What is federation - definition. Federation - the state. "Federation" - definition of the term

In the modern world there are two types of state. Devices: simple (unitary state) and complex (confederation, federation). The definition of the term (second) is as follows: the word "federation" came from the Latin foederāti что, which means "union, union". The word "unitary" is also translated from French as "single, united." It turns out that these two concepts are almost identical. So what's the difference between a federated and unitary state system? How does the first term differ from the second?

What is a unitary state and what is a federation? Definition

A unitary state is an integral state, which, if it consists of several components that are administrative-territorial units, is nevertheless an indivisible entity. In contrast, the definition of the word "federation" in modern science is given in the following way: this form of state system is inherent in those countries that consist of territorial entities that have a legally defined political independence. These components in each individual country are called differently, however in jurisprudence, regardless of their names, they are usually designated by the subjects of the federation. As is known, the USA consists of states, the Russian Federation - from republics, territories, autonomous regions, Germany - from federal lands, Canada - from provinces, etc. However, all these components are legally considered subjects of the federation. The largest states in the world with a federal type of state structure are Russia, the United States, Germany, India, Brazil and others. Summing up, let's try to generalize what the subject of the federation is. The definition of this term can be found in any dictionary, including electronic. The essence of this concept is the following: the subject of the federation is a state entity that is part of a federal state and which does not have sovereignty.

Systems of higher authorities

In the Federal State there are two systems of supreme governing bodies and authorities: subjective and federal. Despite the fact that the constitution of this state is uniform for all subjects of the federation, each of the federal units has the right to adopt its own regional laws and statutes, has its own capital, the emblem and other symbols, the institution of citizenship, etc., but there is no state sovereignty. Subjective authorities have no right to establish foreign policy relations with other states, this is done at the federal level.

Signs of the federation

Now you know what a federation is, the definition has already been given above, but we will look at the grounds by which it can be established that the given state has the appropriate form of state. Device.

1. If a state consists of separate entities (republics, states, nomas, etc.), having their own territory and possessing sovereignty, then it is a federation.

2. Under this state structure, the supreme executive, judicial and legislative authorities are in the hands of federal state bodies.

3. The subjects of the federation are given the right to adopt their own laws, have their own constitution that does not contradict the federal constitution, and also have higher bodies of triple power.

4. In the federal states, a bicameral parliamentary structure is mandatory. One of the chambers is the organ of power of the general federal representation, and the second - of the specific subject of the federation.

History of the emergence of federations

Federations in the modern sense arose in the last century. There are earlier countries with a similar state structure. They arose at a time when scientists have not yet thought about the question of what a federation is. The definition of this term was given much later. In different countries, this process took place in different ways. For example, from the unification of the African sovereign states of Zanzibar and Tanganyika in the sixties of the last century, the Federal Republic of Tanzania emerged. The United States was formed as a result of the unification of several dozen political units with actual signs of statehood. In addition to the United States, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, etc. were formed in the same way. And there are cases when the federation was formed as a result of attacks from the government. These countries include India, Pakistan, and others.

First federations

The very first modern federations were formed on the basis of an alliance between states. In the Soviet era, several such federations arose at once. In this case, the subjects of the federation retained their sovereignty and the right to secession (secession) from the association, had their own constitution, citizenship, and their borders could not be changed without their consent.

Federation of the second type

This type includes constitutional federations, which were based on autonomy. What is a federation whose definition falls under the second group? Their difference from the first lies in the fact that in this case the subjects of the federation do not have sovereignty, their borders can change without obtaining consent from their side. However, their opinion is not ignored, but can not be considered fundamental. After the rapid collapse of the socialist camp, almost all the federal states of the first group split into unitary ones: the Czech Republic separated from Slovakia, the Yugoslav republics of Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and others separated, and the Soviet republics separated from each other.

Nevertheless, in some of the countries of the post-Soviet space, the federal state structure is still preserved. To date, almost all federations in the world are autonomous, that is, constitutional.

Federative device of the Russian Federation

Consider this type of state. Devices on the example of Russia - the largest country in the world in terms of area. The Russian Federation is a state with a democratic federal structure consisting of 85 equal subjects: 46 oblasts, 21 republics, 1 autonomous region, 9 territories, 3 cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sevastopol) of federal significance and four autonomous districts, And also rented up to 2050 the city and the Baikonur cosmodrome. In addition, the territory of the Russian Federation is conditionally divided into 8 districts, although they are not subjects of the federation, but they include several administrative regions (subjects) of the Russian Federation.

Legal definition: subject of the Russian Federation

State legal education in Russia is called a subject of the federation. The Constitution establishes 6 types of subjects (the republic, the province, the region, etc.). Each of them has its own specific status with its inherent constitutional and legal characteristics.

1. The Republic, according to the constitution, is a state. It can have its own state language and constitution.

2. Area of federal significance and land. Has its own charter, which is established by the legislative body of the authority of this entity.

3. Autonomous region. It can also have its own statute, established by the legislative body of this field.

4. Autonomous Region. Its status is determined by the Constitution of the Russian Federation. He enters this or that region or region. Has its own charter.