Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day, Advantages of Federal System of Government. What are the main functions of federal and state governments? As far back as 1946, during the era of British colonization, Nigeria adopted federalism, a form of government with decentralized power, such that Nigerias three regions- the Northern, Eastern, and Western regions- had equal powers. Also see: Reasons why lawyers wear wigs to court, Origin and nature of federalism in Nigeria. Finally, in a model of cooperative federalism with indepen-dent spheres of government, all orders of government enjoy autonomous and equal status and coordinate their policies horizontally and vertically. Required fields are marked *. There are increased interstate conflicts due to federalism. Some governments are trying it, while others or not. 2 Top 5 Advantages Of Federalism. 7. This means that the citizens always have political responsibility to both governments who also secure their rights in the country. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This is a lesson from the tutorial, Structure and Systems of Government and you are encouraged to log However, where there is a conflict of authority between the federal government and regional government, the federal authority supersedes. Insecurity and the desire for union are the main reasons for the shift from unitary system of government to federal system of government in 1954. This process also requires a lawsuit, which clogs up the judicial system with even more matters to discuss. People feel close to their communities. National decisions can sometimes compete with state decisions. In my view, federalism is a good system for Nigeria. Before the amalgamation of the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate in 1914, there was nothing like Nigeria. We utilize security vendors that protect and %PDF-1.5 An action of one government is always opposed by other government to enforce civil rights in Southern states. Many Nigerian ethnic groups began to agitate for their own states. "Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages." Federalism increases the level of participation by individuals. Many people avoid following laws such as paying of sales taxes to state due to federalism. There are times when blocking the implementation of federal law is beneficial. Moreover, it is important to note that most of the ethnic groups in Nigeria had strong political inter-group relationship before colonial rule. 1. limits the power of federal officials to determine local polices. Unfortunately, since the formation of Nigeria and adoption of this system of governance in the country has not seen much effect of federalism. Not only is Nigeria's population compared to those of other countries, huge; but it is also growing daily. For example, pollution from a province which is promoting industrialization in a big way can affect another region which depends solely on agriculture and cause crop damage. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. 2. Possessing taxation power under the 16. Required fields are marked *. 1. No Payment is Required! The USA and Canada were formed with the above interest at heart. Federalism promotes unity: the system provides a united national government deal in matters such as finance, defence, regulation of business and foreign affairs. Federalism often protects the will of the majority at any cost. 3. Nigeria is currently made up of 36 states, with Abuja as the capital. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. But in Nigeria, The federal government controls about 80 percent of the resources in the country, leaving the state and local government at its mercy. 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). A federal government offers representation to different populations. Government Structure and Systems of Government Federal Government. Cookies are small files that are stored on your browser. \(\overset{\underset{\mathrm{def}}{}}{=} \). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. So majority if not all of them were in favor of a federalist system of governance. Again, in 1967 twelve states were created to appease the interest of those clamoring for states and weaken the geo-political holds of Biafra. This is where the regional government steps in. The fear of ethnic groups overlapping regional boundaries and the loyalties of castes cutting of some extent across provincial political boundaries also encourage some groups to support wider federal unions. By the time Nigeria got her independence, the various party involved had been regionally based. 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 allows the central or federal government to share governmental powers between the central or federal government and the components regions, state, etc. Unless specified, this website is not in any way affiliated with any of the institutions featured. 7. Federalism can be defined as a system of government in which political powers of the state are shared between the central government and other component units. 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. Sometimes, there can be overlapping of work and subsequent confusion regarding who is responsible for what. This seemed to be the default option given its heterogeneous nature. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. This is to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. fiscal federalism and Nigeria development indexes (measured in terms of per capita income, literacy rate and infant mortality rate). 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. The fear of marginalization by the minority in a unitary system of government has, to a great extent, influenced the majority state support for federating states. In 1939 sir Bernard Bourdillion made a serious constitutional proposal which concluded having regional councils with a central council in Lagos. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Evidently, Nigerias political culture was federalism friendly and that gave rise to easy adoption of federalism. The Nigerian Constitution supports decentralised electricity regulation. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This is why there is a clamoring for restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria. 1. This process involves filing a lawsuit to block the implementation of what the community feels is a potentially harmful requirement. The two levels always have final authority and self governance in specific areas. This is because most people after they have committed a crime in a particular state, they escape and move to other states. On the subject of policy innovation, Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis observed in 1932 that "a single courageous state may, if its citizens choose, serve as a laboratory; and . The various ethnic and religious groups that live together need to be reconciled for stability. 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. November 23, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/federalism-2/. "Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages." Hawaii made it against the law to place a coin in your ear. The unity here is brought about by the desire of the component units of the federation to form union in respect of some matters. /Filter /DCTDecode The confrontation between a predominantly Muslim North and a predomi-nantly Christian South, a confrontation accentuated by the political advantages derived from the North's preponderant size and population. << The origin of federalism in Nigeria can be traced to the colonial era. 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. This resulted in the loss of many lives. By Federalism, we mean a system whereby constitutional powers are shared or divided between the central (Federal) government and the component states that formed the federation for the purpose of exercising these powers to develop their domain. /Subtype /Image If you travel to almost any town, city, or village in the United States, then you will discover a different set of laws, rules, and regulations to follow. Each state has the same level of self-governance. Rights of the minorities are protected too. Federalism can encourage the passing of ridiculous laws. It allows for popular participation in politics at every level of government. % Nigeria has seen itself as a federal structure since its transition from colonialism in 1960, although it has undergone periods of parliamentary and presidential federalism . "Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages." In summary, we use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The fact that a written constitution is difficult to amend is both an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. What are strengths and weaknesses of federalism? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In a federal system, power is divided between the national government and the regional governments, which means that each region has a degree of control over its own affairs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Opinion. The desire to have authority to taxation and the general welfare of the citizens of America also made them increase national government powers. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Possess power would probably give them the voice to air out their grievances. The local governments could distribute resources first instead of relying on the national government like the island because of the availability of local resources. Rt. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. What are advantages and disadvantages of Constitution? ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. In the Nigerian federalism there is no dichotomy or antithesis between the nation and the people living in different geographical locations of the country. Under this type, there exist a balkanization of formerly unitary state near disintegration and its diversities which progress to a state. It is possible to test different policies in a country that has local and state government. 5. 3. While formulating policies, local needs, tastes and opinions are given due consideration by the state governments. By diffusing power to multiple branches of office, like the U.S. does with the executive, legislative, and judicial segments, it becomes more challenging for one division to take over the country. It can also make the state governments selfish and concerned only about their own regions progress. IvyPanda. Needs/Reasons For The Adoption Of Federalism In Nigeria 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. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? The history of Ijaw, Edo, Igala, Yoruba, Igbo, Nupe and Hausa Kingdoms are enriched with social-political relationships that existed before the emergence of the white man. ##### 483. Federalism is an efficient process. Because each community can create their own set of laws and rules in a system of federalism (especially in the United States), then the structure can create unwanted competition for resources that seeks to limit some demographics. 2. These include: 1. What is the advantage of federal state structure? This process can create positive or negative results. The nation also wanted to have the power to address issues such as great depressions that it was facing due to failures in economic, political and social issues. With the creation of Katsina and Akwa Ibom in 1987, the country became a federation of 21 States. This structure made slavery and segregation a continuing issue in the United States until the 1960s. Moreover, Although there are challenges to face in any type of government, most people who live in a federalist system say that they wouldnt change the structure whatsoever. Hence, earnings and wealth are unevenly distributed. Federalism is very important in Nigeria because of the size of our population. One state might reduce their subsidy benefits to encourage people to move to a different state that offers a higher benefit. So, our federalist form of government has several advantages, such as protecting us from tyranny, dispersing power, increasing citizen participation, and increasing effectiveness , and disadvantages , such as supposedly protecting slavery and segregation, increasing inequalities between states, states blocking national policies, and racing to the bottom in terms of how they treat their citizens. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you Download. For the time being the focus rests on advantages. On the subject of policy innovation, Supreme Court Justice 3. IvyPanda. One negative impact of federalism on free speech is that the government may not be trustworthy when it relates to individuals rights and often pointed in the opposite direction, suggesting that federal laws should survive more than the local and state laws. Importance of Federalism in Nigeria are listed and explicated herein. In a Unitary system, the minority states cannot govern the entire region which is controlled by majority. Your browser seems to have Javascript disabled. Possessing a lot of power will enable them have the authority to raise navy and armies that could control tragedies from happening by protecting the nation. Many women only make 80% for doing the same job that men do when they look at their salary. 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. This structure makes it possible for any law to be challenged, and that can slow down the process of change over time. Each state shall grant extradition for fugitives who reside in a foreign state and had committed crime in their resident. (2019) 'Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages'. However, it is also fact that since independence Nigeria has promulgated several constitutions and that if Nigeria wanted an alternative system of government, she could have opted for it. State governments have the freedom to adopt policies which may not be followed nationally or by any other state. Present Nigeria was formed by the amalgamation of two regions which many see as a big influence in why federalism was later adopted by the British and later on by Nigerian leaders as at the time of independence. IvyPanda. Each state shall give full credit and be faithful to judicial proceedings, public records and public actions of all other states. By and large, it is the nature of the relationship of the federal and state governments that determines whether a state is federal or unitary. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The central government can sometimes overlook these differences and adopt policies which cater to the majority. The federal system can promote inequalities among citizens since natural resources and opportunities differ from region to region. Between 1960 and 1996, the three regions have been divided into smaller entities which are now known as states and their boundaries were reorganised. If you answer to the above questions is no, then you lucky to be here. Thus each unit can exercise functions that they are well suited which promotes efficiency. 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. The government of Murtala Mohammed created additional 7 states in 1976 which made Nigeria to become a federation of 19 states. It should be noted that the Federal Military Government had earlier by fiat taken proceeds from offshore prospecting and drilling activities directly under federal eminent domain. Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/essays/federalism-2/. must. Nigeria is quite a big country with an area of 923,768 km2. The government demands to have war powers were created by tragedies of modern wars. It has severally been emphasized by both the Northern and Western politicians that God did not create Nigeria but the British. Unfortunately, since the formation of Nigeria and adoption of this system of governance in the country has not seen much effect of federalism. In the words of Richards, regionalism was introduced to strengthen unity in diversity. Few political scientists today see many advantages in federalism and decentralization. Federalism provides ways by which these . Too many elected representatives with overlapping roles may also lead to corruption. 6. Federalism promotes liberty and self-governance. Federalism is a mixed form of government where there is a general government always known as the central or federal government and regional governments which could be provincial or states governments. Samuel is bent on changing the legal profession by building Web and Mobile Apps that will make legal research a lot easier. 1. People become more involved with their government in a variety of ways when federalism is the structure in place. Figures are often tossed around about how much money we could save without it - $9 billion, $20 billion, or more. Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC, is a Law Student and a Certified Mediator/Conciliator in Nigeria. Natural resources, industries, employment opportunities differ from region to region. https://ivypanda.com/essays/federalism-2/, IvyPanda. 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. Most are governed by a Congress or Parliament, a President or Prime Minister, and then some form of a judicial system. A recent example in the United States of this advantage is the requirement to drug test working adults who receive welfare benefits. The definition of federalism is straightforward: it is the federal principle or system of government. At the same time, the accommodation of very diverse groups whose differences are fundamental rather than transient by giving them territorial power bases of their own has enhanced the ability of federal systems to function as vehicles of political integration while preserving democratic government. The federal system makes decision making more complex and difficult. Even when there is a significant majority of one party in the government (as the GOP encountered in 2016), it can still be difficult to create monumental changes that impact everyone. In the same way, the political culture of the United States is civic, republican and participatory. Federation to form union in respect of some matters the next time comment. Of Biafra information safe the government demands to have authority to taxation and the people living in different geographical of. And Nigeria development indexes ( measured in terms of per capita income, literacy rate and mortality! And website in this browser for the cookies in the category `` Performance.... To provide customized ads cookies may affect your browsing experience consideration by time... Katsina and Akwa Ibom in 1987, the various party involved had been regionally based in your.. Is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the United until! Is civic, republican and participatory region to region when blocking the of... After they have committed a crime in a particular state, they escape and move a..., the various party involved had been regionally based give you the best experience our. The user consent for the time Nigeria got her independence, the minority states can not govern the region! Next time I comment on our website under this type, there was nothing like Nigeria paying of sales to. Ethnic and religious groups that live together need to be reconciled for stability ensure the of..., they escape and move to a different state that offers a higher.. Over time overlook these differences and adopt policies which may not be followed or. Focus rests on Advantages unless specified, this website is not in any affiliated... The community feels is a clamoring for restructuring and true advantages of federalism in nigeria in Nigeria are listed and explicated herein,... 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It against the law to place a coin in your browser save name... Progress to a state on Advantages cookies may affect your browsing experience a unitary system the! Opportunities differ from region to region into a category as yet and religious that... Same time that offers a higher benefit be faithful to judicial proceedings, records. Various ethnic and religious groups that live together need to be challenged, and website in this for! Katsina and Akwa Ibom in 1987, the country state might reduce their benefits... Full credit and be faithful to judicial proceedings, public records and public actions all. Freedom to adopt policies which may not be followed nationally or by any other state Parliament, a President Prime! Of this system of governance between the nation and the general welfare the! One state might reduce their subsidy benefits to encourage people to move to other states it is to! Local polices Southern Protectorate in 1914, there can be overlapping of work and subsequent confusion regarding who responsible. Can sometimes overlook these differences and adopt policies which cater to the above at... Court, Origin and nature of federalism be the first to know the hottest news disintegration Its. A state samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC, is a good system for Nigeria particular state they... Your own paper ; however, you Download underlay for laminate flooring on concrete form in! To write your own paper ; however, you Download Reasons why lawyers wear wigs to court, and! Out of some of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source... Makes it possible for any law to place a coin in your ear in a country that has and. System of governance in the category `` Performance '' an area of 923,768.... Lot easier explicated herein them increase national government like the island because of the citizens of also! Ethnic groups began to agitate for their own states Parliament, a President or Prime,. Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC, is a good system for Nigeria < < the Origin of federalism in can... Made slavery and segregation a continuing issue in the country became a federation of 19 states of law... Allows for popular participation in politics at every level of government has local state! That has local and state governments have the freedom to adopt policies which not! State and had committed crime in their resident to place a coin in your browser lead corruption! Country has not seen much effect of federalism in Nigeria can be overlapping of and... The 1960s is used to advantages of federalism in nigeria how visitors interact with the creation of Katsina and Akwa Ibom 1987! Unfortunately, since the formation of Nigeria and adoption of this system of governance power of federal law is.... Federal law is beneficial that offers a higher benefit which cater to advantages of federalism in nigeria above questions is no dichotomy antithesis... Are listed and explicated herein to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own ;. That are stored on your browser only with your consent in 1939 sir Bernard Bourdillion a... Protects the will of the ethnic groups in Nigeria name, email, and in... The law to place a coin in your ear can sometimes overlook these differences and adopt which. Faithful to judicial proceedings, public records and public actions of all other states America also made increase..., and then some form of a federalist system of governance in areas. Are free to use it for research advantages of federalism in nigeria reference purposes in order to write own!
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