Which condition does NOT necessitate the adoption of federalism?

Analyze the question: We need the condition that is NOT a reason or requirement for a country to adopt federalism.

Concept: Federalism is a system where power is shared between a central government and component units (states or regions). Federations usually form because of:

• Desire to come together (B): Separate units want to unite while keeping their identity.
• Geographical nearness (C): Units that are close together find it easier to unite and be governed.
• Security (E): Units unite for common defence against external threats.
• Fear of domination: Smaller or minority groups want to protect themselves from being dominated by larger ones, so they prefer power-sharing.
• Economic advantages: Units pool resources for shared benefits, which also relates to the desire for development.

Working through the options:

• A. Absence of domination: Federalism is adopted because of the fear of domination, not its absence. If there were no fear of domination, there would be no pressing need to protect each unit's autonomy. So this is not a condition that necessitates federalism.
• B. Desire to come together: A genuine reason for federalism.
• C. Geographical nearness: A genuine reason.
• D. Limited resources: Debatable. Units with limited resources may pool them under a federation, so it can be seen as a reason for union, and it is a weaker but still plausible motive.
• E. Security: A genuine reason.

Answer: The condition that does NOT necessitate federalism is A, absence of domination. Federalism arises from fear of domination, so the absence of such fear is not a driver.

Exam tip: Watch for options that flip a standard reason into its opposite. The usual reason is "fear of domination by larger or stronger groups," so "absence of domination" is the trap. Remember the main drivers of federalism: desire for unity, nearness, security, economic gain, and fear of domination.