The balance of power between the central and state governments in a federation varies depending on the unique constitutional arrangements and historical context of each country. Two examples of this variation are the United States and India.

1. United States:
- The US Constitution grants certain powers to the federal government, such as regulating interstate commerce, conducting foreign policy, and providing for the common defense.
- However, the Tenth Amendment reserves all powers not specifically granted to the federal government to the states.
- This has led to a system of dual federalism, in which the federal and state governments operate independently of each other in their respective spheres of authority.
- Over time, the balance of power has shifted back and forth between the federal and state governments, with the federal government gaining more authority during times of crisis and the states asserting their autonomy during periods of relative stability.

2. India:
- The Indian Constitution also grants certain powers to the central government, such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency.
- However, unlike in the US, the Indian Constitution also grants significant power to the state governments, such as education, health, and agriculture.
- The Constitution also provides for a system of cooperative federalism, in which the central and state governments work together to achieve common goals.
- However, in practice, the balance of power has often been tilted in favor of the central government, particularly during periods of authoritarian rule.
- In recent years, there has been a push for greater decentralization and empowerment of the states, with some states demanding greater control over resources and decision-making.

In conclusion, the exact balance of power between the central and state governments in a federation can vary depending on a range of historical, political, and institutional factors. While some federations may prioritize a strong central government, others may prioritize greater autonomy for the states. Ultimately, the success of a federation depends on the ability of all levels of government to work together effectively and address the needs of their citizens.

The exact balance of power between the central and the state government varies from one federation to another due to the nature of route adopted by the country like: (i) Coming together federation. (ii) Holding together federation. ... Indian, Spain and Belgium federations are the examples of holding together federation.