FEDERALISM IN

ETHIOPIA
Def: - It is a system of gov’t where power is divided between federal
and regional gov’t. The term federalism is derived from Latin word
foedus which mean (covenant or a promise to sb).
Devolution: - the moving of power or responsibility from main
organization to a lower level or from a central gov’t to a regional
gov’t.
Devolution of power: - the practice of assigning power to the lower
levels of gov’t administration hierarchy. it is a principle of
federalism, means to transfer power to the regions that constitute the
federation. The devolution of power makes neither the federal nor
the regional gov’t supreme
Power Division in FDRE between Central and
Regional
Under the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia/FDRE/
power is divided b/n the federal and nine regional states. Art 47
(1), Art 50 (1)
The federal and the regional constitution define the relationship
and the power division existing b/n the federal and the regional
gov’t as follow:-
1. Power controlled by federal gov’t Art 5 (1-22) managing
national army force, managing monetary fund, make foreign
relation
2. Power controlled by regional gov’t Art 52 (2) managing
educational policy of their region , managing police force, health
care, local administration within their respective territory
3. Concurrent power:-Collection of revenue (tax), protect and
defend the constitution etc.
House of the FDRE gov’t
•This/ federal/ state structure have bicameral house (parliaments)
Art (53) the FDRE constitution has set this house as follow:-
1. House of people representative (HPR) art 54-60
•It is a law making body whose members are elected by
universal suffrage (directly by people)
•One member of HPR represents 100,000 people. The maximum
number of 550 and minimum number of minority group is 20.
 Class work
1. Which one among the following is the function and power of
the regional government?
A) Strengthening of national defense.

B) Printing paper money and minting coins.

C) Promoting and protecting the constitution. D. None

2. The major function of the executive body is

A. Constitution making

B. State making

c. to interpret laws. D. None