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Home / IAS Preparation / Difference between De Facto and De Jure

Difference between De Facto and De Jure: Download UPSC Notes PDF

Last Updated on Jul 28, 2024
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The difference between de Facto and de Jure lies in the nature of recognition and legitimacy. de Facto refers to a situation that exists in reality, even if it is not legally recognized. It describes practices or situations that are actually happening or in place, regardless of whether they have formal legal sanction. For instance, a particular regime might hold control over a territory and function as the government without being legally recognized by other nations or international bodies. On the other hand, de Jure refers to a state of affairs that is in accordance with the law, regardless of whether it exists in reality. It describes a situation that is legally sanctioned or officially recognized by laws or legal systems. For example, a government that is officially recognized by the international community and is lawful under its country’s constitution represents de Jure authority, even if another group might actually be in control de Facto.

The difference between de Facto and de Jure UPSC is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS Examination.

In this article on the difference between de Facto and de Jure, we shall discuss the origin of the terms, their meanings, and the differences between them. This will be very useful for aspirants in the UPSC Prelims Exam.

Also, study the Censorship Laws in India from the linked article.

Difference between de Facto and de Jure

The difference between de Facto and de Jure is crucial for understanding various political, legal, and social situations where there is a disconnect between formal legality and actual practice. This distinction is essential in discussions of governance, law, and international relations, where legitimacy and recognition play vital roles.

Difference between de Facto and de Jure

de Facto

de Jure

The recognition based only on ‘facts’ is referred to as ‘de Facto’ recognition.

The recognition based only on ‘law’ is referred to as ‘de Jure’ recognition.

It is a temporary and provisional recognition which can be withdrawn anytime in future.

It is a permanent recognition which cannot be withdrawn under normal circumstances.

The recognition provided to a de Facto arrangement is done after following the factual details and it is not mandatory to follow the proper procedure of law.

It is mandatory to follow the proper procedure of law to provide recognition to a de Jure arrangement.

The rules of state succession are not applicable in de Facto recognition. It means a state having de Facto recognition cannot annex other states or impose succession laws.

The rules of state succession are applicable in de jure recognition. It means a state having de Jure recognition can annex other states or impose succession laws.

The exchange of diplomatic representatives is not possible here.

The exchange of diplomatic representatives is possible here.

The membership of the United Nations cannot be granted to a de Facto government even if the majority of states have recognised that de fFacto government.

Membership in the United Nations can be granted to a de Jure government when the majority of the states have recognised that de Jure government.

The region which receives de Facto recognition from a number of other regions/nations will have 2 rival governments.

The region which receives de Jure recognition from a number of other regions/nations will have only a single government.

The government which has de Facto recognition does not have the power/right to recover a state asset or public debts.

The government which has a de Jure recognition has the power/right to recover a state asset or public debts.

For example – A learning driving licence is a de Facto recognition.

For example – A permanent driving licence is a de Jure recognition.

Check out the Difference between Act and Law here.

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What is de Facto?

"de Facto" refers to practices or positions within statutes, rules, or government, even if not officially acknowledged by Indian regulations. Despite lacking formal recognition, these norms are present and established. The industry broadly embraces these practices and is widely recognized for their factual basis. A State's attainment of "de Facto" status is determined solely by factual circumstances and is independent of legal procedures. Once established, "de Facto" status is not easily revocable.

For instance, a prime minister or chief minister is the de Facto leader of a country or state in an Indian democracy since they have the genuine authority to make decisions based on relevant facts. The provisions listed in the Indian Constitution. The term "de Facto government" can also apply to a government established using force or power.

Study the Notes on Fundamental Rights here.

What is de Jure?

"de Jure" refers to procedures the State acknowledges as lawful, regardless of their actual existence. This stands true even if the procedure is not practically in place. When a government achieves the "de Jure" status, it gains the authority to reclaim state assets and public debts. Furthermore, "de Jure" norms represent standards aligned with regulations. An official norms organization endorses these norms, lending legitimacy to each standard through its established policies and providing active support.

de jure is a Latin phrase indicating something legitimate, legal, or compliant with the law. De-jure can refer to a practice, idea or political position legally sanctioned by the law and officially recognised by the state but is typically absent from reality. However, such approval or recognition is final and cannot be revoked. 

For instance, in Indian democracy, the President/Governor serves as the de facto head of state despite lacking the authority to make choices based on the truth. According to Indian law and the constitution, the Prime Minister or Governor is the actual decision-maker and only acts in the President's or Governor's name. The government established by the law is called the de jure government.

Study the NCERT Notes on Schedules of the Indian Constitution here.

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Definition and Meaning: de Facto (Latin for "in fact") refers to situations that exist in reality, irrespective of legal recognition. de Jure (Latin for "according to law") refers to situations that are legally recognized, regardless of whether they exist in reality.
  • Legal vs. Practical Context: de Jure represents what is legally mandated or recognized. de Facto pertains to what actually occurs in practice. This distinction highlights the difference between the legal framework and actual implementation or practice.
  • Governance and Authority: In governance, de Facto authority refers to a regime or government that operates in practice, even if not legally recognized. de Jure authority refers to a government that is legitimately established and legally recognized by the constitution and international bodies.
  • Examples in Political Science: An example of de Jure authority is the officially recognized government of a country. An example of de Facto authority might be a rebel group that controls significant territory and functions as a governing body, but lacks formal recognition.
  • Application in Law: In legal contexts, de Jure segregation refers to separation enforced by law (e.g., Jim Crow laws in the United States). de Facto segregation refers to separation that occurs in practice, often as a result of social and economic conditions rather than legal requirements.
  • International Relations Implications: In international relations, states or governments can have de Jure recognition (formally recognized by other states) but may lack de Facto power or control over their claimed territory, affecting diplomatic interactions and treaties.
  • Social and Economic Contexts: Socially and economically, de Facto situations can highlight discrepancies between policy and practice. For instance, equal rights may be established de Jure by law, but de Facto, individuals may still face discrimination in their daily lives.

We hope that all your doubts regarding the de Facto vs de Jure will be cleared after going through this article. You can check out our UPSC Online Coaching and download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam.

Study the article on UPSC Polity Strategy here.

More Articles for IAS Preparation

Difference between De facto and De jure UPSC FAQs

De facto refers to the actual or practical state of affairs, while de jure refers to the legal or rightful state of affairs.

The de facto president is the person who holds the actual power and functions of the presidency. The de jure president is the individual who holds the rightful or legal claim to the presidency.

"De facto" means something that exists or operates in practice, even if it may not have legal recognition or authority.

De jure refers to what is legally recognized or authorized. De facto refers to what exists or operates in practice, regardless of legal recognition.

An example of de facto and de jure can be seen in a situation where a person holds the de facto power of a political office and exercises its functions, while another person may hold the de jure title or legal claim to that office.
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