Society operates more efficiently if government power is centralized. What reasons exist for continuing federalism in its current form? In other words defend a federal system of government? (Give 4 arguments).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalism

http://bpspolitics.wordpress.com/2007/02/11/97/

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-federalism.html

Federalism is defining as the allocation of power between the national government and regional government. A system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Defending a federal system of government, with power distributed between a central government and regional/local governments, can be supported by several arguments:

1. Representation and Diversity: Federalism allows for different regions or states within a country to have a voice and representation in the decision-making process. It recognizes the unique needs, cultures, and interests of various communities and allows them to govern themselves to a certain extent. This enhances political participation and fosters a sense of ownership and identity at the local level.

To validate this argument, you can provide examples of how federalism has enabled diverse regions within a country to maintain their distinct identities and cater to their specific needs, such as the varying policies on healthcare, education, or environmental regulations adopted by different states within the United States.

2. Subsidiarity and Flexibility: Federalism promotes the principle of subsidiarity, which dictates that decisions should be made at the lowest level of government possible, close to the affected individuals. By distributing power across different levels of government, federal systems allow for more flexible governance. Local governments are better positioned to address localized problems promptly, as they possess the necessary contextual knowledge and can tailor solutions to better suit their communities.

You can support this argument by referring to instances where local governments have successfully implemented policies or initiatives that are effectively tailored to their regional challenges, resulting in more efficient outcomes.

3. Checks and Balances: A federal system inherently incorporates a system of checks and balances between the central government and regional governments. This ensures that no single entity has all the power, minimizing the risk of tyranny or autocracy. Each level of government acts as a check on the others, and their interactions help maintain a balance of power.

To reinforce this point, you can discuss how federalism allows for judicial review and the ability of regional governments to challenge decisions made by the central government, thereby promoting accountability and safeguarding individual rights.

4. Laboratories of Democracy: Federalism provides an opportunity for experimentation with policy and governance approaches. Different regions or states can implement and test various policies, which can then serve as examples for others. This allows citizens and policymakers to observe and learn from the successes and failures of different approaches, leading to more informed decision-making at both the regional and national levels.

You can provide specific examples of policy experiments conducted at the state or regional level that have trickled up to shape broader national policies or inspired new innovative approaches in other areas.

In summary, a federal system of government preserves diversity, facilitates local governance, ensures checks and balances, and fosters policy experimentation. It allows for more nuanced decision-making, empowers communities, and enables adaptation to local needs while still maintaining a sense of national unity.