A Primer on Federal Republics

Some of the world’s largest and most powerful countries operate under federal republics. To constitute a federal republic, a country must be subdivided into states which elect leaders to represent the populace. The aim of a republic is to make political decisions based in the public opinion to ensure prosperity for all. In some ways, a Federal Republic can be idealized as a system in which parts move independently to decide the national future. Countries governed by such republics include

India

The most populous democracy on Earth, India is governed by an elected bicameral parliament, comprised of an upper and lower house. India’s government is separated into an Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branch under a national constitution, and is headed by a President.

Switzerland

The Swiss government operates as a representative direct democracy that accounts for the will of its cantons (semi-sovereign states), the municipality, and the federation. In Switzerland, the people have the power to propose changes to the constitution and legislature through a popular vote.

The United States

A constitutional republic, the U.S. is governed by a Judiciary, Legislative, and Executive branch. The legislative branch is further divided into two houses that are collectively known as Congress. A Supreme Court presides over the constitutionality of the legislature.

Brazil

Brazil is divided into 26 states and one unified Federal District. The Brazilian President serves as both head of state and a federal leader. Brazil’s National Congress contains the Federal Senate, elected by a majority, and the Chamber of Deputies, elected by proportional representation. The judicial branch of the Brazilian government includes a Federal judiciary and two national superior courts.

Russia

Russia is considered a semi-presidential republic. The President is head of state, and the Prime Minister is head of government. The Legislative branch is commanded by a Federal Assembly and Federation Council, while the President and the Supreme Court control the Executive and Judicial branches, respectively.

Federal republics can be advantageous for their willingness to give power to the people. They are often politically and economically stable because their branches don’t allow for power to coalesce in a single sector. Still, the division of countries into states can breed opposition, and regularly return higher levels of voter negligence and government corruption.

The simultaneously divided and unified nature of federal republics acts as a stabilizing force. Useful to large, heavily populated countries, they allow for unity among what could otherwise be disparate parts. Depending on the method of appointing political figures, though, the degree of public representation may vary.