federali

Federali is a term used in political science to describe systems of government based on federalism, where sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central authority and constituent political units such as states, provinces, or cantons. In such systems, each level of government has defined powers and responsibilities, and both can operate directly within the lives of citizens.

Core features typically include a written or entrenched constitution, a clear division of powers between federal and subnational governments, and mechanisms for resolving disputes between levels of government. Federal systems often establish a central government with national responsibilities such as defense, foreign policy, and monetary policy, while subnational units handle regional matters like education, policing, and local infrastructure. A federal judiciary, including constitutional courts, is common to interpret authority and protect minority rights against overreach by higher levels of government. In many federations, there is a supreme law that overrides subnational laws when conflicts arise, a principle sometimes referred to as constitutional supremacy.

Variants in federations include symmetric federations, where subunits have equal powers, and asymmetric federations, where subunits retain different degrees of autonomy. Some states function as federations with strong central authority, while others resemble confederations with loose ties between regions. Examples of federal systems include the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, India, Brazil, and Switzerland, each with its own balance of centralized and regional powers.

Historically, federalism has been proposed as a way to accommodate diverse cultures, languages, or regions within a single state, while aiming to preserve national unity. Critics point to potential deadlock, intergovernmental conflict, and fiscal imbalances as common challenges.