Relationship between Federalism and Democracy

Democracy and federalism often complement each other as they show the compatibility of inevitable intergovernmental coordination. Both federalism and democracy work to impede or disrupt non-representative democratic governing. These two concepts are inherently compatible nor inevitably incongruous. Scholars have argued that the practices of democratic federations often display multiple tensions. To effectively apply both ideals, there will likely be conflicts and impasses. The system used in the U.S. sees this conflict as equally productive to representation within the lawmaking chambers. The competition is often delineated because of different federal systems put in place. Federalism and democracy are two independent concepts that operate interdependently. These are two institutional dimensions built upon a multilevel governance framework and intergovernmental relations. To work seamlessly, it is essential to link federalism and democracy in loosely coupled, flexible patterns. The critical element of their relationship is established through continuously balancing power found in the two institutional dimensions.

How does Federalism Support a Democracy?

Federalism supports democracy as these can be considered coherent principles. Federal democracies operate by transferring power to institutional structures and processes. This delegation is often not smooth and can reveal tensions. Democracy functions by providing autonomous governing of a community. Federalism creates the rules and regulations that keep this independent governance accountable to the will of its citizens. The logic that is applied to federalism helps integrate communities. Collaborative management between levels and constituent units leads to better democratic representation for citizens. Federalism principles help ensure that parties and parliaments are legitimate. Legitimacy is created for lawmakers through the political will of the people. Governments within jurisdictions cannot successfully govern without the legitimacy and accountability of the federal system. Collaborative governance strengthens the executives. Using a logical institutional form of national democracy, it is possible to practice democratic devolution. This balance of power can help to rule out these conflicts. Reducing the concentration of power in one area helps political actors to cope with how federalism and democracy are linked. Understanding this support helps to balance effective coordination and legitimacy of governments.

Which is better?

Democracy vs Federalism Debate

The rationale for federalism in the U.S. is that it is an institutional solution to managing the inevitable challenges of large-scale diversity. Historically, democracy’s origins can be traced back to ancient and medieval city-states. During these periods, citizens of a state could directly participate in political issues. Governance through democracy was often only possible in small states. This factor was due to the impractical logistics of collecting everyone’s opinion on decisions. These leaders often made policy decisions based on face-to-face discussions in the town square. Introducing a federal government meant that the democratic solutions chosen were representative. Federalism and democracy do not necessarily compete as the institutions enable democracy. Bureaucracy is required to run elections successfully at the scale of the nation and state. The problem of scale continued to haunt democracy as the voices of ordinary citizens were drowned out due to the increasing size of the political units. The consequences of this problem meant that geographical distances between leaders and the electorate were significant. Democracy without federalism makes it difficult for people to make their voices heard. It leads to a democracy that is not representative; instead, decisions are made by the elites in society. These individuals at the centre are often responsible for dominating political processes. 

Federalism works to keep democratically elected leaders in check. Without this form of checks and balances, there is a chance that the rulers will ignore the needs, aspirations and priorities of the electorate.

Unchecked democracy can result in unpopular, inappropriate and unworkable policies. Citizens often lose faith in the democratic process leading to high political apathy. Introducing fair, bureaucratic institutions that work to reduce any perceptions of alienation and frustration among the citizens. Keeping these institutions clean prevents any damage to the reputation of the political system. Federalism transfers significant authority to the state or provincial level. With this method, citizens obtain more meaningful opportunities to exercise democratic control. The result of this is homegrown policies that are tailored to their own needs. The executive and elected leaders are then democratically entrusted with implementing these powers at the voters’ discretion.

Democracy or Federalism

Benefits of Federalism

1. The power-sharing base is broadened.

Minorities on the federal or national level have the opportunity to attain political office at the state or provincial level systematically. Political inclusion and a balance of power are crucial for reducing conflict. 

2. Improved Service Delivery 

Federalism helps nations to become more innovative due to the vast alternative policy suggestions. States can implement innovative policies that help to expand access to government services for low-income citizens. These provisions are often absent at the national level of democratically elected leaders.

3. The burden on central authorities is reduced.

The national leadership is granted time to focus on high-level decisions rather than domestic administration and service delivery. Lifting this burden will allow the executive to focus on managing strategic challenges and national priorities.

Benefits of Democracy

1. Peaceful Conflict Resolution

Allowing for fair representation of diverse groups in lawmaking will minimize conflict. Equal rights are the key to a dignified, pro-poor policy that offers good views on how to solve challenges. 

2. Human Rights

Democracy embodies the human rights that allow people to act, speak and think freely. This freedom is represented through their political will. 

3. Equality before the law

Making all citizens equal before the law is common under democracy. This concept embodies the “one man, one vote” ethos and allows for a safer and more secure community.