Federal systems strengths and weaknesses


	Federal systems strengths and weaknesses
	Advantages Advantageous for countries with large territories. Constitutions are often rigid and difficult to amend - Can be a good thing to protect civil rights and liberties. Recognises diversity within a state. Stronger checks and balances on government policy.	Disadvantages Can entrench internal divisions Can make accountability more complicated, difficult to distinguish who is at fault if things go wrong Slower and more complicated decision making Constitutions are often rigid and difficult to amend. - Difficult to change controversial policies, e.g. Gun control in USA. Influence based on size of state/region can violate the principle of one person = one vote. E.g. USA Electoral college. - 2016 Presidential Election, Donald Trump, 46.09% of popular vote, Hillary Clinton, 48.14%.
	Evaluation

Advantageous for countries with large territories.
Constitutions are often rigid and difficult to amend - Can be a good thing to protect civil rights and liberties.
Recognises diversity within a state.
Stronger checks and balances on government policy.

Can entrench internal divisions
Can make accountability more complicated, difficult to distinguish who is at fault if things go wrong
Slower and more complicated decision making
Constitutions are often rigid and difficult to amend. - Difficult to change controversial policies, e.g. Gun control in USA.
Influence based on size of state/region can violate the principle of one person = one vote. E.g. USA Electoral college. - 2016 Presidential Election, Donald Trump, 46.09% of popular vote, Hillary Clinton, 48.14%.

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