On understanding the nature of a federal state

Abstract

This article analyzes the definition of a federal state in its most common interpretation in scientific and educational literature. The author offers his understanding of the time, conditions of occurrence and the essential characteristics of a federal state. Federalism according to the author, is part of the structured rule of law and separation of powers represented «vertically». The essence of a federative structure of a state is not in the union of regions and territories (resulting in a unitary state), but rather in creating a two-tier system of government - that of the federation and the other relating to the subjects of the federation.