Have you ever thought about what it would be like if state or "sub-national" governments had less power and the central (national) government exerted more control?
In the United States, our state governments play a crucial role in our daily lives due to our system of Federalism. However, this is not the case in many countries worldwide that use a unitary government system.
This article aims to expand your perspective on a different form of governance and provide more insight into what a unitary government is and how it differs from a federal government.
Definition of Unitary Government
A unitary government is a system with a strong central government that controls the actions of subnational governments. All power and authority rest in a single central entity.
Difference Between Unitary and Federal Governments
Two types of states are established based on the distribution of power: unitary governments and federal governments. Both systems feature a central government, but in a unitary government, the central government holds supreme authority over governance. Unitary governments may have sub-national governments called devolutions that possess some power and control, but the central government retains the ability to take authority away from these devolutions at any time. Typically, there is only one subnational government level, either local or municipality-based.
Devolution
Devolutions are sub-national governments such as state, local, or regional governments to which the central government transfers power. However, this power may be restricted or withdrawn at any point.
In a federal system, there are also sub-national governments, but these subnational entities enjoy a certain level of autonomy granted by the constitution, which the central government cannot revoke. Subnational governments in federal systems can create and amend laws, while the federal government has more authority over broader topics like national security. Typically, federal systems have two levels of subnational governments, with one serving as an intermediary between the national government and local subnational governments (in the US, states fulfil this role).
In a federal government, constitutions generally establish a clearer separation of powers between the central and subnational governments. This rigidity aims to prevent the central government from abusing its power and protect the sovereignty of subnational governments. As a result, it is more challenging to amend federal government constitutions. In contrast, unitary government constitutions are typically easier to amend, enabling them to quickly meet current demands.
The United States and Unitary Government
The United States is considered a federal government as a whole due to the presence of a central government, states, and local governments. However, the way states govern themselves resembles a unitary government. Local governments only possess powers devolved to them by the state government and are obligated to implement state laws, regardless of their personal preference.
Advantages of Unitary Government
Unitary government offers several advantages:
- Quick Response. A unitary government can swiftly respond to crises because there is only one level of government involved, eliminating the need for coordination with subnational levels.
- Cost-Effective. Unitary governments are cost-effective as they require fewer levels of bureaucracy to maintain.
- Unity. With power centralized in the central government, policies tend to promote uniformity, fostering unity among citizens and reducing polarization.
- Efficiency. Decisions can be made swiftly as there is no need for multiple layers of approval.
- Flexibility of Constitution. Unitary government constitutions can be changed rapidly if the need arises.
Disadvantages of Unitary Government
While there are advantages, unitary governments also have some disadvantages:
- Political Minority Representation: The needs of political minority groups often go unnoticed due to the centralization of unitary governments, resulting in a lack of representation.
- Potential for Dictatorships: Concentration of power in unitary governments can create a path for authoritarian rule and dictatorship.
- Lack of Political Participation: Centralized decision-making at the national level may cause citizens to feel disconnected from the political process, leading to reduced engagement.
- Lack of Local Understanding: Unitary governments may struggle to address the specific needs of local communities, prioritizing broader issues instead.
- Increased Risk of Corruption: Centralization of power in unitary governments can increase the likelihood of corruption as decision-making is concentrated in a single entity.
Examples of Unitary Governments
Unitary governments can be found in both democratic and authoritarian states. Here are a few examples:
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom operates as a unitary government, with the UK Parliament serving as the governing body. It consists of England and three countries with devolved governments: Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These devolved governments have varying levels of legislative powers, with the Scottish Parliament having additional authority in areas like taxation and social programs.
Primary Legislative Powers: Main laws passed by UK legislatures.
Secondary Legislative Powers: Regulations issued by government entities with parliamentary authorization.
Japan
Japan is a unitary government divided into 47 prefectures. The emperor serves as the ceremonial head of state, while the cabinet and Prime Minister hold the governing power. The Japanese government has partially decentralized power to local governments under the 1947 Constitution, although their authority is limited by directives from the central government.
China
China operates as an authoritarian unitary government, with the Communist Party of China (CPC) holding supreme authority. The CPC leader wields significant influence, while the National People's Congress (NPC) theoretically possesses legislative power, convening every 5 years. In their absence, the Central Committee and Political Bureau, led by the General Secretary, govern the nation.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica functions as a unitary government, with 81 municipalities enjoying local self-governance. The central government, led by the president and cabinet, oversees the executive branch. A 2010 law further devolved power to local governments, enabling the transfer of powers not explicitly held by the central government.