A federation is a formal and institutionalized grouping that welcomes diverse autonomous social entities around a common interest or element. The word federation comes from the Latin foederatio , which means ‘union’. Therefore, federation refers to the action and effect of uniting.
From a legal point of view , there are two definitions of federation: the first refers to the federal State, a sovereign political unit formed by the union of autonomous entities with specific powers protected by the national Constitution. For example , United States of America.
The second refers to the association of associations, which can cover the most diverse areas of interest such as sports, unions, industrial and agricultural production, banking, commerce, science and research. For example , the International Federation of Football Associations, better known as FIFA.
What is a federal republic?
In the political order, a federal republic, also known as a federal state, is one that is organized in a decentralized way based on the association of political-territorial entities or states, which agree on a common project and, at the same time, respect of local autonomy in various subjects.
Within a federal state or federal republic, political-territorial entities or states are called federated states . As a theoretical model of political organization, this order is known as federalism .
Some paradigmatic examples are the Federal Republic of Germany and the United Mexican States. Each of these republics is made up of a federal district and several federal states. These can choose their own authorities (governors, mayors and councilors) and manage their resources autonomously, according to the parameters determined in each constitution.
See also:
- State.
- Federalism.
Characteristics of the federalist republic
A federalist republic or federal state has certain characteristics that distinguish it from other models of political organization.
- Power is distributed under a decentralized scheme.
- It implies the coexistence of two coordinating bodies: one central and several local, called federated states.
- The constitution establishes the powers and limits of the central body and of the local bodies.
- The federal state prevails over the federated states or member states in matters of national interest.
- The federated states are not sovereign.
- The federal states have autonomy in the terms and areas established in the constitution.
- The federated states take part in the formation of the national government.
