Authored by Swetha Mariam Saji, Student, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
Abstract
Federalism involves the division of powers between a central authority and regional or state governments, ensuring cooperation and interdependence in governance. In a federal system, multiple layers of government share decision-making authority, in contrast to a unitary system where a sole central authority holds supreme power. The United States federalism evolved from a confederation of states, emphasizing local autonomy, reflecting its historical struggle for independence and the desire to limit central authority. In contrast, India’s federalism was shaped by the need for a strong central government to maintain national unity amidst its vast cultural, linguistic, and regional diversity. This paper explores the historical and political circumstances that shaped federalism in the U.S. and India, providing a comparative analysis of the distribution of legislative powers. This comparative study focuses on the evolution and dynamics of federalism in India and the United States, particularly examining how legislative powers are allocated in both countries. In the U.S., the Constitution specifically enumerates the powers of the federal government, with residuary powers reserved for the states. India’s federal structure divides powers among the Union, State, and Concurrent lists, ensuring both central and state authority in specific areas. By comparing these two models, this research aims to highlight the differences in how each country has structured its federal system to address its unique political challenges and governance needs. This paper also focuses on how the contours of federalism in both countries have changed over time.
Keywords: #Federalism, #Constitution, #Evolution, #Government, #Cooperation etc.