Comparative Analysis between Federation and Federalism
This paper discusses the comparative analysis between federalism and federation. Federalism is a theoretical framework while federation is a legal term manifesting itself in pragmatic form. The former is normative while the latter is descriptive in nature. Federalism is the means while federation is the end as there can be federalism without federation but there can be no federation without federalism. Federalism refers to an ideological perspective which acts as prescriptive guide while federation connotes constitutionally well-established institution. It has been discussed in formal centralized or effective centralized form, unitary or decentralized form, symmetrical or asymmetrical form, and fully or partially centralized form. Centripetal and Centrifugal forces provide the basic framework for federalism. Various forms of federations have been discussed in parlance of three different models of federalism.