Article VI: Structure of Government
Inspired by the federal systems of countries like the United States and Germany, as well as unitary systems that offer devolved powers like the United Kingdom, this article outlines the division of powers and responsibilities among different levels of government.
Section 1: Levels of Government
1.1 The Republic shall be divided into a Central Government and Local Governments, comprising states, provinces, or regions as applicable.
1.2 The specific territorial divisions shall be defined by law, with consideration for cultural, historical, and geographic factors.
Section 2: Division of Powers
2.1 Powers and responsibilities shall be divided among the Central Government and Local Governments as prescribed by law.
2.2 Matters of national importance, such as defense, foreign policy, and monetary policy, shall be the purview of the Central Government.
2.3 Matters more directly affecting local communities, such as education, public health, and local infrastructure, shall be managed by Local Governments.
Section 3: Shared Responsibilities
3.1 Certain responsibilities, such as environmental protection and law enforcement, may be shared between the Central Government and Local Governments.
3.2 The specifics of these shared responsibilities shall be defined by legislation, and coordination mechanisms shall be established.
Section 4: Fiscal Arrangements
4.1 The Central Government shall have the power to levy taxes and allocate funds to Local Governments.
4.2 Local Governments may also have their own revenue-generating mechanisms as permitted by law.
Section 5: Autonomy and Local Legislation
5.1 Local Governments shall have the power to enact laws in areas that are not expressly reserved for the Central Government.
5.2 Local laws must not conflict with national laws or the constitution.
Section 6: Intergovernmental Relations
6.1 Mechanisms for consultation and coordination among different levels of government shall be established.
6.2 Disputes between the Central Government and Local Governments shall be resolved through a constitutional court or another impartial entity.