Which one of the following is not exclusively a federal characteristic ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 2, "Judicial review," is correctly identified as not being exclusively a federal characteristic. Here's why:

1. **Explanation for Option 2 (Judicial review):**
   - Judicial review is the power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the constitution. This feature is not exclusive to federal systems; it is present in both federal and unitary systems. For example, countries like the United States (a federal system) and the United Kingdom (a unitary system) both have mechanisms for judicial review. Therefore, judicial review is a characteristic of constitutional governance rather than a feature unique to federalism.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (Distribution of Power):**
     - Distribution of power is a hallmark of federal systems. In a federal system, power is constitutionally divided between different levels of government, typically national and regional (state or provincial). This division is designed to ensure that each level of government operates within its own sphere of authority, which is a defining characteristic of federalism.

- **Option 3 (Bi-Cameralism):**
     - Bi-cameralism, or having two legislative chambers, is often associated with federal systems because it allows for representation of different constituencies, such as states or regions, at the national level. While not exclusive to federal systems, bi-cameralism is a common feature in federations to balance the interests of various regions or states within the country.

- **Option 4 (Rigid Constitution):**
     - A rigid constitution is one that requires a special procedure for amendments, often involving both national and regional consent. This rigidity is typical in federal systems to protect the distribution of powers and prevent unilateral changes by the central government. It ensures that both levels of government have a say in constitutional amendments, which is crucial in maintaining the federal balance.

In summary, while judicial review is an important aspect of constitutional law, it is not exclusive to federal systems, making Option 2 the correct answer. The other options are more closely tied to the structural and operational characteristics of federalism.