UNITARY STATE Meaning and
Definition
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A unitary state is a type of political organization characterized by a centralized government system where power and authority are concentrated at the national or central level. In this system, the central government holds the ultimate authority over the entire state, and regional or local governments derive their power from and are subordinate to the central government.
In a unitary state, the central government is responsible for making and implementing laws, governing public administration, and conducting foreign affairs. It has the authority to delegate powers and responsibilities to regional or local governments, but it also has the power to recall or modify these powers at any time. This centralized structure ensures uniformity and consistency in policies and laws across the entire state.
The regional or local governments in a unitary state are established for administrative convenience, mainly to manage the affairs of their respective regions or localities. They usually have limited powers and functions, and their decisions can be overruled by the central government if they contradict national interests or policies.
Unitary states are often characterized by a strong central authority, uniform legal systems, and a single constitution that governs the whole country. This system of governance contrasts with federal states, where power is divided between the central government and regional governments, allowing regional governments more autonomy in decision-making. Examples of unitary states include France, China, and Japan.
Etymology of UNITARY STATE
The term "unitary state" is derived from the word "unitary", which has its origins in the Latin word "unitas", meaning "unity" or "oneness". The suffix "-ary" is appended to form an adjective, denoting "related to" or "characterized by". Hence, a "unitary state" is a political entity or system in which power is concentrated in a central government, with limited or no authority delegated to subnational institutions.
