TSpace

Abstract (summary): This thesis considers models of approach adopted by oil producing federations in the way their constitutions regulate the control of such resources, particularly in the assignment of ownership and legislative competence to federal and sub-national authorities. I argue that any federal democratic constitution adopted in any oil rich country after 1973 is more likely to provide for an approach in favour of greater federal involvement through a central control model that vests ownership of such oil resources in the federal authority coupled with the legislative competence to regulate such resources. This is because (a.) oil is now a more lucrative commodity, (b.) the means and technology used to exploit it are now safer, more advanced and more available (c.) and because in today’s global economy, federal and national governments face more challenges and responsibilities, thus requiring access to more resources and greater flexibility to address these challenges.