A unitary state, or unitary government, is a governing system in which a single central government has total power over all of its other political subdivisions.The opposite of a federation is a unitary state, where a central government holds and divides governmental powers and responsibilities. In a unitary state, the political subdivisions must carry out the directives of the central government but have no power to act on their own.
In a unitary state, the central government may grant some powers to its local governments through a legislative process called “devolution.” However, the central government reserves supreme power and can revoke the powers it devolves to the local governments or invalidate their actions.
Unitary States vs. Federations
The opposite of a unitary state is a federation. A constitutionally organized union or alliance of partially self-governing states or other regions under a central federal government constitutes a federation. Unlike the largely powerless local governments in a unitary state, the states of a federation enjoy some degree of independence in their internal affairs.
Pros and Cons
The unitary state is the most common form of government in the world. This system of government has its benefits, but as with all schemes of dividing power between government and the people, it also has drawbacks.
What are Advantages of a Unitary State?
Can act quickly: A single governing body makes decisions in a unitary government, enabling it to respond more quickly to unexpected situations, whether domestic or foreign.
Can be less costly: Without the multiple levels of government bureaucracy common to federations, unitary states are able to operate more efficiently, thus potentially reducing their tax burden on the population.
Can be smaller: The unitary state can govern the entire country from a single location with a minimal number or elected officials. The smaller structure of a unitary state allows it to meet the needs of the people without involving a massive workforce.
What are Disadvantages of Unitary States?
Can lack infrastructure: Although they may be able to make decisions quickly, unitary governments sometimes lack the physical infrastructure needed to implement their decisions. In national emergencies, like natural disasters, the absence of infrastructure can endanger the people.
Can ignore local needs: Because they can be slow to develop the resources needed to respond to arising situations, unitary governments tend to focus on foreign affairs while keeping domestic needs on the back burner.
Can encourage abuse of power: In unitary states, a single person or legislative body holds most, if not all, governmental power. History has shown that power, when placed in too few hands, is easily abused.
