Federativní

Federativní is an adjective used in Czech to describe things related to a federation or to federal systems of government. The term stems from the concept of federation, which in turn draws on Latin roots such as foedus (“covenant”) and the related word foederatio, with the Czech form federativní modeling the same idea of a union built on negotiated arrangements among distinct political units.

In political science, federativní (federal) systems are characterized by a constitutional division of powers between a central government and subnational units—such as states, regions, or cantons. This division creates a framework of dual or multiple sovereignty, where both levels have legally defined authorities and can operate independently in certain domains. Common features include a constitutionally entrenched distribution of competences, a central government with authority over national matters and subnational governments with authority over local matters, and often a bicameral legislature that provides representation for regional interests. Fiscal federalism and mechanisms for intergovernmental cooperation are typical elements, as are courts or constitutional bodies that can resolve disputes between levels of government.

Federativní arrangements are often contrasted with unitary states, where central authority is supreme and subnational bodies derive power from the central government, and with confederations, where subnational units retain more sovereignty and central authority is weaker. While most examples of federativní systems are national polities (for example, the United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, India, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico), the term can also describe federative features in regional or organizational governance.

In Czech usage, federativní appears in phrases such as federativní stát or federativní uspořádání, indicating the presence of a federation-like structure.