Glossary
Decentralization
The process of distributing power and authority away from a central government to lower or regional levels of government.
Example:
The decision to allow local school boards to set their own curriculum standards, rather than having a national standard, is an example of decentralization.
Devolution
The process by which a central government in a unitary system grants or delegates powers to subnational governments, without relinquishing ultimate sovereignty.
Example:
The United Kingdom's decision to grant Scotland its own parliament with powers over education and health, while still maintaining Westminster's ultimate authority, is a prime example of devolution.
Efficiency
A benefit of unitary systems, characterized by faster decision-making and policy implementation due to a single, centralized authority.
Example:
During a national health crisis, a unitary system can quickly implement nationwide lockdowns or vaccination programs without needing approval from multiple regional governments, demonstrating high efficiency.
Emergency Response
A benefit of unitary systems, allowing for a more coordinated and rapid response to national crises due to centralized command and control.
Example:
Following a major natural disaster, a unitary system can deploy national resources and coordinate relief efforts across all affected areas more swiftly, showcasing its strength in emergency response.
Federal System
A system of government where power is constitutionally divided between a central (national) government and various regional (state or provincial) governments.
Example:
In Canada, the federal government manages national defense and foreign policy, while provinces like Quebec have significant autonomy over education and healthcare, demonstrating a clear federal system.
Flexibility
A benefit of federalism that allows different regions to tailor policies and laws to address their unique local issues and needs.
Example:
Due to its flexibility, a federal system might allow one state to implement stricter gun control laws while another maintains more lenient regulations, reflecting diverse regional preferences.
Innovation
A benefit of federalism where different subnational governments can experiment with various policies, leading to new and effective solutions that can be adopted elsewhere.
Example:
When a city successfully implements a new public transportation model, other cities in the same country might adopt it, showcasing the innovation fostered by decentralized governance.
Protection of Minority Rights
A benefit of federalism where minority groups can exert more influence and have their interests better represented at the local or regional level, where they might form a majority.
Example:
In a country with a significant indigenous population concentrated in one region, a federal system allows that region to enact laws protecting indigenous languages and customs, ensuring the protection of minority rights.
Shared Governance
A benefit of federalism where power is distributed among different levels of government, allowing for a balance between national unity and regional interests.
Example:
In Germany, both the federal government and the individual states (Länder) have a say in environmental policy, illustrating the principle of shared governance.
Simplicity
A benefit of unitary systems, making the governmental structure and decision-making process easier for citizens to understand due to a single locus of power.
Example:
Citizens in a unitary system often find it easier to understand who is responsible for national policies, as there is one clear central authority, contributing to governmental simplicity.
Uniformity
A benefit of unitary systems, ensuring consistent laws, policies, and standards are applied equally across the entire nation.
Example:
In a unitary system, all citizens typically pay the same national income tax rate and follow the same traffic laws, ensuring uniformity across the country.
Unitary System
A system of government where the central government holds supreme power and authority, with any subnational units deriving their power from the center.
Example:
France operates as a unitary system, where the national government in Paris holds ultimate authority over all administrative divisions, such as departments and regions.
Unity
A benefit of unitary systems that promotes a strong sense of national identity and cohesion through consistent laws and policies across the entire country.
Example:
A national curriculum implemented across all schools in a unitary system can foster a shared sense of national identity and common values, promoting unity.