Show
A unitary state is a state governed as a single entity in which the central government is the supreme authority. The central government may create (or abolish) administrative divisions (sub-national units).[1] Such units exercise only the powers that the central government chooses to delegate. Although political power may be delegated through devolution to regional or local governments by statute, the central government may abrogate the acts of devolved governments or curtail (or expand) their powers. Unitary states stand in contrast with federations, also known as federal states. A large majority of the world's sovereign states (166 of the 193 UN member states) have a unitary system of government.[2] Devolution compared with federalism[edit]A unitary system of government can be considered the opposite of federalism. In federations, the provincial/regional governments share powers with the central government as equal actors through a written constitution, to which the consent of both is required to make amendments. This means that the sub-national units have a right of existence and powers that cannot be unilaterally changed by the central government.[3] There are, however, similarities between federalism and devolution. Devolution within a unitary state, like federalism, may be symmetrical, with all sub-national units having the same powers and status, or asymmetric, with sub-national units varying in their powers and status. Many unitary states have no areas possessing a degree of autonomy.[4] In such countries, sub-national regions cannot decide their own laws. Examples are Romania, Ireland and Norway. Svalbard has even less autonomy than the mainland. It is directly controlled by the government and has no local rule. The pathway of regional integration or separation List of unitary republics and unitary kingdoms[edit]Italics: States with limited recognition from other sovereign states or intergovernmental organizations. Unitary republics[edit]Unitary monarchies[edit]The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is an example of a unitary state. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have a degree of autonomous devolved power, but such power is delegated by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which may enact laws unilaterally altering or abolishing devolution (except in Scotland, where a referendum would be required to end devolution). Similarly in Spain, the devolved powers are delegated through the central government. See also[edit]
References[edit]
What is the relationship between the national government and the states in a unitary system?In a unitary state, the national government has total authority over all of the country's other political subdivisions (e.g. states). Unitary states are the opposite of federations, in which governing power is shared by a national government and its subdivisions.
Does a unitary government have local offices?A unitary government has all its authority stored in one central government. While a unitary government might have local offices or authorities, these local governments do not share the power of the central authority.
What is a unitary system of government?unitary state, a system of political organization in which most or all of the governing power resides in a centralized government, in contrast to a federal state.
What is the relationship between local and state government?State government generally pays for statewide services such as universities, prisons, parks, and highways. Local governments pay for local needs such as police and fire protection, libraries, and local roads. Counties provide similar services in areas outside of cities.
|