Topic 6: Unitary States

Unitary system

form of government where power and authority are concentrated in a central government → regional or local government derive their powers from it and are subordinate to the central government.

Central government

Ultimate decision making and cab delegate powers to regional or local governments, but it also has to the ability to revoke or modify those powers.

Centralised system

system where decision making authority and power are concentrated in the hands of the central authority, such as a national government

Central authority has control over all aspects of governance → policy making, resource allocation and service provision

China

Decision making power is concentrated in the hands of the Communist Party of China and top leaders

France

Decision making power concentrated in the hands of the central government in Paris but local governments have some autonomy but are largely dependent on the central government

Decentralised system

one which decision making authority and power are distributed among multiple authorities at different levels of government such as regional or local

→ different levels of government have some degree of autonomy and are responsible for making decisions that affect their respective jurisidiction

e.g Germany’s federal system in which power is shared between federal government and 16 federal states.

USA

Hybrid system between centralised and decentralised → combines elements of both systems

Devolution

Specific form of decentralised system

Certain powers and decision making authority are given to local or regional governments within the country

Framework for devolved system

Often written into a countries constitution which sets out basic rules and framework on how the devolved system should operate but required additional laws and regulations to give effect to the devolved powers and responsibilities.

Who retains most power in devolved system?

Central government

While the devolved system may be incorporated into the constitution, the sub-state entities (local and regional government) are still subject to the central government and have a lower status in the overall governance of the country compare to central level e.g Spain / Italy

Constitutional devolution

involves devolving power by amending the country’s constitution to create a framework for a develolved state or region involving changing fundamental laws of a country and is usually a more comprehensive and long lasting way of devolving power.

→ results in greater autonomy for subnational government

→ can create new institutions such as regional parliaments or assemblies

Statutory devolution

involves devolving power through the enactment of specific laws or statutes that establish the powers and responsibilities of subnational governments.

→ does not involve amending constitution of state

→ may be easier to change than constitutional devolution

→ often results in more limited power for subnational government

→ may not create new institutions

Main difference between constitutional devolution and statutory devolution

the level of permanence and the scope of powers granted to subnational governments

UK

Devolutoin part of statute e.g Scotland Act

*How did the centralized unitary state emerge?

Often developed through consolidation of power for efficiency, national unity, and to avoid regional conflicts.

Characteristics

• Single legal system.

• Centralized administration.

• Uniform policies and laws throughout the country.

*What is a decentralized unitary state? 

A unitary state where the central government delegates certain powers to regional or local authorities

*What are the distinctive features of devolution?

Transfer of powers from central government to regional or local governments.

• Permanent or long-term delegation.

• Regional bodies have a degree of self-governance.

• Enhances local accountability and responsiveness.

What is the difference of devolved systems from federations?

• Devolved Systems:

  • Power remains with central authority, which can revoke it.

  • Regional authorities derive power from central government.

  • Not constitutionally guaranteed.
    

• Federations:

  • Sovereign states form a union but maintain individual sovereignty.

  • Powers are constitutionally divided between central and regional governments.

  • Central government cannot unilaterally revoke regional powers.