Federalism and People’s Participation: Two Pillars of Resurgent Democracy

Devolution of 3Fs i.e., Funds, Functions and Functionaries, is the crux of federalism. It enables governments to tailor policies and decisions to local needs, fostering a sense of ownership and proximity to citizens. In federal systems, the devolution of power, in turn, impacts participatory democracy. Participatory democracy emphasizes the active involvement of citizenry in making the policies work and take a stake in decisions. These two principles intersect and interact in complex ways, influencing democratic participation at various levels of government.

In the case of India, participatory democracy is in strong practice, even in the monarchy. The Sabhas (assemblies) and samitis (committees), which are elected at the local level, which were responsible for taking care of local affairs, are quite evident in the sculptures and literatures available.   

Participatory democracy flourishes at the village (panchayat) level. Local governments are often more accessible and responsive to citizens’ needs and concerns, encouraging active involvement. Ward and Gram Sabhas in the case of India, Sub-Committee Meetings, and public hearings / social audits enable citizens to have a direct impact on local policies, reflecting the participatory spirit of federalism.

In a federal system, the national government has shared powers with state / regional governments, contributing to a dynamic interplay of ideas and interests. Participatory democracy at the national level involves people’s participation in policy making by providing insights and response through established platforms and advocacy groups. Participating through media and civil society organizations are other channels. The central government’s role is to balance national interests while respecting regional autonomy, a task often influenced by participatory processes.

Empowered Deliberative Democracy (EDD) involves public meetings or deliberative forums in local governance, whereby local residents gather, discuss and decide on governance issues affecting their lives as stakeholders.  

In many federal systems, local communities can use referendums and initiatives to propose, approve, or reject specific policies or laws. This form of direct democracy enhances local participation and ensures that local issues are addressed by those most affected by them.

The Ostbelgien model is thus an example where citizens are given a genuine voice in setting the policy agenda and empowered to actively explore issues of their choice. It consists of 24 randomly selected citizens constitutes permanent Citizen’s Council. Every six months, one-third of the cohort of members of the council is rotated out, to be replaced with randomly selected citizens. The obligation of the authorities to consider the recommendations of the Citizen’s Panel is a noteworthy feature of the system.

Participatory democracy encourages collaborative decision-making mechanisms such as citizen juries, deliberative forums, and community-driven planning. These mechanisms engage citizens in problem-solving and policy formulation, thus creating a platform for them to become part of solution.

In Porto Alegre, Brazil, Participatory Budgeting (PB) empowers local residents to direct resource allocation and policy-making. This model, a global benchmark, involves neighbourhood and thematic assemblies, and delegate meetings, allowing 16 districts to prioritize and influence citywide decisions. Notably, it enhances representation for marginalized groups, redirecting funds to the city’s neediest areas. Advocacy and Civic Engagement

Conclusion

The interplay between federalism and participatory democracy is a complex, multi-dimensional relationship. Federal systems of government inherently encourage participatory democracy by providing opportunities for local and regional involvement. In return, participatory democracy infuses federal systems with the energy and ideas of engaged citizens.

This dynamic interplay is crucial for the effective functioning of democratic governance. As citizens actively participate in decision-making processes at various government levels, they contribute to the creation of more responsive, adaptable, and representative policies. Understanding the nuanced relationship between federalism and participatory democracy is essential for building and sustaining strong democratic systems that truly serve the diverse needs of the people.