Final Essay: Federal vs Unitary

The two countries that we have been looking into for this term was the United States of America and The United Kingdom. These two countries are known for having huge influences to other countries in means of development and modernization. These two countries have been retaining wealth throughout the years as well. 

Federalism is mainly about having sub groups of people governing in different parts of the country or local governments. These people then have a local representative that addresses issues that happen with in their state or locality.  

In the United States of America, since the founding of the country and with the end of the civil war, federalism has been present in the United States. Power shifted from each state towards the evolving national government. Federalism was influential political movement that arises out of discontent with the Articles of Confederation that limited the power of the federal government. The federal government was said to have been incapable of raising an army to quell a rebellion. In 1787, delegates met at a Constitutional convention and generated ideas of a bicameral legislature. James Madison said in a pre-convention memorandum to delegates that a stronger central government was necessary because state legislatures cannot be trusted to take enlightened views on national affairs. This convention immediately dropped its original mandate and set about constructing a new Constitution of the United States of America. Those who opposed the Constitution were considered Anti-Federalists. With the passage of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the first Federalist movement and the Anti-Federalist movements were exhausted, so they dispersed. As soon as the first Federalist movement dissipated, a second one sprang up to take its place. This one was based on a stronger national government, a loose construction of the constitution and a more agricultural economy. There were other federalist movements in the United States such as Dual Federalism, cooperative federalism, and new federalism. New Federalism was characterized as a gradual return of power t the states. The federal government had granted money to the states, limiting the states o use funding for specific programs. The government introduced a practice of giving block grants, freeing state governments to spend money at their own discretion.

Federalism in the United States of America has been around for a long time because the United States is a big country. A single unitary government would not be able to handle such a big country without the help of each state government. 

Now, if the Philippines were to have a federalist government, we won't be able to sustain that kind of government because a federalist form of government would be too expensive for a third world country such as the Philippines. Also given that the Philippines though it may be an archipelago, has smaller geographical size than of the United States of America. Also there would be a huge chance of leaders from other parts of the country wanting to benefit more than others.  Filipinos are then thinking less of being nationalistic and improving for the country. In line with this, this may also cause more corruption hence more social issues and eventually a failing economy. it wouldn't be practical especially now that we deal with many social issues that are in line with corruption. 

On the other hand we have unitary authority. It is when power is handled by a single unit/ government.

The United Kingdom's form of government is ran by parliament headed by the prime minister.  however, the United Kingdom does not follow any constitution. The prime minister has power that no one could object to but then parliament is able to cut him out of position if found that he is not doing right then a vote of no confidence would then take place. Also people can go against the prime minister if they want to.  In law making it is only passed to two parts of parliament before it would be accepted or vetoed hence making laws put to action easily. 

The Philippines holds the risk of people abusing the right to remove people in power because it would be easy.  Although in terms of having only 1 body to govern would be ideal because they would be responsible for solving social issues around the country collectively. Socially, it would be more organized because the power governing over us would be responsible and reliable for and social issue and making sure that people get what they need.  

-Malangen, Rivera, Aquino