In this article you will learn about the Difference Between Federal and Unitary Government.
The main difference between a federal and unitary government is the distribution of power between the central and subnational governments.
Federal government
The central government and the subnational governments share authority in a federal system of governance. As each level of government has its own domains of authority, neither the central government nor the subnational governments are subordinate to one another. A constitution typically outlines how power is divided between the central and subnational governments.
Unitary government
In a unitary government, the central government has supreme power and authority over all subnational governments, such as states or provinces. Subnational governments are subordinate to the central government and can only exercise the powers that are delegated to them by the central government. The central government can also abolish or alter subnational governments at will.
In a federal government, power is divided between the central government and the subnational governments. Both the central government and the subnational governments have their own areas of jurisdiction, and neither level of government is subordinate to the other. The division of power between the central and subnational governments is typically enshrined in a constitution.
The following table summarises the key differences between federal and unitary governments :
Points of Differences
| DIFFERENCE | FEDERAL GOVERNMENT | UNITARY GOVERNMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution of power | Power is divided between the central government and the subnational governments. | The central government has supreme power and authority over all subnational governments. |
| Sovereignty | Both the central government and the subnational governments have their own spheres of sovereignty. | Only the central government has sovereignty. |
| Constitution | The division of power between the central and subnational governments is typically enshrined in a constitution. | The constitution is typically not as important in a unitary government, as the central government has supreme power. |
| Examples | United States, India, Canada, Australia | United Kingdom, France, Japan, China |
Advantages and disadvantages of Federal and Unitary Government
Both federal and unitary governments have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Federal Government
Advantages :
- Protect the rights of minorities and regional groups.
- Allow for more diversity in government policy.
- Promote innovation and experimentation.
Disadvantages :
- Can be more complex and expensive to operate.
- Can lead to gridlock and inefficiency.
- Can make it difficult to implement national policies.
Unitary Government
Advantages :
- More efficient and effective than federal governments.
- Easier to implement national policies.
- Less likely to experience gridlock and inefficiency.
Disadvantages :
- Can be less responsive to the needs of regional groups and minorities.
- Can lead to more centralised power and less accountability.
- Can be more susceptible to corruption and abuse of power.
This article on Difference Between Federal and Unitary Government is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.