Federalism: Comparative Perspectives from India and Australia, Edited by Ian Copland and John Rickard (Second Hand Book)

Description SECOND HAND BOOK Throughout history large states have faced the same over riding problem; how to reconcile their instincts to centralize power and organize society uniformly within the limits of their territorial jurisdictions, with the tendency of civil society to organize itself collectively in regional or local configurations, reflective of differences in geography, culture, economy and race. In pre-modern times punitive raids by the centre on refractory provinces or feudal bargains between kings and tributary chiefs. In modern times the almost universal solution to the centripetal–centrifugal dilemma has been a constitutional one–the enshrining, in legally enforceable charters of central and provincial rights and obligations in the various areas of government–the systems of federalism. But federal compacts are no less subject to strains and challenges than older forms, of centre–periphery relationships. As this book shows, federalism needs mutual goodwill and a consensual spirit on the part of all participating groups to work well. Frequently it has operated to the benefit of just one side–the Centre–to the detriment of the rights of subordinate polities and communities. Literature on federalism is abundant. Specifically, a number of scholars have looked comparatively at different federations (for example the United States, Canada, India and Australia). To date, though, there has been no work that has compared directly the federal systems of India and Australia. In all, 20 scholars of politics, law, history, literature and economics from India, Australia and North America came together in Melbourne to do just that. This book is the outcome of their endeavors. Specifications: Condition: Good. General wear and tear on the dust jacket, pages slightly yellowed but in good condition. Publisher: Manohar Year: 1999 Format: Hardcover Pages: 299 ISBN: 817304239X