for educational purpose

1. Federalism

2. Introduction to Federalism
• Taken from Latin word “foedus” meaning- treaty, pact or an
agreement.
• A form of government in which power is divided, shared or devolved
between the national government and the regional government.
• Usually embodies in a written constitution.
• Suits entities with large population and territory.

3. Purpose and Objectives of Federalism
• Safeguarding of diversity and different identities.
• Protection of specific features of every minority community.
• Peace
• Democracy at all levels
• Balanced Development
• Self-recognition

4. Forms/ Models of Federalism
A. On the basis of evolution and formation:
1) Holding Together:
• Large country divides power between constituent states.
• Nepal is divided into 7 provinces.
2) Sharing/Coming Together:
• Independent states come together to form a bigger unit.
• Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia etc.

5. Forms/Models of Federalism
B. On the basis of relation between regional and federal government:
1. Centralized Federalism: Federal is superior to local and regional
government.
2. Competitive Federalism: Competition between the central and state
government.
3. Cooperative Federalism: Shared power and policy between central and
regional government.
4. Dual Federalism: Both central and regional government remain supreme
within their spheres.
5. Fiscal Federalism: Financial relations between units of government.

6. Forms/Models of Federalism
C. On the basis of types of Government:
1. Parliamentary Model: Canada, India, Nepal etc.
2. Presidential Model: USA, Switzerland, Brazil etc.
3. Hybrid Model: Spain, Germany, Belgium, Pakistan etc.

7. Forms/Models of Federalism
D. On the basis of power division among constituent units:
1. Symmetric Federalism: Equal power to all constituent units.
2. Asymmetric Federalism: Specific power to some constituent units.

8. Federalism in Nepal
• Constitution of Nepal 2015 formally introduced federal structure in
Nepal.
• Nepal adopted a three-tiered governmental system- federal, provincial
and local government.
• They have their respective legislative, executive and judicial powers.
• Transition calling for proportional and meaningful participation for
marginalized communities.
• Hybrid model of federalism.

9. Federal Powers in Nepal
• Protection of national unity and territorial integrity.
• Central planning, central bank, finance policies, foreign grants, aids
and loans.
• Foreign and diplomatic affairs, international relations and UN related
matters.
• National transportation policies, management of railways and national
highways.

10. Provincial Powers in Nepal
• State level electricity, irrigation and water supply services, navigation,
state universities, higher education, library and museums.
• Matters relating to the state assembly, state council of ministers.
• Intra or inter state trade, state highways, health services.

11. Local Level Powers in Nepal
• Municipal police, co-operatives.
• Local development projects and programs, basic and secondary
education, basic health sanitation.
• Distribution of land building ownership certificates, drinking water,
small electricity projects.
• Preservation and development of language, culture and arts.

12. Merits of Federalism
• Less dependency/burden on the central government.
• Acceleration of development works.
• Equal and equitable development all around the nation.
• Increased responsiveness, responsibility and accountability.
• Preservation of local arts, culture and heritage.
• Optimum use of means and resources.
• Maintains balanced population distribution.
• Increases public participation.

13. Challenges of Federalism
• Expensive form of government.
• Weak nationalism/Sub-national feelings.
• Competition and misunderstanding between national and regional
government.
• Dangers of division or disintegration.
• Neither strong center nor regions.
• Difficulty to take decisions on issues of national importance.