A unitary form of government is a country that is ran by a single unit of power, known as the central government. This central government makes all of the decisions, laws, and policies for the entire country. This is a very commonly used form of governance in the world, mainly due to it’s extreme advantages that it offers. While it may seem all good, there are some significant downfalls that should definitely be taken into account when looking at unitary government as a whole.
Advantages of Unitary Government
1. A Uniformed Nation
One of the most advantageous points of a unitary government is that everyone feels a sense of belonging. It inspires uniformity among the states of the nation, as well as patriotism because everyone has a major thing in common. All of the laws and policies span for the entire nation, so there is no disdain over one state having more freedom or liberties than others.
2. Quick Change is Good Change
Things can happen very quickly, and on a large scale, within a unitary government. Since there is only one branch of power, things do not have lengthy processes to get through before being approved or put into effect. This is extremely beneficial for the entire nation.
3. Management Made Simple
Managing the economy of a country underneath a unitary government is as easy as could be. Since all of the laws pertaining to things like taxes span the entire nation, it is simple to manage the fluctuations of the economy.
4. Taxes Go To Better Use
In this form of government, there are no duplication of any types of services. Often times there are federal services available, as well as local government efforts for the same services. This wastes the tax payers money. Since there are no local forms of government in a unitary government, there is no duplication and thus less tax payer money being spent on the same services.
5. Local Branches Are Possible
Many people argue that a unitary government is ineffective because it overlooks local issues. The government can still choose to allow local branches of the government to be set up to deal with these types of issues. This flexibility makes a unitary government a wonderful option.
Disadvantages of Unitary Government
1. Easily Fall Out of Touch
Since all of the power is centralized, it becomes all too easy for the government to fall out of touch with what the majority of citizens truly want or need. This can cause conflict between the government and it’s people, which is never a good sign for a country.
2. Response Is Slow
There is only one avenue to travel if you have a local issue within the government. The system becomes very easily bogged down with these smaller issues, that they rarely ever get resolved. Even if they do get some attention, it can take a ridiculously long amount of time.
3. A Glorified Dictatorship?
Opponents of unitary governments claim that all of it’s characteristics and inner workings are nothing but a dictatorship with a larger dictator. This isn’t entirely untrue. Since there is only a single unit of power, the citizens can becomes easily exploited for the governments own benefit. There is also no checks and balances within a government of this kind, leaving many things up to chance.
4. Communities Are Lost
Another major issue with unitary governments is that all local sense of security, community, and pride are lost. No one is allowed to go against the government, and every where you go in the nation is under the same rules. There is no diversity, and no sense of local pride.
Want to learn how to become a professional blogger and never have to get a job? Listen to the award winning podcast The Blog Millionaire to find out how. Go here to subscribe for free and download the episodes straight to your phone, tablet, or computer.
Important Facts About Unitary Government
