In the modern world, there are two types of state. devices: simple (unitary state) and complex (confederation, federation). The definition of the term (second) is as follows: the word "federation" comes from the Latin foederātiō, which means "union, unification". The word "unitary" is also translated from French as "one, united." It turns out that these two concepts are almost identical. So what is the difference between the federal and unitary types of government? How is the first term different from the second?
What is a unitary state and what is a federation? Definition
A unitary state is an integral state, which, if it consists of several components, which are administrative-territorial units, but nevertheless is an indivisible entity. In contrast, the definition of the word “federation” in modern science is given as follows: this form of government is inherent in those countries that consist of territorial entities that have a legally defined political independence. These components in each individual country are called differently, however, in jurisprudence, regardless of their names, it is customary to designate them as subjects of the federation. As you know, the United States consists of states, the Russian Federation - from republics, territories, autonomous regions, Germany - from federal states, Canada - from provinces, etc. However, all these components are legally considered subjects of the federation. The largest states in the world with a federal type of government are Russia, the USA, Germany, India, Brazil and others. Summing up, we will try to summarize what a subject of the federation is. The definition of this term can be found in any dictionary, including electronic. The essence of this concept is as follows: the subject of the federation is a state formation, which is part of a federal state and which does not have sovereignty.
Higher Authority Systems
In the Federal State, there are 2 systems of supreme governing bodies and authorities: subjective and federal. Despite the fact that the constitution of this state is the same for all subjects of the federation, each of the federal units has the right to adopt its own regional laws and charters, has its own capital, coat of arms and other symbols, the institution of citizenship, etc., but there is no state sovereignty. Subjective authorities do not have the right to establish foreign policy relations with other states, this is done at the federal level.
Signs of the Federation
Now you know what a federation is, the definition has already been given above, however, we will consider by what signs it can be established that this state has the corresponding state form. devices.
1. If a particular state consists of separate entities (republics, states, nomes, etc.) that have their own territory and have sovereignty, then it is a federation.
2. In this state system, the supreme executive, judicial and legislative powers are in the hands of federal state bodies.
3. The subjects of the federation are given the right to adopt their own laws, have their own constitution, not contradicting the federal constitution, and also have the highest organs of triple power.
4. In federal states, a bicameral parliamentary structure is mandatory. One of the chambers is the authority of the federal representative office, and the second is a specific subject of the federation.
Federation History
Federations in the modern sense arose in the last century. There are earlier countries with a similar state structure. They arose at a time when scientists had not yet thought about the question of what a federation was. The definition of this term was given much later. In different countries, this process took place in different ways. For example, from the unification of African sovereign states of Zanzibar and Tanganyika in the sixties of the last century, the Federal Republic of Tanzania arose. The United States was formed as a result of combining several dozen political units with actual signs of statehood. In addition to the United States, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, etc. were formed in the same way. But there are cases when a federation was formed as a result of attacks by state authorities. Such countries include India, Pakistan, etc.
First federations
The very first modern federations were formed on the basis of an alliance between states. In Soviet times, several similar federations arose. In this case, the subjects of the federation retained their sovereignty and the right to secession (secession) from the association, had their own constitution, citizenship, and their borders could not be changed without their consent.
Federation of the second type
This type includes constitutional federations that were based on autonomy. What is a federation whose definition falls under the second group? Their difference from the first is that in this case, the subjects of the federation do not have sovereignty, their borders can be changed without obtaining consent on their part. However, their opinion is not ignored, but cannot be considered fundamental. After the rapid collapse of the socialist camp, almost all the federal states of the first group broke up into unitary ones: the Czech Republic separated from Slovakia, the Yugoslav republics of Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Kosovo and others separated, and the Soviet republics separated from each other.
Nevertheless, in some of the countries of the post-Soviet space , a federal state system is still preserved. Today, almost all federations in the world are autonomous, that is, constitutional.
Federation structure of the Russian Federation
Consider this type of state. devices on the example of Russia - the largest country in the world in area. The Russian Federation is a state with a democratic federal structure, which consists of 85 equal entities: 46 regions, 21 republics, 1 autonomous region, 9 territories, three cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sevastopol) of federal importance, and four autonomous districts, as well as the city and the Baikonur cosmodrome rented until 2050. In addition, the territory of the Russian Federation is conditionally divided into 8 districts, which although they are not subjects of the federation, but they include several administrative regions (subjects) of the Russian Federation.
Legal definition: subject of the Russian Federation
State legal education in the Russian Federation is called the subject of the federation. The Constitution establishes 6 types of entities (republic, territory, region, etc.). Each of them has its own specific status with its inherent constitutional and legal features.
1. The republic, according to the constitution, is a state. It can have its own state language and constitution.
2. The region of federal significance and the region. It has its own charter, which is established by the legislative authority of the subject.
3.Autonomous region. It may also have its own charter established by the legislature of the field.
4. Autonomous Okrug. Its status is determined by the Constitution of the Russian Federation. It enters one or another region or region. It has its own charter.