Merits and Demerits of Unitary System of Government

 Merits of Unitary System of Government

i) Since the logic and mechanism of a unitary government avoids the division of a country into autonomous regions or states, it can help to preserve and promote national unity. Unlike a federal system that promotes regionalism and tribalism, which further engender dual citizenship and double allegiance, one supreme central government under a unitary framework will put an end to all these divisive and centrifugal forces.

ii) In the unitary system there is there is the absence of duplication of centres powers as it is in the federal states. Since decisions on all-important issues are made at the centre it makes the costs of running the administration or of the government less expensive.

iii) Concentration of power rather than its dispersion ensures a strong government. This is because there is minimal diversity in a unitary state. In a unitary system of government due to much identical culture, economic and social composition of the people in the state/country there is usually the absence of friction, tension or rancour, that often characterise the federal system in the struggle for “unity in diversity.”
iv) The principle ensures that even development is realized in a state that operates a unitary system of government.

v) There is uniformity of laws and administration of the government of a unitary state. This ensures that there is no overlapping or conflict of jurisdiction throughout the state. This makes the allegiance of the citizens’ allegiance to the state to remain undivided. Unlike in the federal system of government where citizens owe allegiance both to the centre and the region to which they belong, such a situation that can breed separatist tendencies is avoided in a unitary state. In short, the unitary system does not stand divided.

vi) The unitary system of government is also credited with the advantage of pursing vigorous foreign and domestic policies. Since all powers are concentrated with the centre, clear cut foreign and home policies can be laid down and boldly followed. This is because the federal tendencies that may affect a state’s foreign policy negatively are not there nor are there much ethnic factions, religions and social heterogeneity found in federal states.

3.4.2 Demerits of a Unitary System of Government

• In a unitary system of government, power is highly centralized and  concentrated in one sovereign. This can lead to totalitarianism, oligarchy or  even autocracy in the running of the affairs of the state. The unitary system as a result of the point mentioned above often makes it difficult for the masses
to take active part in civic affairs of their country.

• There is also no local initiative in a unitary system of government. This is  because the little or residual power delegated to the local authorities can be  taken away from them at the whims and caprices of the centre. In France, for  example, ‘the Minister of Interior presses the button and the prefects, the sub- prefects, the Mayors and the Deputy Mayors do the rest.’

• The central government is not always aware of local problems; it leaves the distant authorities with the determination of policies and the regulation of affairs, which in fact, may be of no concern to any, except the people of the particular localities affected.

• The unitary system can also easily collapse. Single central authority may easily collapse under stress from within and without. Multiplication of  centres of power serves as a safeguard against such a danger.

Self-Assessment Exercise (SAE) 3.3
Enumerate the demerits of unitary system of government

4.0 SUMMARY
In this unit we began with the examination of unitary form of administrative system,
by giving its definition, meaning and characteristics. We also observed that a unitary system is most suitable for smaller states with less diversities of population, and for this reason, it enjoys wider acceptance in today’s world of mini, or even in certain cases, miniature states. Lastly, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of a unitary system of government.

5.0 CONCLUSION
Unitary system of administration, like federalism, which we will discuss in the next unit, is very popular among states. Its major attraction is the simplicity of its structure and organization. It is also not open to contestation that may arise due to disagreement over sharing of powers because it provides for one level of authority  thereby removing the danger of dual allegiance. Yet, inspite of the aforementioned a unitary system of government is not applicable to the circumstances of every state.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENTS (TMAs)
1. Explain the major distinction between unitary and federal system of government.

2. Analyse the major factors that encourage a country to adopt a unitary system of government.

3. Explain a scenario where the local authorities are always constitutionally at the mercy of the central government.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING
Ball, R.A. (1979) Modern Politics and Government, Macmillan England.

Mbah, C. C. (2007) Foundations of Political Science

Ojo, (1973) Government of Nigeria, Ilesanmi Press, Ilesha Awolowo e. (1966) Thoughts on Nigerian Constitution, Oxford Ibadan.