Symmetric federalism
Symmetric federalism refers to a federal system of government in which each constituent state to the federation possess equal powers. In a symmetric federalism no distinction is made between constituent states.[1] This is in contrast to asymmetric federalism, where a distinction is made between constituent states.
Examples
Australia
states are given equal levels of autonomy and representation in the Parliament, aside from differences in their representation in the House of Representatives that are due to their different populations.[2]
Australia also has territories, which are autonomous divisions with devolved powers, but are subordinate to the federal government and organized in varying ways.
United States
The
District of Columbia
is not an insular area, but it is also directly controlled by the federal government with limited autonomy.
References
- ^ "Symmetric Federalism Law & Legal Definition". USLegal.
- ^ Aroney, N (18 May 2016). "TYPES OF FEDERALISM" (PDF). p. 8. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
- ^ "Coyle v. Smith". Cornell Law Journal.