Meaning, Reasons and Features of Unitary System of Government

What is a Unitary System of Government?

Unitary system of government is one in which the political power is concentrated on the central government. All powers of government are constitutionally allocated to the central government.

Countries that operate a unitary system of government are Britain, Ghana, Italy, France, etc.

Reasons for Adoption of Unitary System of Government:

(i) Small geographical territories and populations may adopt a unitary system.

(ii) Another reason for the adoption of a unitary system is the relatively homogenous nature of a state.

(iii) When there is no distinct minority group that may claim to be marginalized or have ethnic inequalities.

(iv) Limited human and natural resources may make a country adopt a unitary system.

(v) When the people in the state have identical political culture and history.

(vi) The cost-effectiveness of the unitary system makes states adopt this system.

(vii) When the state has a desire for the preservation of national unity identity or values.

Features of Unitary System of Government:

(i) The political power under the unitary system is concentrated on the central government.

(ii) The constitutionA constitution is a set of fundamental rules that determine how a country or state is run. More is usually unwritten.

(iii) The unitary constitution is flexible.

(iv) There is the existence of delegation of power. The central government delegates specific power to other tiers of government to carry out.

(v) The central government is strong, it creates other units of government.