Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between

Home / Public / Government / Difference Between State Government and Central Government

Difference Between State Government and Central Government

August 21, 2011 Posted by Olivia

State Government vs Central Government

Every country has a central government to look after entire territory of the country while the country is divided into smaller units for administrative purposes and these units are referred to as states or provinces in different countries. While it is the central government that handles the foreign policy, currency and defense of the territory of the country, smaller units called states are responsible for the look after of their territories and the welfare and development of its population. There are governments in place both at the center as well as state level, but they are necessary in the first place, and what are the differences between these two governments? Lots of people remain confused between this government dichotomy, and this article attempts to highlight the differences between central and state governments by highlighting these differences.

A state or provincial government becomes a necessity as it is not possible for a single government at the center administer large areas. Delegation of powers to a sub national entity becomes imperative as the central government alone cannot fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people in remote areas. Also, there are differences within a country between areas that are cultural or linguistic as a country is not a monolithic structure. This necessitates local governance that is perceived by people as their own government. In fact, it has been seen that developmental works are carried out by local governments in a better and more efficient manner than if carried at a federal level. However, development is not the only thing that is required by a government and there are many subjects over which control is retained by the center. As such there are subjects under central control, subjects under state control, and those where both governments can make laws, but central laws have an upper hand whenever there is a clash between them. India is a perfect example of principle of power sharing where there is a provision in the constitution for central list, state list, and a concurrent list clearly spelling out subjects for the center and states.

Normally, foreign relations, diplomacy, defense, security of homeland, and currency system are subjects that are kept by the central government, while law and order, development, education, medical facilities, and healthcare etc are looked after by state governments. Division of powers and revenue sharing is clearly demarcated between the central and state governments, thus ironing out major problems when it comes to the center and state relations.

There are various systems in place in different countries pertaining to revenue sharing through tax collections and power sharing between state and central governments, but a study of these systems reveals that the upper hand is always with central governments, and they are more powerful than state governments. In India, the central government has the power to dismiss a state government, if it feels that law and order has broken down in the state and the state machinery has become ineffective. As far as relations are concerned, more harmonious relations exist when same party governments are in place at the center as well as state level.

What is the difference between State Government and Central Government?

• Central government is responsible for the security of whole country, whereas state governments look after the developmental needs of their people and territory only.

• Central government is more powerful than state governments.

• Some subjects are the prerogative of central government such as the foreign policy, defense, and currency, while law and order and development are the subjects under state government’s control.

• Central government share revenues with state government according to a pre decided formula.

Related posts:

State Government vs Union Government of IndiaDifference Between State Government and Union Government of India Difference Between MLA and MLC Province vs StateDifference Between Province and State Difference Between Province and TerritoryDifference Between Province and Territory Difference Between State and Union Territory

Filed Under: Government Tagged With: central government, central list, concurrent list, division of powers, power sharing, provinces, provincial government, state government, state list, states

About the Author: Olivia

Olivia is a Graduate in Electronic Engineering with HR, Training & Development background and has over 15 years of field experience.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request Article

Featured Posts

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

You May Like

Difference Between Histone and Nonhistone Proteins

Difference Between Histone and Nonhistone Proteins

What is the Difference Between Ceruminous and Meibomian Glands

What is the Difference Between Ceruminous and Meibomian Glands

Difference Between Cabernet and Merlot

Difference Between Verizon Apple iPhone 4 (CDMA iPhone4) and Motorola Droid X

Difference Between Adenovirus and Retrovirus

Difference Between Adenovirus and Retrovirus

Latest Posts

  • What is the Difference Between Anesthesia and Paresthesia
  • What is the Difference Between Voice Over and Dubbing
  • What is the Difference Between Centric Occlusion and Centric Relation
  • What is the Difference Between Foundation and BB Cream
  • What is the Difference Between Cybrids and Hybrids
  • What is the Difference Between Hapten and Adjuvant
  • Home
  • Vacancies
  • About
  • Request Article
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal.