Meaning of Unitary Government:
Unitary government is such a system, wherein entire power of governance is embedded in only one government,i.e. the central government by constitution or by traditions. Under this, central government may delegate some of its powers to the governments of constituents or provincial governments. In unitary government, provincial units/bodies have no independent status. These are mere representatives of central government, which can be terminated any time by the central government.
Merits of unitary government:
1. Uniformity in administration:
In this system, there is one government throughout the country and it is run uniformly. As a result of being ruled by the same laws, there is uniformity of administration in the entire country.
2. Symbol of National unity:
Unitary system is a symbol of national unity. All the powers rest with the center, and one constitution, one law and one policy is followed in entire nation.
3. Very appropriate at the time of emergency:
As all the powers are vested with the center in this system of governance, this system is very suitable for taking quick and strong decisions in emergency situations.
4. Proficient and strong administration:
In unitary form of government, skill, capacity and perfection is found in abundance, as operation of governance and assessment of policies are initiated from the same place. Owing to the central government being strong and powerful, governance becomes resolute and perfect.
5. Simple government system:
Unitary form of government is very simple. It has neither dual system of governance, nor dual citizenship, nor a conflict in areas of responsibilities. As all the powers of governance rest with the central government, administrative decisions are taken easily.
6. Economical governance:
There is economical spending in unitary form of government, as unlike federal government, it does not have separate dual system of governance in the union and states.
7. Flexibility:
The main quality of unitary governance is its flexibility. In this, the process of making constitutional amendment is simple. In unitary government, amendment in the constitution can be done by method of changing simple laws.
8. Conflict – less system of governance:
In unitary government, all powers rest with central government, and therefore, all have to comply with the orders of the center. Hence, there is little possibility of conflict between local and central bodies in unitary government.
9. Strong foreign policy:
In international field, unitary government’s position is very strong and clear because uniform policy is followed in this and quick decisions are taken as regards international issues.
Demerits of Unitary government:
1. Opposes democracy:
Unitary form of government is regarded anti-democratic, because of extreme concentration of powers of governance in the center.
2. Governance of bureaucracy:
In unitary form of government, entire power rests with central government. Because of this, there is a fear of the central government going autocratic and there may be a rule of bureaucracy.
3. Apathy of people:
In unitary government, the people have less interest in public works and they get apathetic towards the governmental works done by the state, as they have little participation in it.
4. Inappropriate for huge states:
Unitary government is not suitable for huge states having diversity. For huge states having diversities, federal government is more appropriate.
5. Neglect of local self – governance:
In unitary government, entire responsibility of system of governance is upon the central government. It has to do those works also, which can be done with more ease and perfection by local and regional institutions, but due to the lack of sufficient power, local institutions are not properly developed.
6. Fear of central government turning autocratic:
In this system, sometimes, central government becomes very powerful and it may turn dictatorial.
