Introduction

Federations are political systems in which power is divided between a central government and constituent units such as states or provinces. While some federations give equal power to all constituent units, it is more common for federations to be formed by "holding together" without giving equal power to all units. This is done for several reasons, which will be elaborated upon in this response.

1. Historical Context

- Federations are often formed based on historical circumstances and the consolidation of existing political entities.
- The constituent units may have different levels of development, size, or historical significance.
- As a result, some units may have more power and influence than others from the outset.

2. Diverse Interests and Political Realities

- Constituent units in a federation often have different interests, political ideologies, and economic priorities.
- Giving equal power to all units may lead to gridlock and impede decision-making processes.
- By granting more power to certain units, federations can ensure that decisions are made more efficiently and reflect the diverse interests and political realities of the constituent units.

3. Population Disparities

- Federations may consist of constituent units with significant population disparities.
- Giving equal power to all units would result in larger units having a disproportionate influence over decision-making processes.
- To address this, federations may allocate power based on factors such as population size or regional representation, ensuring that the interests of all units are taken into account.

4. Economic Disparities

- Economic disparities between constituent units can also be a factor in unequal power distribution.
- Regions with higher economic output may have more resources to contribute to the federation.
- Granting them more power can ensure the sustainability and stability of the federation by allowing these regions to have a greater say in decision-making processes.

5. Balancing National Interests

- Federations often aim to balance the interests of the central government with those of the constituent units.
- Granting more power to certain units allows the central government to maintain control over key policy domains while devolving authority to address regional concerns.
- This balance helps maintain the unity and stability of the federation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, most federations are formed by "holding together" without giving equal power to all constituent units. This is done to account for historical context, diverse interests, population and economic disparities, and to balance national and regional concerns. Unequal power distribution in federations is a result of complex political realities and the need to ensure effective decision-making and representation.