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Federal Republic

Hey, curious minds! Have you ever wondered how a big country manages to run smoothly?

Well, one way is through a federal government system. Let's dive in deeper to explore this
fascinating way of governing!

Understanding the Federal Government System:

Imagine a country like a giant jigsaw puzzle, where each piece (state or region) is essential to
complete the whole picture (the entire nation). A federal government system is like putting
together this puzzle where different pieces work together for a common goal – to ensure the
country functions well and fairly.

The term ‘federation’ is derived from the Latin word foedus which means ‘treaty’ or
‘agreement’. Thus, a federation is a new state (political system) that is formed through a treaty
or an agreement between the various units. The units of a federation are known by various
names, like states (as in the US) or cantons (as in Switzerland) or provinces (as in Canada) or
republics (as in Russia).

Key Components of a Federal System:

1. Central and State Powers:

Central Government: This is like the main leader or captain of the team. It handles big things
that affect the entire country, such as making national laws, defending the country, and
handling foreign affairs.

States or Regions: Each state or region has its own leaders, laws, and governments. They
manage things that mostly affect their area, like education, roads, and local laws.

2. Sharing Responsibilities:

Dividing Tasks: The central government and state governments share certain jobs and
responsibilities. For instance, while the central government might take care of national defense,
states manage their own schools and transportation.

Teamwork: When it comes to making important decisions for the country, both levels of
government work together, ensuring harmony in the functioning of the nation.

3. Leadership:

President or Prime Minister: In countries like the United States, there's a president who leads
the central government. In others, such as Canada, a prime minister takes charge.
Governors or Premiers: Each state or region has its own leader, called a governor or premier,
who oversees the government's operations within that specific area.

Countries with Federal Governments:

1. United States of America:


Central Leader: The President (as of the last update, it was Joe Biden).
States: There are 50 states, and each has its own governor.

2. Canada:
Central Leader: The Prime Minister (as of the last update, it was Justin Trudeau).
Provinces: There are 10 provinces and 3 territories, each with its own premier or leader.

3. Germany:
Central Leader: The Chancellor (as of the last update, it was Angela Merkel).
States: Germany has 16 states, and each has its own leader.

4. India:
Central Leader: The Prime Minister (as of the last update, it was Narendra Modi).
States: India comprises 28 states and 8 union territories, each governed by its own leaders.

Functioning of the Federal System:

1. Legislative Responsibilities:

National Laws: The central government creates laws that apply to the entire country, like rules
about citizenship or national security.

Local Laws: States or regions can also make their own laws for things that mainly concern their
area, like traffic rules or local taxes.

2. Financial Aspects:

Taxation: People pay taxes, and some of that money goes to the central government. It’s used
for large projects and national programs.

State Budgets: Some money remains in the states for managing local services, like schools,
hospitals, and parks.

3. Balance of Power:
Checks and Balances: Each level of government keeps an eye on the others to ensure no one
becomes too powerful. This ensures a fair balance of authority and prevents one level from
dominating decisions.

4. Cultural Diversity:

Respecting Differences: Different states or regions might have their own languages, cultures, or
traditions. The federal system respects and protects these diversities.
Wrapping Up:

A federal government system is like a well-coordinated orchestra where different instruments


(states or regions) play their unique tunes while coming together to create a beautiful
symphony (the entire country). It's about teamwork, cooperation, and ensuring everyone's
needs are met!

Remember, while every state or region has its own leader, they collaborate and contribute to
decisions that shape the entire nation. It’s all about working together as one big team to make
the country a better place for everyone!

For more information click on:

https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/republic/399861#:~:text=A%20republic%20is%20a
%20form,called%20representatives%2C%20to%20make%20laws.

https://kids.kiddle.co/Federal_republic

https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-federal-government-definition-powers-
benefits.html

https://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Federal_republic

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