Introduction
Understanding how power is distributed within government systems is fundamental to grasping governance structures. Centralization concentrates decision-making authority at the top, while decentralization disperses power across multiple levels, influencing efficiency, accountability, and citizen participation.
Key Concepts
1. Centralization
A system where authority and decision-making are concentrated at the highest level of government. Sub-national bodies have limited autonomy.
Advantages:
- Clear and direct decision-making
- Uniform policies and standards
- Strong national cohesion and efficient crisis response
Drawbacks:
- Slow response to local needs or crises
- Reduced community involvement in governance
- Risk of bureaucratic delays and favoritism
2. Decentralization
The deliberate distribution of administrative, fiscal, or political authority to lower levels of government.
Forms include:
- Deconcentration: Redistribution within central government agencies
- Delegation: Assigning responsibilities to semi-autonomous bodies
- Devolution: Transferring authority to local governments
Advantages:
- Tailored solutions based on local needs
- Improved public accountability and citizen engagement
- Greater motivation and leadership development at local levels
Drawbacks:
- Higher administrative costs and duplication of efforts
- Potential for uneven development across regions
- Challenges in coordination and resource allocation
Real-World Application
Many modern states use a balance between both approaches. A strong central authority maintains national integration, while localized governance addresses specific regional needs and encourages grassroots participation.
For example, federal systems may delegate revenue collection, education, or local infrastructure to state or regional governments while retaining national defense and monetary policy at the central level.
Study Tips
- Clearly distinguish between centralized and decentralized governance
- Reflect on the trade-offs—where might one approach be more effective than the other?
- Think of contemporary examples like federal vs unitary systems
- Use the questions below to refine your understanding and exam readiness
THEORY
1. (a) Explain deconcentration of power (b) Outline any five importance of decentralization.
2. (a) Explain decentralization (b) State four advantages of decentralization.
OBJECTIVES
1. The delegation of Administrative Powers to the local units with the central supervision and control is called
A. devolution. B. decentralization. C. deconcentration. D. centralization.
2. A practice by which semi autonomous units are given part of governmental powers and functions is known as
A. deconcentration. B. distribution. C. devolution. D. decongestion.
3. A disadvantage of centralized administration is that
A. wide powers are allocated to sub-national bodies. B. the influence of the central administration is easily felt by the local people. C. local people are not easily exploited by the sub-national. agents. D. sub-national bodies are denied initiative in decision making.
4. The process of distribution of powers among authorities distinct from the central government is known as
A. centralization. B. delegation. C. deconcentration. D. separation.
5. The concept of decentralization includes all the following elements except
A. deconcentration. B. devolution. C. delimitation. D. delegation.
6. Decentralization is a common feature of
A. totalitarian system of government. B. federal system of government. C. unitary system of government. D. fascist system of government.
7. Devolution of power is associated with a
A. decentralized political system. B. feudal political system. C. totalitarian political system. D. centralized political system.
8. The degree of centralization is high in a
A. Unitary system of government. B. federal system of government. C. confederal system of government. D. representative government.
9. Centralization of power is a basic feature of a
A. federal government. B. unitary government. C. presidential government. D. parliamentary
government.
10. The transfer of political power to local authorities by the central government is known as
A. devolution of power. B. devolution of political posts. C. deconcentration of legislative powers.
D. decentralization of government business.
11. Which of the following constitutional provision gives a high degree of autonomy to component parts of a unitary state?
A. Devolution B. Delegation C. Divestiture D. Declaration.
12. The essence of the concept of devolution is to cater for the interest of the
A. ruling government B. majority C. minority D. rule of law.
13. One of factors that influences decentralization of power in a state is
A. weak central authority B. maximum loyalty C. widening political participation D. maximum allegiance to the state.
