What is a unitary government?

A unitary government is defined as a system of government where power is centralized in a single national government. In this framework, the national government holds the primary authority and is responsible for creating and enforcing laws across the entire country without sharing power with subnational entities like states or provinces.

This structure contrasts sharply with federal systems, where power is divided between national and state levels, allowing for a distribution of authority that can enable local governments to exercise significant autonomy. In a unitary system, while local governments may exist, their powers are granted by the national government and can be revoked at any time.

This centralization of power can lead to more uniform policies and regulations across the nation, enhancing the efficiency of governance in some respects, as decisions can be made swiftly without the need for negotiation between different tiers of government. Examples of countries that operate under a unitary system include France and Japan, where the national government holds significant sway over local administrations.

In summary, the essence of a unitary government lies in its centralized authority, which is pivotal to understanding its operational dynamics compared to other forms of governance.