What is Federalism?

In federal countries, power is shared between a government for the whole country – which is sometimes called federal government, national government or Union government – and governments for federal units within this country. Federal units are also often called provinces, states or cantons. Federalism means the constitution divides power between at least two levels or orders of government.Both orders have a direct electoral relationship with their citizens. In some federal countries, people also elect their local government, which may also be constitutionally recognized.

The federal government is responsible for common purposes for the whole country such as national defence, currency and foreign relations. The states or provinces are empowered to act within their areas of responsibility as it is described in the constitution. The federal power cannot take away the power of the federal units.

Watch this Forum of Federations animated video called, “What is Federalism?” to get a basic understanding of Federalism.

Click the blue button below to learn more about Federalism including which countries are federal and benefits of federalism

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Thematic Programs concern the development and mobilization of knowledge on federal and multilevel governance systems.

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"Another Ontario election has come and gone. And less than half the population noticed"

Read this thought provoking piece by Jennifer Wallner, Jean-Luc Pépin Research Chair at the University of Ottawa.

Read the Blog story here: forumfedblog.org/ontarians-need-to-see-the-power-of-their-own-government/
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Another Ontario election has come and gone. And less than half the population noticed

Read this thought provoking piece by Jennifer Wallner, Jean-Luc Pépin Research Chair at the University of Ottawa. 

Read the Blog story here: https://forumfedblog.org/ontarians-need-to-see-the-power-of-their-own-government/

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Bravo a vous tous. Succes, etc.

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Policy Exclusive Talk with Jacques Bertrand on Nationalism & Governance in Southeast Asia!

Live Event at University of Ottawa on April, 11 , 2025

Host: André Lecours and Speaker: Jacques Bertrand
Faculty Of Social Sciences
Room : FSS 7035
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Jacques Bertrand, a leading expert on nationalism and governance in Southeast Asia, as he presents insights from his latest book, State and Sub-state Nationalism in Southeast Asia.In this engaging event, Professor Bertrand will explore the challenges of nationalist movements, the complexities of autonomy, and the successes and failures of institutional accommodation across the region. Drawing from case studies in Aceh, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and Myanmar, he will examine how different governance models have shaped conflicts and resolutions.
... See MoreSee Less

Policy Exclusive Talk with Jacques Bertrand on Nationalism & Governance in Southeast Asia!

Live Event at University of Ottawa on April, 11 , 2025

Host: André Lecours and Speaker: Jacques Bertrand
Faculty Of Social Sciences
Room : FSS 7035
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Jacques Bertrand, a leading expert on nationalism and governance in Southeast Asia, as he presents insights from his latest book, State and Sub-state Nationalism in Southeast Asia.In this engaging event, Professor Bertrand will explore the challenges of nationalist movements, the complexities of autonomy, and the successes and failures of institutional accommodation across the region. Drawing from case studies in Aceh, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and Myanmar, he will examine how different governance models have shaped conflicts and resolutions.Image attachment
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