Comparative Federalism
- Social Sciences
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 144 pages
- 19 units
This course provides a comparative analysis of federalism across different states, sub-regions, and continents. It explores the characteristics of federal states, including heterogeneity, diversity, and accommodation. The course also examines the peculiarities of federal states like Nigeria, the United States, Switzerland, India, and Brazil. Additionally, it covers comparative issues in federalism, such as constitutionalism, intra-governmental relations, decentralization, inter-governmental relations, and democracy.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 26 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of POL322, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
POL322 · UNIT 2: THE ORIGIN OF FEDERALISM
In effect, the normative nature of federalism indicates the acceptance and bringing to life a system of government that appreciates the combination of shared and separate political values and systems of governance. In contrast to the normative value of federalism, federal political systems and federations are regarded as descriptive terminologies by Watts (1990).
What you should be able to do
- Understand the practice of federalism in selected states.
- Identify factors that obstruct the practice of federalism.
- Comprehend the peculiarities of federal states.
- Explain the concept of Comparative Federalism.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of federal states.
What it prepares you for
- Political Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Civil Servant
- Diplomat
- Researcher
- Government
- International Relations
- Public Policy
- Research Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- MODULE 2 Characteristics of Federal States
Unit 4: Representation, Marginalisation and Political Power Relations
Understanding the nuances of power dynamics and resource control in a multi-ethnic setting requires critical analysis.
- MODULE 3 Peculiarities of Federal States
Unit 1: Nigeria
The historical context and complex intergovernmental relations require synthesis of multiple factors.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1MODULE 1: Meaning of Comparative Federalism
Unit 1: Conceptual Clarification · 2 hours
Define federalism and related terms.. Distinguish federalism from other systems of government..
- Week 2MODULE 1: Meaning of Comparative Federalism
Unit 2: Origins of Federalism · 2 hours
Explain the origin of federalism.. Discuss the phases in the development of federalism.. Identify scholars' contributions..
- Week 3MODULE 1: Meaning of Comparative Federalism
Unit 3: Structure of Federalism · 2 hours
Explain dual, competitive, and cooperative federalism.. Identify differences between dual and competitive federalism..
- Week 4MODULE 1: Meaning of Comparative Federalism
Unit 4: Institutions of Federalism · 2 hours
Discuss the three arms of government.. Explain the contributions of each arm to federalism.. Identify differences among the three arms..
- Week 5MODULE 1: Meaning of Comparative Federalism
Unit 5: Terms and Concepts of Federalism · 2 hours
Familiarize with concepts in federal studies.. Apply terms and concepts in discussions on federalism.. Explain terms and concepts..
- Week 6MODULE 2 Characteristics of Federal States
Unit 1: Heterogeneity/Diversity/Accommodation · 2 hours
Explain heterogeneity, plurality, and reasons for adopting federalism.. Discuss the impact of heterogeneity on federal political systems..
- Week 7MODULE 2 Characteristics of Federal States
Unit 2: Majority/Minority Debate and Identity Politics · 2 hours
Discuss identity politics and its impact on political stability.. Clarify the majority/minority debate..
- Week 8MODULE 2 Characteristics of Federal States
Unit 3: Devolution of Powers and the Principle of Autonomy · 2 hours
Discuss the relationship between the center and component units.. Explain the meaning of autonomy and devolution..
- Week 9MODULE 2 Characteristics of Federal States
Unit 4: Representation, Marginalisation and Political Power Relations · 2 hours
Explain forms of political representation.. Discuss marginalization as a political concept.. State the importance of power-sharing..
- Week 10MODULE 2 Characteristics of Federal States
Unit 5: Fiscal Relations · 2 hours
Discuss the meaning of Fiscal Federalism.. Explain issues pertaining to imbalances in resource allocation.. Summarize Nigeria's fiscal federalism experience..
- Week 11MODULE 3 Peculiarities of Federal States
Unit 1: Nigeria · 2 hours
Understand Nigeria's political history.. Explain evolutionary stages in Nigeria's federalism.. Assess the relationship between the center and component units..
- Week 12MODULE 3 Peculiarities of Federal States
Unit 2: United States of America · 2 hours
Explore the origins of America's political history.. Explain the development of American federalism.. Highlight contemporary practices..
- Week 13MODULE 3 Peculiarities of Federal States
Unit 3: Switzerland · 2 hours
Explain the origin of Switzerland's political history.. Describe the growth of federalism.. Discuss the nature of intergovernmental relations..
Preparing for the exam
- Create comparative tables outlining the key features of federalism in Nigeria, USA, Switzerland, India, and Brazil.
- Focus on understanding the historical context and evolution of federalism in each country.
- Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting different aspects of federalism, such as intergovernmental relations or constitutionalism.
- Review key concepts and definitions from Module 1, such as federalism, confederation, and devolution.
- Analyze case studies of specific federal states to understand the practical application of theoretical concepts.
Questions students ask about this course
What is POL322 about?
This course provides a comparative analysis of federalism across different states, sub-regions, and continents. It explores the characteristics of federal states, including heterogeneity, diversity, and accommodation. The course also examines the peculiarities of federal states like Nigeria, the United States, Switzerland, India, and Brazil. Additionally, it covers comparative issues in federalism, such as constitutionalism, intra-governmental relations, decentralization, inter-governmental relations, and democracy.
How many units does POL322 have?
POL322, Comparative Federalism, has 19 units across 4 modules, over 144 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is POL322?
POL322 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Social Sciences.
Is POL322 hard?
POL322 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does POL322 take to study?
About 26 hours of study, spread across its 19 units.
How is POL322 assessed?
POL322 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with POL322?
Political Analyst, Policy Advisor, Civil Servant, Diplomat and Researcher.