Introduction
A unitary system is a form of government where power is held by a single central authority. It operates under a unified framework where local authorities, if existing, derive their legitimacy and authority from the central government.
Key Concepts
1. Definition and Overview
In a unitary government, the national government possesses supreme power. Sub-national entities such as regional or local governments—exist only at the discretion of the central authority and can be restructured or removed by it.
2. Features
- All political power; legislative, executive, and judicial stems from the central government.
- Uniform policies are applied throughout the country, ensuring consistency.
- Sub-national units function as administrative arms of the central government, without autonomous decision-making power.
3. Advantages
- Simplified governance and legislation, with streamlined policy implementation.
- Consistency in laws and services across the entire territory.
- Swift decision-making, especially in emergencies or national initiatives.
4. Disadvantages
- Limited local insight and reduced flexibility in addressing regional needs.
- Potential for over-centralization and lack of accountability at the grassroots level.
- Risk of disconnect between citizens and central authorities.
5. Examples of Roles in Practice
- Local governments may carry out policy but lack the authority to change or set laws.
- Central government can reorganize administrative units or overhaul local governance at will.
6. Comparisons with Federal Systems
- Unitary System: One central authority; power centralized.
- Federal System: Power shared between a strong central government and autonomous regional governments; suited for large, diverse nations.
Study Tips
- Understand that in a unitary system, the central government holds ultimate authority.
- Focus on practical consequences: uniform services vs. limited local autonomy.
- Compare the unitary model favorably or unfavorably to a federal arrangement.
- Use the questions below to reinforce your knowledge and prepare effectively.
THEORY
1. Why do some West African countries adopt the unitary system of government while others do not?
2. Why do some countries adopt unitary system of government?
3. Highlight any three reasons for the adoption of a Unitary Constitution.
OBJECTIVES
1. In a unitary state, governmental powers are concentrated at the
A. component units.
B. local level.
C. centre.
D. regions.
2. Which of the following is an important feature of a unitary constitution?
A. Revolutionary power.
B. Concentration of power.
C. Deconcentration of power.
D. Enfranchisement of power.
3. A system in which one level of government exercises an overwhelming authority over others can best be described as
A. confederal.
B. parliamentary.
C. unitary.
D. presidential.
4. Centralization of power is a feature of a
A. federal system.
B. unitary system.
C. confederal system.
D. presidential system.
5. Which of the following is an important feature of a Unitary Constitution?
A. Centralization of power.
B. Decentralization of power.
C. Deconcentration of power.
D. Power shared by the constitution.
6. In a unitary system of government
A. there is usually one party system.
B. there is no constitutional division of power among the different levels of government.
C. two party system is the most suitable for an equitable distribution of power.
D. there is always order and discipline.
7. One feature of a Unitary State is
A. the large size of the country.
B. high level of economic development.
C. absence of constitutional division of power to the units.
D. presence of heterogeneous groups.
8. One of the features of a unitary state is that
A. a two-party system is usually entrenched in the constitution.
B. members of Parliament are selected.
C. power is shared among all levels of government.
D. the constitution is flexible.
9. In a unitary system of government
A. Parliament is very weak.
B. There is high degree of decentralization.
C. Political power is diffused.
D. there is high degree of centralization.
10. Which of the following is a factor for the adoption of a unitary system of government in some West African countries?
A. Vast territories.
B. Small territories.
C. Abundant resources.
D. Heterogeneous culture.
11. In a unitary state, sovereignty resides in the
A. political parties.
B. provincial government.
C. central government.
D. pressure group.
12. A unitary system of government can ensure cohesion because it
A. provides for understanding and harmonious living.
B. sets up unity schools.
C. concentrates political power in single level of government.
D. equips the police force.
13. A unitary system of government is most suitable for a
A. highly religious country.
B. country with a lot of mineral deposits.
C. small homogeneous country.
D. highly populated country.
14. Which of the following countries practices a centralized system of government?
A. Nigeria.
B. Ghana,
C. USA.
D. India.
15. Which of the following best describes the system of government in Nigeria between 1922 and 1953?
A. Confederal.
B. Federal.
C. Republican.
D. Unitary.
16. In unitary state, local authorities derive their powers from the
A. judiciary.
B. electorate.
C. elected councillors.
D. legislature.
17. Which of the following countries is operating a Unitary Constitution?
A. Nigeria.
B. Canada.
C. Britain.
D. America.
18. A state is said to be unitary if it
A. has a rigid constitution.
B. is organized under a single government.
C. is headed by a Prime Minister.
D. is under military rule.
19. In a unitary system of government, power is derived from
A. the judiciary.
B. the executive,
C. the constitution.
D. source of authority.
20. The power of the central government to dissolve subordinate units at will is a feature of
A. confederal system of government.
B. unitary system of government.
C. parliamentary system of government.
D. federal system of government.
21. A country with homogeneous societies and a small population is suitable for the establishment of
A. a nation state.
B. a unitary state.
C. a federal state.
D. an autonomous state.
22. One of the following is a characteristic of a unitary government
A. Heterogeneous society.
B. Homogeneous society
C. Communal society
D. Feudal society.
23. Countries adopt unitary system of government because it
A. detests dictatorship.
B. promotes national integration.
C. concentrates power only at the centre.
D. allows the component units to secede at will.
24. Which of the following countries is a unitary state?
A. Nigeria
B. Egypt
C. Ghana
D. Canada.
25. Unitary system of government is adopted by some states because
A. it guarantees democracy
B. it builds the capacity of citizens in good time
C. of homogeneity
D. of rich mineral resources
