The key features of a federal government are as follows:
(i) Two or more levels of Government: In a federal government there are two or more levels of government at the State, provincial and local levels. As an exception in India we have third level of government i.e., at the local level.
(ii) Constitutional Status : Federalism provides constitutional guarantees for the existence and authority of each tier of government. The jurisdiction of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution.
(iii) Independent Judiciary: Independent judiciary is the essence of federal government. Here courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of the different levels of government. The highest court acts as an umpire if a dispute arises between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers.
(iv) Financial Autonomy : In order to ensure financial autonomy federalism provides specified sources of revenue for each level of government. Every level is free in its own way to impose taxes and raise funds through remunerative enterprises.
In this way a 'federal government' has dual objectives i.e., to safeguard and to promote unity of the country by way of mutual trust and agreement to live together.
(v) Distribution of Powers: In federalism different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and adminis

• Division of Powers: The federal government is characterized by the division of powers between the central government and the state governments. Both levels of government have their own distinct and independent powers, responsibilities, and jurisdictions.



• Written Constitution: Federal governments are governed by a written constitution that outlines the powers and limitations of each level of government. The constitution is also the supreme law of the land, and all laws and policies must be consistent with it.



• Independent Judiciary: Federal governments have an independent judiciary that interprets the constitution and resolves disputes between the central government and state governments. The judiciary is also responsible for upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights and freedoms.



• Separation of Powers: Federal governments are characterized by the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. This separation ensures that no single branch of government has too much power and that each branch serves as a check and balance on the others.



• Bicameral Legislature: Many federal governments have a bicameral legislature, consisting of a lower house and an upper house, which helps to ensure that laws are debated and passed in a deliberate and thorough manner.



• Protection of Minority Rights: Federal governments are designed to protect the rights of minority groups and ensure that their interests are represented in the political process. This is achieved through a system of representation that ensures that each state or region has an equal voice in the federal government.



• Fiscal Federalism: Federal governments often use fiscal federalism to allocate resources and responsibilities between the central government and state governments. This involves the distribution of funds from the central government to state governments based on specific criteria, such as population or need, to ensure that each level of government has the resources it needs to fulfill its responsibilities.



• Democratic Principles: Federal governments are based on democratic principles, including the right to vote, free and fair elections, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. These principles ensure that the government is accountable to the people and that decisions are made in the best interests of the entire population.

Overall, federal governments are designed to balance power between the central government and state governments, protect individual rights and freedoms, ensure that minority groups are represented in the political process, and promote democratic principles.