Q: What is the unitary form of government and explain its merits and demerits.

Subject: Political SciencePaper-1-CSS-PMS

By: Mr. Imran Zahoor
PhD Scholar of IR
WhatsApp: 0321-4800309

Introduction

 A unitary form of government is a system in which all power and authority is held by a single
central government, and all administrative divisions within the state are secondary to
that central government.

 In other words, a unitary government is one where the central government has complete
control over the country, and the states or regions within it are given limited powers that
are delegated by the central government.

Oxford Dictionary of Politics defines,

“A unitary state as "a state in which ultimate political power lies with
the central government and not with any constituent parts of the state"

o In a unitary system, the central government has the power to make laws and policies,
collect taxes, and regulate commerce. The administrative divisions within the state, such
as provinces, states, or regions, have limited autonomy and are subject to the authority
of the central government.

o They may be granted certain powers and responsibilities by the central government, such
as managing local infrastructure or delivering public services, but these powers are
subject to the central government's control and may be revoked or amended at any time.

o Approximately 60-70% of the world's countries can be classified having unitary form of
government.

o Here are the some names of countries with a unitary form of government:
o France, Japan, South Korea, Italy, China, Russia, Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, United
Kingdom.
The Evolution of Unitary Government

The evolution of the unitary form of government has gone through several stages throughout
history.
 Ancient Empires: Unitary governance can be traced back to ancient empires like the
Roman Empire and the Maurya Empire. These centralized structures exercised
authority over vast territories through a strong central leadership.

 Feudal States and Absolutism:

 During the medieval period, feudal states in Europe, as well as absolutist monarchies,
displayed unitary characteristics. For instance, the absolutist rule of Louis XIV in France
concentrated power in the monarchy.

 Colonial Rule:
 European colonial powers established unitary administrations in their colonies,
concentrating power in the hands of colonial rulers. For instance, the British colonial
rule imposed unitary governance in many of its colonies.

 Napoleonic Era:
 Napoleon Bonaparte's rule introduced centralized administrative systems across the
territories he conquered, reinforcing the unitary structure.

 Modern Nation-States:
 The unitary model gained prominence with the rise of modern nation-states. Many
countries adopted unitary governance as they formed centralized governments to foster
national identity and control.

 Post-Colonial Period:
 Many newly independent countries retained the unitary system inherited from colonial
rule, emphasizing national unity and often sidelining regional autonomy. For instance,
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania,Uganda.

Merits of Unitary Form of Government

 Efficiency: One of the main advantages of a unitary system is that it can be more
efficient than other form of government. Since the central government has complete
control over the entire country, it can respond quickly and decisively.
o For instance, in the aftermath of a major earthquake, the central government can
mobilize resources, allocate funds, and deploy emergency services in
affected areas efficiently.

 National Unity: A unitary system can promote national unity by creating a common
set of laws and regulations that apply to everyone in the country, regardless of where
 they live. This can help to reduce regional tensions and promote a sense of national
identity.
o For example, Japan's unitary system nurtured cultural cohesion, fostering
shared values and a robust national identity, crucial for nation-building and
citizen unity.

 Consistency in Policies: In a unitary system, the central government has the power
to make laws and policies, collect taxes, and regulate commerce, among other
things.
o This means that there is greater consistency in policy-making and
implementation across the entire country, which can help to reduce confusion
and ensure that everyone is treated equally.
By: Mr. Imran Zahoor
PhD Scholar of IR
Contact for More CSS-PMS Material
WhatsApp: 0321-4800309

 Stronger National Government: A unitary system can provide a stronger national

government, which can be better equipped to deal with issues such as national
defense and foreign policy. This can be especially important for smaller countries or
countries that face external threats.

 Simplified Governance: A unitary system can be simpler and easier to manage than
other forms of government. With a single, central government in control, there are
fewer layers of bureaucracy and decision-making can be more streamlined.

 Stronger Control over Local Governments: In a unitary system, the central

government has greater control over local governments and can ensure that they are
operating efficiently. This can help to reduce corruption and ensure that resources
are being used in the best interests of the country as a whole.

 Greater Flexibility: A unitary system can be more flexible than other forms of
government, as the central government has the power to make changes quickly and
easily when needed. This can be especially important in rapidly changing situations or
in times of crisis.
 Clear Lines of Authority: In a unitary system, there are clear lines of authority and
responsibility. This can help to reduce confusion and ensure that everyone knows who is
in charge and what their role is.
o For instance, the United Kingdom's clear lines of authority under the Prime
Minister exemplify effective governance, minimizing ambiguity in leadership and
roles.
  Lower Administrative Cost: A unitary system can be less expensive to operate than
other forms of government, as there are fewer layers of bureaucracy and less duplication
of effort. This can result in lower administrative costs and a more efficient use of
resources.
o For example, the streamlined bureaucracy of Japan's central government
allows for efficient resource allocation, reducing administrative overhead and
optimizing public spending.

Demerits of Unitary Form of Government

 Lack of Regional Autonomy: In a unitary system, the central government has all the
power and authority, which can lead to a lack of regional autonomy. This can be a
disadvantage for regions that have different cultures, languages, or histories, as they
may not feel sufficiently empowered.
o For example in the United Kingdom, while devolution has been implemented to
some extent, regions like Scotland and Wales still face with the challenge of
balancing their distinct identities with the centralized authority.

 Overcentralization of Power: The concentration of power in the central government can

lead to overcentralization, where decisions are made without proper consultation or input
from regional or local authorities. This can result in policies that do not reflect the needs or
desires of the population.

 Inefficient decision-making: While decision-making can be easier in a unitary system, it

can also be less efficient, particularly in larger countries. The central government may not
have a full understanding of local conditions or needs, which can lead to ineffective policies.

o For example, under the unitary form of government, the central government of
China's vast territory might struggle to fully grasp the diverse needs of its remote
rural areas, potentially resulting in policies that don't align with local realities.

 Limited checks and balances: A unitary system can limit the ability of other branches of
government or other levels of government to provide checks and balances on the power of
the central government. This can result in abuses of power and a lack of accountability.

 Absence of Flexibility: While a unitary system can be more flexible in certain

circumstances, it can also be inflexible in others. For example, if the central government
wants to implement a policy that is not suitable for all regions, it may be difficult to modify
the policy to accommodate local conditions.

 Overreliance on Central Government: In a unitary system, local or regional governments

may become overly reliant on the central government for funding or resources. This can
 lead to a lack of local initiative and a dependence on decisions made at the national
level.
o In France, local governments depend on central funding for education, limiting local
initiative and customization, potentially leading to uniformity and lack of
responsiveness to regional needs.

 Slow Response to Local Issues: The central government may not always respond quickly
or effectively to local issues, particularly in large countries. This can lead to frustration
and dissatisfaction among local populations.
o In Nigeria, a unitary system can result in delays and inefficiencies in addressing
local concerns. Centralized decision-making can lead to frustration as local
issues struggle for attention and responsiveness.

 Lack of Representation: In a unitary system, citizens may feel that they are not adequately
represented in the central government, particularly if they are part of a minority group or
live in a geographically isolated region. This can lead to feelings of alienation and a lack
of trust in the government.
o In Ethiopia, ethnic minority groups such as the Oromo community might feel
marginalized, leading to distrust due to inadequate representation and distant
decision-making from the central government.
o In Cameroon, Anglophone communities may feel excluded and disconnected from
the Francophone-dominated central government, fostering alienation and
eroding trust in the political system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the unitary form of government can be an effective way to organize a

country's governance structure, particularly in small countries with a homogeneous
population. However, it is important to weigh the merits and demerits of the system, as
well as its potential impact on regional autonomy, decision-making efficiency, and
representation of minority groups. To ensure the success of a unitary system, it is crucial
to establish effective checks and balances on the central government, and to provide
regional and local authorities with adequate representation and autonomy. Ultimately,
the effectiveness of a unitary system depends on how power is distributed and
exercised, and whether the government is responsive to the needs and desires of the
population.