A two-tier system of government. The higher, central government is usually concerned with matters which affect the whole nation such as defence and foreign policy, while a lower, regional authority generally takes responsibility for local concerns such as education, housing, and planning, although, of course, the division of responsibilities varies from case to case. Cutler (2004) J. Federalism 34, 2 argues that federalism may reduce voters’ ability to hold their governments accountable.

Federations were designed to preserve regional characteristics within a united nation, or to constrain nationalist elements. Thus, the Nigerian federation was substantially amended after the 1967 Biafran war; see Philips (2005) African Studs Rev. 48, 2. In 1935, India was given a federal form of government by the British; see Parich and Weingarst (1997) Virginia Law Rev. 83, 7, 1593.