Question

Write a short note on the special role of political parties in a federal state.

Answer 1

A federal system has a separation of powers between the central government and the states. To a certain degree, the character and function of the party system determine the nature of center-state relations. Relations between the centre and the state go well if the same political party controls both the centre and the majority of the federal units. However, center-state relations are marked by tensions and conflicts if regional parties or parties other than the one in power at the centre have power in the federal units. As a result, the party system in a federation greatly influences the most important issue, which is center-state relations.