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Advantages and Disadvantages of Federalism

Twenty four of the world's one hundred ninety three countries have a federal
political set up. Looking at these countries' political history, it can be said there
are both advantages and disadvantages of federalism. Read the following article
for an in depth analysis of a federation

Federalism is a political system in which the powers are divided between the central
government and numerous regional governments. There is a written constitution which
formulates this power sharing arrangement between the state and its units. These units
referred to as the provincial or regional governments have the power to act
independently in certain areas of governance. For example in the USA, the local
governments have exclusive powers to issue licenses, provide for public health, conduct
elections and form local governments, look after the intrastate trade, etc.

Federalism in Today's World

At present, Federalism is being followed not only in first world countries like USA,
Australia and Canada but also in developing countries like Mexico, India and Brazil.
Contemplating a change in the governing set up of the nation, some countries like Sri
Lanka and Philippines are intently scrutinizing the advantages and disadvantages of
Federalism.

Advantages of Federalism
Every province has political, social and economic problems peculiar to the region itself.
Provincial government representatives live in close proximity to the people and are
most of the times from the same community, so that they are in a better position to
understand these problems and offer unique solutions for them. For example, traffic
congestion in Oahu, Hawaii is a problem that can be best solved by the local government,
keeping local factors in mind, rather than by somebody living in New York. Federalism
offers representation to different populations. Citizens of various provinces may have
different aspirations, ethnicity and follow different cultures. The central government can
sometimes overlook these differences and adopt policies which cater to the majority.
This is where the regional government steps in. While formulating policies, local needs,
tastes and opinions are given due consideration by the state governments. Rights of the
minorities are protected too. For example, in states like Arizona where there is a large
Hispanic population and therefore, a large number of schools provide bilingual
education. State governments have the freedom to adopt policies which may not be
followed nationally or by any other state. For example, same sex marriages are not
recognized by the federal government of USA but they are given legal status within the
states of Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and Massachusetts. Division of work between the
central and the regional governments leads to optimum utilization of resources. The
central government can concentrate more on international affairs and defense of the
country while the provincial government can cater to the local needs. Federalism has
room for innovation and experimentation. Two local governments can have two
different approaches to bring reforms in any area of public domain, be it taxation or
education. The comparison of the results of these policies can give a clear idea of which
policy is better and thus, can be adopted in the future. Federalism no doubt has many
positives vis a vis Communism or Imperialism but still some political scientists often
raise questions about advantages of Federalism.
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Disadvantages of Federalism
Sharing of power between the Center and the states includes both advantages and
disadvantages of federation. Sometimes there can be overlapping of work and
subsequent confusion regarding who is responsible for what. For example, when
typhoon Katrina hit Greater New Orleans, USA, in 2005, there was delay in the rescue
work as there was confusion between the state governments and the federal
government on who is responsible for which disaster management work. This resulted
in the loss of many lives. Federal system of government is very expensive as more
people are elected to office, both at the state and the center, than necessary. Thus, it is
often said that only rich countries can afford it. Too many elected representatives with
overlapping roles may also lead to corruption. Federalism leads to unnecessary
competition between different regions. There can be a rebellion by a regional
government against the national government too. Both scenarios pose a threat to the
countries' integrity. Federalism promotes regional inequalities. Natural resources,
industries, employment opportunities differ from region to region. Hence earnings and
wealth are unevenly distributed. Rich states offer more opportunities and benefits to its
citizens than poor states can. Thus, the gap between rich and poor states widens.
Federalism can make the state governments selfish and concerned only about their own
region's progress. They can formulate policies which might be detrimental to other
regions. For example, pollution from a province which is promoting industrialization in
a big way can affect another region which depends solely on agriculture and cause crop
damage.Federalism does not eliminate poverty. Even in New York, there are poor
neighborhoods like Harlem with a majority of black population. The reason for this may
be that during policy framing, it is the intellectuals and not the masses who are invited
by the local government. These intellectuals may not understand the local needs
properly and thus, policies might not yield good results.
Thus, it is understandable that there have been both advantages and disadvantages of
Federalism in USA. There is a general feeling that the rights of the minorities, like blacks,
are compromised in USA. But at the same time, USA now has a democratically elected
African American President. Similarly, there have been advantages and disadvantages of
federalism in other countries as well. For federalism to be truly successful it should be
accompanied by other ideals like Secularism, Democracy and Liberalism.
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Communism Vs Capitalism
This article is my take on the communism vs capitalism debate. It will talk about
the major points of difference between communism and capitalism

Communism vs capitalism debate is a battle between two extreme socioeconomic

theories. They are theories that represent two inherently opposite ways of thinking. One
is extremely individualistic (Capitalism), while the other one (Communism) believes in
putting the society before self. The communism vs capitalism clash polarized the world
during the cold war. This article explores all dimensions of communism vs capitalism
debate and explores the two ideologies while comparing their points of difference.

Communism vs Capitalism Comparison

Here is a straight comparison between communism and capitalism, which discusses the
pros and cons of both the ideologies.

Communism vs Capitalism: Ownership of Means of Production

The primary point of difference between capitalism and communism is regarding the
ownership of 'means of production' or resources in general. Communism shuns
private/individual ownership of land or any vital resources. Instead, all the 'means of
production' like land and other resources should be owned by the state. By state here, I
mean the whole community of people. All land and resources which enable the
production of goods and services will be owned by one and all. Everything will be
shared! All decisions about production will be made by the whole community by
democratic means. There will be equal wages for all. All the decisions taken will be
according to what is good for all.

On the other hand, capitalism believes in private ownership of land and means of
production. Every man will have to earn his worth. The major share of the profits earned
from a business will go to the person who owns the means of production, while the
workers who are responsible for running the business will get a small share. Every man
will get his wages according to his merit and according to the thinking of the man who
owns the means of production. Naturally the people who own the means of production,
the capitalists, call the shots when it comes to decision making!

This is the major bone of contention between the two ideologies, ownership of means of
production! Both are extreme ideas. While communism can kill the idea of individual
enterprise, which has led to most of the technological innovations we see today,
capitalism has the seeds of exploitation, where too much wealth and therefore power, is
concentrated in the hands of a few people.
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Communism vs Capitalism: Individual Freedom

As I said before, communism and capitalism are two extreme points of view, which have
contrasting views about individual freedom. Communism asks one to put the society
before the individual, while capitalism puts individual freedom, before society.

So, the polarity between two ideologies is 'Individualism vs Social welfare'. Capitalism
gives more importance to individual aspirations and appeals to the inherent selfish
nature, which is inherent in all human beings. This inherent selfishness, is a result of the
instinct of self preservation.

Communism appeals to our more saintly side, wherein we think about others before
ourselves. It is a noble thought, which goes against the inherent selfish nature of people,
though it is appealing to their generous natures.

Both again are two extreme points of view, which have their advantages and
disadvantages. Some of the greatest advances in human history have happened due to
individual creativity and enterprise, which were self serving, though they ultimately
benefited the society. Communism can kill that individual creative streak, by making a
person do what he is told. In short, it has the danger of killing creativity and original
thinking.

Capitalism, on the other hand, feeding selfish desires can create capitalist autocrats who
can have control of life and death over thousands of people, leading to exploitation. Read
more on, 'Pros and Cons of capitalism'.

Communism vs Capitalism: Society

Communism advocates a classless, egalitarian society, where all men and women are
placed on the same footing. There will be no differences of class, race, religion or even
nationality! This way, there will be nothing to fight for. This is nice as an idea, but trying
to implement this idea is tough and asking people to give up all the things that make
them different, is unfair! Every person is special and different in his own way.

Capitalism promotes class distinction. In fact creates the major class distinction of haves
and have-nots, the rich and the poor. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer under
pure capitalism. The rich class controls the means of production and wields power,
thereby imposing their own class distinction and whims on the society.

Communism vs Capitalism: Anatomy of Power

Communism appeals to the higher ideal of altruism, while capitalism promotes

selfishness. Let us consider what will happen to power distribution in both these
ideologies! Capitalism naturally concentrates wealth and therefore, power in the hands
of the people who own the means of production. So, it creates the rich elite who control
wealth, resources and power. So, naturally they decide the distribution of power.
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In communism, ideally, if all of mankind was of saintly nature, altruistic and selfless, the
distribution of power would be equal. All decisions would be made by democratic means
and there would be no unjust rules favoring a few!

However, that is not the case here, people are inherently selfish and the nature of power
is such that it corrupts minds and absolute power corrupts absolutely. We have the
example of how communism can concentrate absolute power over a whole nation, in the
hands of a single man, in Stalinist Russia! So, both the ideologies can fail and create an
unjust society!

Ultimately what we need, is a balanced approach, which is a combination of good points

in both the ideologies. A mixed economy where the state has control over all the vital
resources of a nation, provides welfare for the needy, while also promoting free
entrepreneurship! Communism being an extreme form of socialism, you can read more
on: