Distinguish between the Unitary and Federal systems of government.
A constitution can be either unitary or federal. A unitary system is governed constitutionally as one single unit, with one constitutionally created legislature. but in the federal constitution, there is a division of powers between the federal and the state governments. Here are some differences between the federal government and the unitary government.
Federal government | Unitary government |
The system has multiple hierarchy levels, with both the central authority and the states (or provinces) both being sovereign. | There is no hierarchy of sovereign powers. |
The central or national rules override the state rules. | States have no authority to pass their own laws, and the central or national government can order the states to do anything. |
There is a balance between the levels of government. | The federal government has a huge percentage of power. Examples include Japan and Saudi Arabia. |
Power and responsibilities are shared between national and local levels. | Power is placed in one central governing system |