Until recently, in the absence of prior agreement on a clear and precise definition, the concept was thought to mean (as a shorthand) 'a division of sovereignty between two levels of government'. New research, however, argues that this cannot be correct, as dividing sovereignty - when this concept is properly understood in its core meaning of the final and absolute source of political authority in a political community - is not possible. The descent of the United States into Civil War in the mid-nineteenth century, over disputes about unallocated competences concerning slavery and ultimately the right of secession, showed this. One or other level of government could be sovereign to decide such matters, but not both simultaneously. Therefore, it is now suggested that federalism is more appropriately conceived as 'a division of the powers flowing from sovereignty between two levels of government'. What differentiates the concept from other multi-level political forms is the characteristic of equality of standing between the two levels of government established. This clarified definition opens the way to identifying two distinct federal forms, where before only one was known, based upon whether sovereignty resides in the whole (in one people) or in the parts (in many peoples): the federal state (or federation) and the federal union of states (or federal union), respectively. Leading examples of the federal state include the United States, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, Australia and India. The leading example of the federal union of states is the European Union. COUNT 10
QSN1 What distinguishes Federalism from other multi-level governments? ANS1 equality of standing between the two levels of government QSN2 What historical event illustrated that dividing sovereignty was not possible? ANS2 Civil War QSN3 What organization is a leading example of a federal union? ANS3 European Union QSN4 What form of Federalism is characterized by where sovereignty resides in the whole? ANS4 federal state (or federation) QSN5 New research has clarified that Federalism has how many distinct forms? ANS5 two distinct federal forms QSN6 Before new research, what was the definition of federalism?  ANS6 a division of sovereignty between two levels of government QSN7 After new research, what was the final definition of federalism?  ANS7 final and absolute source of political authority in a political community - is not possible. QSN8 When was federalism put into place?  ANS8 The descent of the United States into Civil War in the mid-nineteenth century QSN9 What is the difference between multi-level political forms and federalism?  ANS9 the characteristic of equality of standing between the two levels of government established QSN10 What is an example of a federal union?  ANS10 the European Union