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
Publications
Podcast
Blog
Video Library
Thematic Programs
Thematic Programs concern the development and mobilization of knowledge on federal and multilevel governance systems.
Country/Regional Programs
Country/Regional Programs are demand-led initiatives which respond to the needs of stakeholders and donors concerning the creation, development, and reform of governance systems in emerging federal and multilevel countries.
Forum Board Member and living icon of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle decorated by the President of Nigeria
The Forum of Federations extends its congratulations to the Honourable Professor Julius Ihonvbere on being appointed Commander of the Order of the Niger by President Tinubu. Professor Ihonvbere represents Nigeria on the board of the Forum of Federations and is currently the House Majority Leader in the Nigerian House of Representatives. He was previously Secretary to Government in Edo State. Dr. Ihonvbere had a distinguished career in academia prior to entering politics having held professorships at the Universities of Toronto and Texas at Austin. Forced into exile in 1990, he would return as Special Adviser to President Obasanjo after the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. On 12 June 2025 he was among those fallen and living icons of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle honoured by President Tinubu for their sacrifices that “weaved the culture of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.”
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Turn on Federalism
Registration
hss-de.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_afDL11tzQ_uyiQ7Hvr0oZg#/registration
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
