Merits and Demerits of the Unitary Government.

by - February 15, 2022

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a unitary government.

Merits and Demerits of the Unitary Government. 




Advantages and benefits of a unitary government: -


1. The possibility of less administrative complexity : - Since in unitary states all the powers of the state are vested in a single government, it is possible to easily enforce the same kind of laws and regulations in the whole country in administrative matters. Therefore, complications are less likely to arise in the management of the administrative system.

2. Absence of inequality in the states: - In a unitary system of governance, all the powers are vested in the central government only, so the same policy is applied in the whole country. As a result, in the case of states, it is impossible to make any allegations of discrimination against the central government.


3. Support for National Solidarity: - In a unitary system, the same type of law and order prevails in the whole country. Citizens are loyal only to the central government. As a result of the same policy prevailing all over the country, provincialism, separatism, etc. cannot be raised. Therefore, the unitary government plays a supportive role for national unity.

4. More suitable for small states: - In the administrative system of small states, the unitary system of government is more effective and suitable than the federal system. In general, small states have very little diversity of race, caste, language, culture, etc., compared to large states. As a result, unitary governance is more appropriate in all these states.

5. Advantages of law making: - In the system of unitary governance, the central legislature prevails instead of the constitution. The Central Legislature can formulate and amend laws according to its own wishes and needs. The judiciary does not have the power to interpret or repeal laws here. Therefore, legislation and amendment in a unitary system of governance is much easier than in the federal system.

6. Advantages in the international diplomatic system: - In a unitary state, all the powers of the state are vested in a single government, so there are many advantages in the execution of international treaties etc. It is not possible to impose any barriers on the states to implement these agreements. The central government participates in international politics according to its own needs, policies and facilities and can easily execute treaties.


7. Advantages in the economic field: - The central government can also play an effective role in the implementation of various economic plans. Different economic policies for the whole state and its implementation, economic planning for the states and the power to formulate it in the hands of only one government or central government .So there is no possibility of economic conflict between the center and the states. As a result, the economic policy adopted by the central government can be easily formulated.

8. It is not possible for the judiciary to obstruct the work of the law and administration department: - The judiciary has no predominance in unitary governments. As a result, the judiciary cannot interfere in the formulation of various laws, administrative aspects and policy formulation and its implementation in the functions of a unitary government. As a result, policy adoption and implementation takes place in a faster and easier way.

9. Low-cost: - Professor Garner spoke of the low-cost completion of a unitary state. In a unitary state only one government governs the whole country. As a result, administrative and legal costs are much lower than in the federal states. 

10. Helpful for emergencies: - The state often has to face emergencies like war, mass uprising, economic stagnation, separatism, terrorism etc. This situation necessitates quick decision making and action. The unitary government is much more effective than the federal government in controlling these situations.

Disadvantages or demerits of a unitary government: -


1. Since all the powers of the unitary government are vested in a single government, only the central government is established; Regional governments do not matter. Regional governments only become obedient slaves of the central government. This system is not conducive to local autonomy and democracy. In unitary states, large national issues prevail over local ones. As a result local problems and needs are always neglected.

2. In a unitary state, all legislative powers are vested in the Central Legislature and in this case only the Central Legislature has the upper hand. But different needs of a country are different and different in different aspects like economic, political, social, cultural etc. In this diverse environment, legislation only centrally is less likely to be effective for the country as a whole.


3. Urgent action is required in case of emergency or crisis. If for some reason the central government cannot prevent or control that crisis then a special problem arises. So a unitary government is effective for emergencies - but it is not so.

4. In a unitary state system, it is not possible to pay attention to the various regional demands and regional problems. As a result, regionalism, provincialism, separatism, etc. prevailed in different regions or provinces. Added to this ,  the anti-central attitude can arouse. .

5. A unitary government is by no means suitable for a large state. The size and population of a large state cannot be managed by a single central government properly.  That is why a unitary government is never effective in a large state.

6. Economically, a unitary government is not desirable. Because different parts of a state may have different types of economic problems. It is not possible for the central government alone to formulate economic policy considering all the economic advantages and disadvantages of all parts of the state. This created a favorable environment for the economic stagnation of the state.


7. Since the unitary government is flexible, the ruling party in the unitary government can amend the constitution at its own convenience and in its own interest. As a result, there is a possibility of increasing dictatorship and party arbitrariness and the state moves towards dictatorship.

8. A unitary government can never encourage the masses in political consciousness and activity. Political life is limited to a unitary state. Public participation is low there. As a result, there is a special lack of public participation in political consciousness and administration.

9. Unitary governments are completely bureaucratic. As a result, bureaucratic complexity, procrastination, etc., have a negative effect on the administration, and as the power of bureaucrats increases, the system of governance becomes bureaucratic, and local problems, such as public grievances, cannot be fully resolved.

10. It is alleged that the unitary system of governance is,  in many cases, undemocratic. Because the only source of power here is the central government. The central government runs the state according to its own wishes and interests. Regional governments or other parties have no independent entity or existence. Decentralization of power is not possible here and public participation in administration is not possible. As a result, a unitary government cannot be called democratic in any way.


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