Who among the following believes that 'social rational' is the basis of Federalism?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:

The correct option is 2: **William Riker**. William H. Riker, a seminal figure in the field of political science known for applying rational choice theory to macro-political phenomena, famously argued that federalism is the result of a rational calculation—a political bargain—rather than a cultural or social agreement. Riker's influential work, *Federalism: Origin, Operation, Significance*, posits that the emergence of a federation is primarily driven by two necessary conditions: the willingness of constituent political leaders to form a union for military or diplomatic expansion/defense, and the inability of any single leader or unit to impose its will on the others. This 'social rational' perspective, or rational choice institutionalism, views political actors as utility maximizers who make calculated decisions to maximize their safety or influence, often leading to a "federal bargain." Thus, Riker dismisses cultural, linguistic, or historical commonalities as sufficient causes, insisting that federalism is fundamentally a political and rational choice made by leaders facing external threats or opportunities.

The incorrect option is 1:

Andrew Linklater is a prominent scholar in International Relations, known primarily for his contributions to critical theory and the study of political community, especially in relation to cosmopolitanism and harm reduction in global politics. His work focuses on themes of political obligation, exclusion, and the transformation of political boundaries, often drawing on the Frankfurt School and Habermasian theory. He is not associated with developing theories on the foundational basis of domestic federalism; rather, his expertise lies in the normative and ethical dimensions of international political theory, making him unrelated to the concept of 'social rational' as a basis for federalism.

The incorrect option is 3:

Louise Tillin is a contemporary political scientist specializing in comparative federalism, particularly within the context of India. Her research focuses on the real-world operation of federal institutions, coalition politics, welfare policies, and the evolving nature of federal stability and territorial politics. While her work deeply analyzes the practical and sociological realities of federal systems, her theoretical contributions do not center on framing the 'social rational' or rational choice as the primary basis for the *origin* of federalism. She is more focused on how federalism *operates* and *changes* in diverse societies, distinguishing her from Riker's foundational bargaining theory.

The incorrect option is 4:

Charles Tarlton is known for his work on federal theory, particularly his concept of 'federal diversity' or 'federal symmetry.' He argues that federal systems are rarely fixed or uniform and should be viewed as dynamic phenomena, exhibiting varying degrees of central and regional power. His influential work highlights the inherent contradictions and fluidity within federal arrangements, focusing on the tension between uniformity and diversity across federal units. While Tarlton critiques rigid structural views, his focus is on the *nature* of federalism rather than offering a rational-actor/social bargain theory (or 'social rational') for the initial formation or basis of federalism.