American and Nigerian Federalism ☛ are they different?

Nigeria and USA has a lot of interesting similarities and contrasting ideas! Both countries have become federal republics as a result of some events in their history. Even though they have similar federal systems, they don't share similar economic growth. Let's compare and contrast Nigerian and American Federalism to know why!

Compare and contrast of Nigerian and American Federalism

Federalism Definition

The federal system of government is represented by a situation where a country has one centralized government and state governments that has authority in their respective regions. The centralized government and state governments exercise power and constitutions which do not interfere with each other. The federation represents the division of powers between the central government and the state governments.

Similarities Between Nigerian and American Federalism

Even if these two countries are very different from each other – they share common features in their federal system. Let's take a look at the most obvious similarities.

1. Written Constitution

Nigeria and the USA both have written a constitution. The constitutions of both countries are flexible which means they can be modified to meet the growing social and political demands of both countries.

2. Fundamental Human Rights

The USA constitutions provide freedom of cultural, educational and religious rights. The center of human rights for the USA is provided by The Bill of Rights. Nigerian constitution also provides the fundamental human rights of its citizens.

3. Supremacy of the Federal Government

Both countries recognize the federal government as the power center of all states. The states in Nigeria and US can not separate from the central government. The state, however, has a power to create its own laws. Still, the federal government laws will prevail if there is dispute. The Federal government is supreme in the federal structure.

4. Power Separation

Both constitutions provide a separation of powers into three branches:

Executive;
Legislative;
Judiciary.

Nevertheless, here they have some important differences!

Features of American Federalism

According to the constitution, the legislative branch is represented by the House of Representatives and the Senate. They both form the legislative body which is called the Congress. The Congress makes bills and laws for the nation. The Congress is also limited in some of its powers.

It can't pass bills for direct taxes if the articles are exported from states;
It can't allow Titles of Nobility;
It can't have full access to the treasury.

If the Senate wants to make any amendment to the constitution, it should have 2/3 of the majority votes. The ratification of any amendment requires 3/4 of legislators' approval.

Executive Branch in the American system of federalism consist of:

President (Who is also the Commander and Chief of the military. He has the power to create other offices in the Federal Government);
Vice President;
Government Bureaucracy.

The executive branch in the American Federalism is responsible for the execution of laws by the states. The president can call for a time of war. But he must have the permission of the Congress. The Military is civilian-governed as the Commander in Chief is also a civilian.

The executive branch also has limitations in the American system of Federalism. It can't hinder the execution orders of the federal government. The president can't start wars without the consent of the Congress. He/she can't interfere with the actions of other branches.

The judicial branch of the USA is represented by the Supreme Court. This legislative body also has lower branches in the states. The primal goal of the Supreme Court is to ensure that laws passed by the Congress do not contradict the Constitution.

Features of Nigerian Federalism

The legislative branch in the system of Nigerian federalism is represented by the National Assembly. This legislative body consists of the Senate and House of Representatives. This legislative body operates in the same way as the American Senate. All the laws made by the Senate must coordinate with the constitution. Any amendment to the constitution can only be achieved if there is a 2/3 majority of votes.

The executive branch in the Nigerian Federalism consists of:

President;
Vice-President;
Ministers.

The president of Nigeria also acts as the Commander and Chief. However, he can't call for military actions against other countries without the consent of the National Assembly.

The judicial branch of Nigeria consists of:

The Supreme Court of Nigeria;
The Court of Appeal;
The Federal High Court;
High State Courts.

The primary goals of all these courts are to rule on cases that violate the law of the Federal Government. Any judicial decision should be in line with the current constitution!

Conclusion

Both countries share similar federal systems, but they also have distinctive features. They adopted these systems as a result of historical experiences. Therefore, Nigerian and American federal systems are a product of time and practicality for both nations. It's their way to survive and stay united in the geopolitical arena!