Question

What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary form of government? Explain with an example.

Answer 1

• In a unitary form of government, the national government has all the powers. Any constitutional powers given to the states or regions of the country are dependent on the national government, which can withdraw from them at any time, e.g., Sri Lanka.
  
• In the federal form of government like India, the powers are divided between the National Government and the various State Governments.
  
• Both levels have their areas of jurisdiction.
  
• In a unitary system, the Central Government can pass on orders to the state governments. But In a federal system, a State Government has powers of its own for which it is not answerable to the Central Government.