ABSTRACT
At various times over the past four centuries the British have endeavoured to preserve both the unity of the United Kingdom and the unity of their empire. During those stressful moments when the problems inherent in attempting to maintain unity while protecting diversity were most acute, the federal idea was often examined as a possible solution to the dilemma. Similarly, as the empire gradually waned and colonies aspired to independence, the British government adopted the federal idea in an attempt to ensure the post-independence viability of many of its colonial possessions. More recently, as the United Kingdom gradually turned towards Europe and closer economic and constitutional integration with its continental neighbours, the British have once more been obliged to address the federal idea and its implications.
