**Federalism**

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided and shared between a central authority and various regional or state governments. It is a political concept that aims to strike a balance between a strong central government and regional autonomy. In a federal system, both levels of government have their respective powers and responsibilities, and neither one can unilaterally abolish or dominate the other.

**Key Features of Federalism:**

1. **Division of Power**: Under federalism, power is divided between the central government and regional governments. Each level of government has its own set of powers and functions, and they operate within their own spheres without interference from the other.

2. **Dual Government**: A federal system consists of two levels of government: the central government and the regional governments. The central government represents the entire country and deals with national issues, such as defense, foreign policy, and currency. Regional governments have jurisdiction over local matters, such as education, healthcare, and transportation.

3. **Written Constitution**: Federal systems are usually governed by a written constitution that delineates the powers and functions of each level of government. The constitution acts as a framework for the distribution of powers and serves as a legal document that guides the functioning of the federal system.

4. **Supremacy of Constitution**: In a federal system, the constitution is the supreme law of the land. All levels of government, including the central and regional governments, must abide by the provisions of the constitution. If any government acts in violation of the constitution, the judiciary acts as a guardian and ensures the supremacy of the constitution.

5. **Independent Judiciary**: Federal systems often have an independent judiciary that interprets and applies the constitution. The judiciary acts as a check on both the central and regional governments to prevent any encroachment on each other's powers. It ensures that the division of powers is maintained, and any disputes regarding power-sharing are resolved impartially.

6. **Cooperative Relations**: While both levels of government have their own powers, they also need to cooperate and coordinate with each other to govern effectively. They may collaborate on issues of common interest, such as national security or economic development, through mechanisms like intergovernmental councils or conferences.

Overall, federalism is a system of government that aims to balance the need for a strong central authority with the desire for regional autonomy. It allows for the efficient governance of a diverse country by allocating powers and responsibilities between the central and regional governments.

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between central authority and various constituents units of the country