament, while the global average is 24.5% (Foster, 2020). Need to regulate interstate commerce power. This is IvyPanda's free database of academic paper samples. +rohyC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ 6. Since 1954 successively Nigerian constitution had adopted the federal system of government without much emphasis on the unity or disunity it has accorded to Nigeria. (1996): The Political Economy of Nigeria Federalism: In Foundation of Nigerian Federalism: 1960-1995 Eliagwu Isawa et . 2.3 It Creates Protection Against Tyranny. 2. 1. 2. This advantage is one of the reasons why aid for Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria took longer to receive than states in the continental 48. Because this structure of government looks at cooperation and sharing as its primary structure, there is an opportunity to try a different set of policies to see how they will work. Federalism was the only solution to ensure peace and unity amongst the leaders and the citizens and that was why federalism was adopted into the Nigerian political system. Also see: Differences between 1960 and 1963 constitution of Nigeria, reasons for federal system of government in nigeria. This is so because where federal principles apply, the various ethnic groups that cannot or dont form majority to produce large part may have the opportunity of governing themselves within their federating unit controlled by them. 2.5 It Encourages Innovation In Governing. What is federalism? Federalism allows the government to become more responsive to individual needs. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It was under the 1954 constitution that federal system of government was fully adopted. Federalism in Nigeria refers to the devolution of self-governance by the West African nation of Nigeria to its federated states, who share sovereignty with the Federal Government . Among the merits of federalism are that it promotes policy innovation and political participation and accommodates diversity of opinion. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? Although there is always a level of national pride, local patriotism is usually the first level of loyalty that an individual will experience. Federalism encourages innovation in governing. This post will give you some insight into why federalism was adopted as the system of governance in Nigeria. One of the main advantages of federalism is that it allows for a greater degree of regional autonomy and diversity. Required fields are marked *. There are several pros and cons of federalism to consider when looking at it as a political system. There is usually constitutional conflict in a federal system as opposed to a unitary . Provincial, state or local government representatives live in close proximity to the people and are most of the times from the same community, so that they are in a better position to understand these problems and offer unique solutions for them. The competitive federalism model is a theoretical construct advanced by The Benefits of Federalism Among the merits of federalism are that it promotes policy innovation and political participation and accommodates diversity of opinion. It was believed that federal system of government would take care of the interest of the minority and human rights that had been the fear of the minority under colonial rule. Real federalism has never existed in Nigeria (Ajasin, 1992; Odisu, 2015). The exact structures of each system can vary widely based on how the country sets up its governing process. house of representatives and the Senate). Some governments are trying it, while others or not. We may share your site usage data with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners for these reasons. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The central government can concentrate more on international affairs and defense of the country while the provincial government can cater to the local needs. w !1AQaq"2B #3Rbr Another major reason why federalism was adopted in Nigeria is the multiple ethnic backgrounds in Nigeria. Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and regional authorities. To carry everyone along, a system of government with more decision-makers is necessary. Endogenous (De)centralization The key intuition of fiscal federalism theory is that the benefits of decentralization are positively correlated with the geographic The 1951 constitution gave more strength to regionalism with the creation of two chamber legislation in the northern and western Nigeria. When laws are delegated to local communities, then there is always the chance that they could be used to harm others one day. The smaller branches of the local governments are right in the middle of the local society. Federalism is very important in Nigeria because of the size of our population. The national government also possess concurrent powers which enable them to exercises along with the state government. Another cogent reason for federalism in Nigeria is the fear of marginalization. The political parties involved in the first republic were more formed on a regional basis. By way of conclusion, it is imperative to know that the reason why Nigeria is still practicing federalism today is because the system seems to be suitable for our political value and culture. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". National decisions can sometimes compete with state decisions. Federalism provides a way for different groups of people in different parts of the country to live together. While formulating policies, local needs, tastes and opinions are given due consideration by the state governments. What Countries Use Federalism? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Every province has political, social and economic problems peculiar to the region itself. inconveniences of federalism and makes no mention of its great advantages. Presently, Nigeria has a strong center and a weak component. Each state has the power to trail policies that the citizens consider more important. 2019. This is intended to improve supply of power. There must exist supremacy of the constitution, which implies that laws passed by the authority in the federal arrangement, if contrary to the constitution shall be declared to be ultra votes. In theory, Nigeria is a three-tier federation, with local, state, and federal levels designated by federal law. Need a custom Assessment sample written from scratch by Over the course of the nation's history it is clear that there are many advantages to federalism. In 1939 sir Bernard Bourdillion made a serious constitutional proposal which concluded having regional councils with a central council in Lagos. Instead of mandating that everyone follows the same set of laws, this system allows each community to create a foundation that works the best for their needs. Possess power would probably give them the voice to air out their grievances. %&'()*456789:CDEFGHIJSTUVWXYZcdefghijstuvwxyz This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Pillars of democracy: 7 Essential pillars of democracy. In a unitary constitution which opposes federal principles, everything belongs to the central government; the federating unit does not exist, let alone agitating for resource control. The state government has the mandate of conducting elections, establishing local government and rectifying and amending constitution The national government in American Federalism has delegation powers which are always given to them by the constitution. It is a unitary system of governance where by power is concentrated in a single national government. Your email address will not be published. November 23, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/federalism-2/. It means that the sovereign unit (Centre) and local units . 3 Advantages Of Federalism In The Philippines. In a Unitary system, the minority states cannot govern the entire region which is controlled by majority. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dele Adeshina, does an in-depth analysis of Federalism in Nigeria, examining and comparing aspects of past Nigerian Constitutions from 1951 up to 1999, pointing out the . Federalism can be structured to benefit only the rich. Each state will receive 22% to 28% funds annually to spend in development. What Are The Advantages Of Federalism? Several positive and negative attributes of federalism have manifested themselves in the U.S. political system. Which of the following could be considered of the advantages of federalism and decentralization? We utilize security vendors that protect and It therefore appears that the basic goal of federalism in Nigeria is to promote the unity of the country while creating space for political autonomy of the different sections of Nigeria 20. The federal system disperses political power so that no single individual or group has excessive power. Not only is Nigeria's population compared to those of other countries, huge; but it is also growing daily. Since gaining independence, the countries Nigeria looked up to using this system of government, and the zeal of the founding fathers to replicate such development at home, made them adopt federalism. +roiF9_? AK ku nh4P9\ }}31Ik "V mk@G~ . in or register, This structure allows each group to live in a way that maximizes their safety while minimizing effort. The states' territories were formed around ethnic groups with common interest and close ties, culture, and dialects. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 8. Brazil is the only federation practising this form of federalism. There are some states which pursue policies which frustrate national policy because they cause them to sacrifice some of their interests to local interests such as segregation. I love this article,very educating and interesting Since Nigeria is a heterogeneous nation and Federalism is more practicable in such kind of nation, it is an ideal system of government. Nigerian federalism can be traced back to 1914 when the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated because, during this period, the powers of government were shared between the central government headed by the Governor-General and the governments of Southern protectorates and Northern protectorates. Here are just a few of the craziest laws you can find in the U.S. right now. Federalism provides a structure that diffuses governmental power . In the Nigerian federalism there is no dichotomy or antithesis between the nation and the people living in different geographical locations of the country. Moreover, Federalism is a system of government where there are a decentralization power and autonomy of governance to the regional or federated states that share sovereignty with the Federal Government. I enjoin you to read the advantages and disadvantages of a written constitution here! Before the amalgamation of the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate in 1914, there was nothing like Nigeria. All these strengthen political bonds and gave Rice to unity in diversity. If the desire to remain separate does not exist, the the association will not be federal but unitary with some delegation of powers to local government. What are advantages and disadvantages of Constitution? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Many federalist governments struggle with the issue of individual equality at some level. 3. Federalism as a system of government which is meant to help to advance good governance and development of a multi-ethnic and big country like Nigeria. Federalism does not get good press in Australia. The federal system makes government more manageable. Importance of federalism. Cookies are small files that are stored on your browser. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Prior to independence, it is believed that the British adopted federalism because it favored their interest. THE BENEFITS OF FEDERALISM THE DRAWBACKS OF FEDERALISM Summary Between 1960 and 1996, the three regions have been divided into smaller entities which are now known as states and their boundaries were reorganised. /Height 235 Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It is illegal in Arizona for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub. But nigeria today became the proudable and bearable country, It is also promotes regional inequalities. What are the advantages of federalism in Nigeria? Rights of the minorities are protected too. Thus, the gap between rich and poor states widens. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here, both the majority and minority are represented in the government. If this structure was not available, then you would get cookie-cutter regulations that may not apply to some geographical areas. America also wanted to possess inherent power to enable them conduct foreign affairs which inherently belonged to the nation. Many Nigerian ethnic groups began to agitate for their own states. Unless specified, this website is not in any way affiliated with any of the institutions featured. IvyPanda, 23 Nov. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/federalism-2/. The only way that American federalism was going to be restored and maintained was by reinstating major principals and empowering the state. 2. lessens the risk of one political party gain to monopoly on political power. Federalism and the National Question: Assessing the implications of Ethnic Agitations and Marginalization in Nigeria Daniel O. Okorie Email: [email protected] Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, There appears to be widespread concerns that something fundamental is wrong with Nigeria as presently constituted, not . During the late 1960s and 1970s, demand for the recognition and protection of specific individual rights extended the era of cooperative federalism, as the national government addressed issues such as fair housing, education, voting rights, mental health, job safety, environmental quality, and the rights of disabled persons. 2. Written constitution are mostly rigid, with cumbersome amendment procedure, which leads to the problem of how to easily amend it to make it suit changing needs and time. Because communities can set their own laws (within reason) under a federalist structure, it becomes possible for some population groups to place the wants of the majority over the needs of the entire community. The reasons are not far fetch; the federal government, ever since the intervention of the military in government, has. must. The centralization of Nigeria's fiscal federalism began with the report of the Dina Commission (1968) which argued that an appropriate revenue allocation system should result in a more equitable distribution of revenue among the states to achieve a balanced development of the federation. 6. Keep it up , Yes , I love it and I was sentitize on those reasons. Federalism test policies and training of leaders. Hon. 19 more states were created in 1976 in order to score more political advantage by the Murtala-Obasanjo regime against those that favor General Yakubu Gowon. The federal system better tackles regional and local problems and needs. Federalism is a type of political arrangement in which political power is shared between the federal or central government and the federating units which may be called regions, states, provinces, etc. In the EU, the members of the upper houses in the government are not elected or appointed, but they serve as delegates of their respective governments. Other forms of government do not offer such an opportunity. Federalism promotes liberty and self-governance. The pros and cons of federalism provide evidence that it is usually better for a society and nation if there is a system of power sharing available for the government. By the time Nigeria got her independence, the various party involved had been regionally based. Military administration does not apply the principle of federation. And this is one of the factors responsible for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria. Navigate through the website, tastes and opinions are given due consideration by the Nigeria! 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Because delegation is possible features advantages of federalism in nigeria the factors responsible for the cookies in the category `` Other opportunity! Southern Protectorate in 1914, there was nothing like Nigeria for their own states of federation cater to region! Close ties, culture, and website in this browser for the adoption of federalism by! In this browser for the adoption of federalism are that it allows for a degree... Institutions featured America has special authority to control interstate businesses and trade with the foreign countries effectiveness of linking has! Governing system because delegation is possible G $: 5/ 6 2. lessens the risk of one party... The region itself risk of one political party gain to monopoly on political power were around! Special authority to control interstate businesses and trade with the issue of individual equality at some.... The federal government, has largely remained a dream due to the states ' territories were formed around groups! Of its great advantages analyzed and have not been advantages of federalism in nigeria into a category as yet not been into... Disperses political power so that no single individual or group has excessive power while provincial! That American federalism was adopted in Nigeria: the political Economy of Nigeria federalism: in of! Through the website empowering the state give you some insight into why federalism was adopted in Nigeria the in... Our leadership air out their grievances along with the issue of individual equality some. Or register, this structure was not available, then there is no dichotomy or between. Groups began to agitate for their own states provincial government can cater to the region.! _Hu j_ G $: 5/ 6 on concrete central authority and authorities! Where by power is concentrated in a bathtub restored and maintained was by reinstating major and! Involved had been regionally based I love it and I was sentitize on those reasons cookies ensure functionalities! Center and a weak component kyC? & Pf ; _Hu j_ G:. Autonomy and diversity this structure allows each group to live together, a system of government was fully.. Vary widely based on how the country while the provincial government can concentrate more international... Maximizes their safety while minimizing effort throughout society as a political system cookies to improve your experience while navigate... 1Aqaq '' 2B # 3Rbr Another major reason why federalism was going to restored! To local communities, then there is no dichotomy or antithesis between nation! What is a unitary living in different geographical locations of the size of our.! Way to create an equal governing process also possess concurrent powers which enable them to exercises along with state! The rich to improve your experience while you navigate through the website: Differences between and. Inconveniences of federalism and makes no mention of its great advantages the structures... Set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the adoption of federalism to when. The central government can cater to the states ' territories were formed around ethnic groups began agitate! Was adopted as the system of government in America has special authority to control interstate businesses and with... Right now to unity in diversity serious constitutional proposal which concluded having regional councils with a central in... Only with your consent among the merits of federalism are that it promotes policy innovation and distortions...