Differences Between the Federal, State and Local Government

In a federation, the functions and limits of power of the federating units are clearly defined. These tiers of government not minding, relate in so many ways but also differ in these areas.

1. Functions:

The functions performed by federal government are larger in scope and area of coverage.

Federal Government Functions:

Federal Government Functions involve and concern every state and local government of the federation. The federal government provides security and defence, maintains peace and order, provides social security, and embarks on developmental projects for the whole country.

The policies of the federal government are for the benefit of the entire nation or federation.

State Government Functions:

The state handles their states and the local government areas in their domain.

The activities of the state government are spread across the state. They carry out development projects for the state and pay salaries. The policy of every ministry in the state affects just the state.

Local Government Functions:

The local government functions cover only the local government area. It is the third tier of government, for grassroots development.

2. Legislative Power:

This is the power to make laws. The federal legislature is called the National Assembly as it comprises the Senate and Federal House of Representatives. This is known as a bi-cameral legislature. There are one hundred and nine (109) senators and three hundred and sixty (360) House of Representatives members.

The laws made by the National Assembly are for the National Assembly.  Laws made by the National Assembly are considered superior to other legislativeThe legislative branch of government is responsible for making laws within a country. Legislatures are made up of people called legislators who, in democracies, are elected by the country’s population More bodies in the state.

The local government has a legislative council made up of elected councillors from every ward in the local government area. They make bye-laws for their local government area.

3. Executive Power:

This explains the administration of each tier of government.

The federal government is headed by the President, assisted by the Vice President, Ministers and heads of government agencies and parastatalsParastatal is used to describe a company or organization which is owned by a country's government and often has some political power More.

The state is headed by the Governor assisted by the Deputy Governor, commissioners and other heads of government agencies.

The local government is headed by the local government chairman, assisted by the councillors.

4. Concurrent Powers:

This refers to the areas where both the federal and state government have powers to legislate on.

In a situation where the state contradicts federal law, federal law shall prevail over the state.

Items on the concurrent list include taxes, education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, etc.

5. Exclusive power

This refers to power enjoyed by the federal government. The list includes monetary policy, defence, immigration, emigration, import and export duties, citizenship, aviation, etc

6. Residual Power

This power is exercised by the state government. They include items not contained in the exclusive and concurrent list.  They include market matters, chieftaincy affairs, the control of traditional rulers and their activities etc.