Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on many important themes, issues and research questions relating to the functioning of cooperative federalism in South Asia and Europe. Some of these include the changing economic realities, fiscal complexities, the challenges facing the existing structures of governance, the changing aspirations in a globalised world and their impact on the federal systems in South Asia and Europe. The book also explains how Cooperative federalism originated during the 1790s despite the US Constitution having a dual federalism structure. It outlines the theoretical relationship between federalism and democracy. The book then highlights the role of the Supreme Court as an important player in defining the relative powers and relationship between the Centre and the federating units, that is to say, States and Union Territories, based on the constitutional provisions and commission reports.