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Federalism: Core Idea
- Governments are classified as federal or unitary according to the constitutional relationship between national and regional governments.
- In a federal government, the Constitution itself divides powers between national and regional governments.
- Each level operates independently within its constitutionally assigned sphere.
- In a unitary government, governmental authority is concentrated in the national government.
- Regional governments in a unitary system, where they exist, derive their authority from the national government.
- The word federation originates from the Latin foedus, meaning treaty or agreement.
- Constituent units may be called states, provinces, cantons or republics in different federations.