Q: What are the types of Federal systems?

A: Federal systems may be categorized according to:

1. Process of adoption of federalism

2. Distribution of powers and functions between the federal government and state/local governments.

Q: What are the types of federal systems according to process of adoption of federalism?

A: According to the process of adoption of federalism, there may be:

1. Coming together federations – a federal structure and distinct entities at the foundation of the country played a major role in the development of the political and fiscal structure of the country (e.g. Canada, India and Switzerland)

2. Holding together federations – federations was adopted in order to preserve the nations and enhance peaceful coexistence among distinct communities (e.g. South Africa); or through attempt to keep a nation alive by weakening the central government (e.g. Bosnia-Herzegovina).

According to the distribution of powers and functions between the federal government and state/local governments, there could be:

1. Decentralized federations where sub-unit governments have a full set of governance institutions that are independent of the national government (e.g. Canada, United States)

2. Cooperative federations where national and sub-unit government cooperates more closely in the drafting of legislation (Germany).