Local cultures and customs can be protected by federalism

History shows that multi-ethnic nations with strong central governments are vulnerable to collapse due to conflicting identities. European states which have many ethnic groups within them have often embraced federalism to prevent balkanization and to enable multiple cultures to flourish.^[1] In countries such as the UK, federalism has been proposed as a logical solution to the problem of Welsh and Scottish identity. It would allow the Welsh and Scottish to govern themselves and protect their identity without encouraging them to break away; something devolution has only encouraged.^[2] Alternative solutions such as heavy centralization frequently lead to simmering tensions, heavy-handed reactions on the part of the central government, and sometimes eventually violent insurrection by nationalist groups. India is an example of how successful federalism can be. It is not only the world’s largest democracy, but also has 22 official languages, many religions, and many racial groups. Indian unity has always been a difficult issue, but federalism has been very effective at keeping such a diverse country together against all the odds. Nations such as India show that federalism can preserve unity in huge multi-ethnic states.^[3] Federalism has been successful in culturally diverse countries. Countries without federalism have struggled with devolution, balkanization, and violent nationalism.

[P1] Cultures which would otherwise be surpressed by a central government can be protected in a federal system [P2] Federalism prevents small groups of nationalists from breaking away from the whole [C] Regional cultures can be protected under a federal government, preventing conflict and the breakup of states.