Distinguish between 'coming together' and 'holding together' federations in terms of the relative power enjoyed by the constituent units. Give one example of each type.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:16 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Coming together federation: Independent states join together voluntarily to form a bigger union. Constituent units enjoy more power and are stronger vis-à-vis the central government. Example: USA.
Holding together federation: A large country divides power between the central government and states. The central government is usually more powerful than the constituent units. Example: India.
Source: Federalism, Chapter 2
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Explanation
- The key contrast examiners look for is the relative power of constituent units vs. the centre — more power to states in "coming together," more power to centre in "holding together."
- One correct example for each type is mandatory for full marks.
- USA, Switzerland, Australia = coming together; India, Spain, Belgium = holding together.
- Keep each part to one sentence + one example; this is a 2-mark answer.