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WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF FEDERALISM?

•  There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
•  Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
•  The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution.
•  The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government. Such changes require the consent of both the levels of government.
•  Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of government.
•  Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
•  The federal system thus has dual objectives: to safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate regional diversity.