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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Federal and Unitary Government?

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The main difference between federal and unitary governments lies in the distribution of power and sovereignty.

In a unitary government:

  • All power and sovereignty belong to the central (national) government, which may delegate some of its power to territorial units.
  • There is no hierarchy of sovereign powers, and the national government has the authority to make decisions for the entire country.
  • Some examples of unitary governments include France, Great Britain, Jamaica, and Italy.

In a federal government:

  • The power and sovereignty are constitutionally divided and shared between the national (federal) government and units (states).
  • There is a balance between the levels of government, with both the central authority and the states (or provinces) being sovereign.
  • The central or national government has the authority to make decisions for the entire country, while states have the authority to pass their own laws within their jurisdictions.
  • Examples of federal governments include the United States, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

In summary, a unitary government concentrat

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  • What is the Difference Between Federal and Unitary Government?
  • Comparative Table: Federal vs Unitary Government

    • Comparative Table: Federal vs Unitary Government

    Here is a table comparing the differences between federal and unitary governments:

    Feature Federal Government Unitary Government
    Levels of Authority Multiple levels of authority with both central and state governments being sovereign Only one level of authority, with all power concentrated in the central government
    Constitutional Division of Power Constitutionally divides and shares power between federal and state governments Central government has all powers, which can be delegated to territorial units
    Hierarchy Hierarchy of sovereign powers with central or national rules overriding state rules No hierarchy of sovereign powers
    Autonomy for States States have some authority to pass their own laws and cannot be ordered by the central government States have no authority to pass their own laws and can be ordered by the central government
    Balance of Power Balance between the levels of government, with power and responsibilities shared between national and local levels Power is concentrated in one central governing system
    Examples United States, Germany, Canada, and Brazil Japan, Saudi Arabia, France, Great Britain, Italy, and Jamaica
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.