Unitary Government vs. Federal Government — What's the Difference?

A Unitary Government consolidates all governmental powers, responsibilities, and functions within a single central authority. This entails a hierarchy where the central authority holds the supreme power, and any administrative divisions must adhere to its directives. On the contrary, a Federal Government disseminates power, ensuring both the central authority and its sub-entities (like states or provinces) maintain certain levels of autonomy and jurisdiction over designated matters.

In the frame of a Unitary Government, local or regional authorities generally administer only those powers that the central government delegates to them. This centralized structure means all policy and administrative decisions emanate from, and return to, a singular point of control. A Federal Government, however, enables its constituent entities to exercise legislative, executive, and sometimes judicial powers in specific areas without interference from the central authority.

Despite its centralized nature, a Unitary Government may establish local governments to facilitate governance, but it retains the right to modify or abolish them as it deems fit. Federal Governments safeguard the existence and autonomy of its subnational entities through constitutional guarantees, limiting the central government’s power to alter their status unilaterally.

The mechanism for amending the constitution or making critical policy changes often differs notably between the two. A Unitary Government can typically enact changes more swiftly and unilaterally due to the consolidation of power. In contrast, Federal Governments may require collaboration or consensus among its subnational entities to enact significant constitutional amendments or policy shifts.

In international relations, a Unitary Government unilaterally decides and implements foreign policy and international agreements. Meanwhile, in a Federal Government, the involvement of subnational entities in international dealings can vary, with certain matters, like treaties, typically being the exclusive prerogative of the central authority, while others might require subnational consent or coordination.