Federalism
Case Study 1: Federalism in India
Context:
India is a federal country where power is divided between the central government
and various state governments. The Constitution of India establishes a system
that allows both levels of government to function independently within their own
spheres of authority. This structure aims to accommodate the diverse needs of
its citizens and ensure representation for different regions and communities.
The division of powers is outlined in the Union List, State List, and Concurrent
List, allowing for effective governance while maintaining national unity.
Questions:
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What are the three lists defined in the Indian
Constitution for power distribution?
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A. Federal, Regional, Local
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B. Union, State, Concurrent
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C. Central, Provincial, Municipal
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D. National, State, Local
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What is the primary goal of federalism in India?
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A. To concentrate power in the central government
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B. To accommodate regional diversity and local governance
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C. To eliminate state governments
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D. To promote authoritarian rule
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Which of the following is included in the Union List?
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A. Education
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B. Police
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C. Defense
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D. Agriculture
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How does federalism benefit the citizens of India?
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A. By reducing the number of governments
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B. By promoting regional representation and governance
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C. By increasing central control
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D. By limiting local participation
Case Study 2: Federalism in the USA
Context:
The United States of America is a prime example of a federal system where power
is shared between the national government and state governments. This system was
established by the Constitution and has evolved over time. The division of
powers allows states to enact their own laws on various issues, such as
education and transportation, while the federal government handles matters like
foreign affairs and national defense. Federalism in the USA promotes a balance
of power and encourages states to experiment with different policies.
Questions:
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What type of government structure does the USA use?
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A. Unitary
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B. Federal
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C. Confederal
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D. Authoritarian
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Which level of government has the authority to handle
foreign affairs in the USA?
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A. State governments
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B. Local governments
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C. National government
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D. None of the above
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What is one advantage of federalism in the USA?
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A. Centralization of power
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B. States can experiment with policies
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C. Elimination of state governments
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D. Uniform laws across the country
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Which area is primarily governed by state laws in the
USA?
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A. Immigration
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B. Education
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C. National defense
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D. Foreign trade
Case Study 3: Federalism in Canada
Context:
Canada's federal system is designed to accommodate the country's two official
languages and multiple cultural communities. The Constitution Act of 1867
established a division of powers between the federal government and the
provinces. Each province has the authority to legislate on various matters,
including health care and education, allowing for localized governance that
reflects the unique needs of different regions. This arrangement has fostered a
sense of identity among provinces while promoting national unity.
Questions:
-
What does Canada’s federal structure primarily aim to
accommodate?
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A. Economic disparity
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B. Cultural diversity and language
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C. Military governance
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D. Single-party dominance
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Which level of government in Canada handles health
care?
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A. Federal government
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B. Provincial government
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C. Local government
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D. Territorial government
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What is a key feature of Canada’s Constitution Act of
1867?
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A. Centralized control
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B. Division of powers between federal and provincial
governments
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C. Elimination of provincial governments
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D. Unitary system
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How does federalism contribute to national unity in
Canada?
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A. By promoting regional identities
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B. By enforcing uniform laws across provinces
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C. By allowing localized governance while maintaining a
central authority
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D. By limiting provincial powers
Case Study 4: Challenges of Federalism in Nigeria
Context:
Nigeria's federal system is marked by significant ethnic and cultural diversity.
The country adopted a federal structure to manage its complex social landscape,
dividing powers between the federal government and the 36 states. However,
challenges such as ethnic tensions, corruption, and unequal resource
distribution have complicated the federal framework. Efforts to strengthen
federalism in Nigeria include revisiting the distribution of powers and
resources to ensure equitable development across regions.
Questions:
-
What major challenge does Nigeria face within its
federal system?
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A. Homogeneity among ethnic groups
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B. Ethnic tensions and resource allocation
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C. Centralized governance
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D. Limited state powers
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How many states are there in Nigeria?
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What aspect of federalism is Nigeria currently trying
to address?
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A. Strengthening the power of the federal government
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B. Revisiting resource distribution among states
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C. Eliminating states altogether
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D. Centralizing educational policies
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Why was federalism adopted in Nigeria?
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A. To unify a homogeneous society
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B. To manage ethnic diversity and promote local governance
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C. To limit state powers
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D. To centralize authority
Case Study 5: Federalism and Global Governance
Context:
Federalism is not only a national principle but also influences global
governance structures. Many international organizations, such as the European
Union (EU), adopt federal principles to manage relationships among member
states. These organizations aim to balance the sovereignty of individual nations
with collective decision-making processes. This federal approach allows for
cooperation on issues like trade, security, and environmental policy while
respecting the diversity of member nations.
Questions:
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What international organization exemplifies federal
principles in its governance structure?
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A. United Nations
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B. European Union
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C. World Trade Organization
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D. International Monetary Fund
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What is a key feature of federalism in global
governance?
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A. Complete centralization of power
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B. Balance between national sovereignty and collective
decision-making
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C. Elimination of individual nation-states
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D. Strict enforcement of uniform laws
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How does federalism enhance cooperation among nations?
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A. By promoting isolationism
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B. By encouraging collective decision-making on common issues
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C. By reducing participation in international organizations
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D. By limiting trade relations
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What aspect of member nations is respected in a
federal global governance structure?
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A. Economic equality
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B. Cultural diversity and sovereignty
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C. Political homogeneity
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D. Centralized authority over all matters