How is federal government better than a unitary government? Explain wi...
Introduction:
Federal government and unitary government are two different types of government systems. In a unitary government, the power is concentrated in the hands of a single central government, whereas in a federal government, the power is shared between the central government and the regional or state governments. In this response, we will explain why federal government is better than a unitary government with examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Examples:
Belgium:
Belgium is an example of a federal government system. It is divided into three regions, each with its own government: the Flemish Region, the Walloon Region, and the Brussels-Capital Region. Each region has its own parliament and government, which are responsible for areas such as education, culture, and housing.
Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka is an example of a unitary government system. The power is concentrated in the hands of the central government, which is responsible for all areas of governance. There are no regional or state governments in Sri Lanka.
Advantages of Federal Government:
1. Power Sharing: In a federal government system, power is shared between the central government and the state governments. This ensures that no one level of government has too much power, and that decisions are made by those who are closest to the people affected by them.
2. Regional Autonomy: State or regional governments in a federal system have more autonomy than in a unitary system. They are able to make decisions that are specific to their region, without interference from the central government.
3. Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Federal government systems are often better suited to countries with diverse cultures and languages. This is because state or regional governments are able to make decisions that are specific to their region, taking into account the unique needs of their population.
4. Checks and Balances: In a federal system, there are checks and balances between the central government and the state governments. This ensures that no one level of government can become too powerful, and that decisions are made in the best interests of the country as a whole.
Disadvantages of Unitary Government:
1. Centralized Power: In a unitary government system, power is concentrated in the hands of the central government. This can lead to a lack of regional autonomy and a disregard for the unique needs of different regions.
2. Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Unitary government systems are often not well-suited to countries with diverse cultures and languages. This is because decisions are made by the central government, which may not take into account the unique needs of different regions.
3. Lack of Checks and Balances: In a unitary system, there are no checks and balances between the central government and the state governments. This can lead to a concentration of power and a lack of accountability.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, federal government is better than a unitary government because it allows for power sharing, regional autonomy, and checks and balances. Countries like Belgium, with its diverse linguistic and cultural regions, have benefited from a federal system, while countries like Sri Lanka have struggled with a unitary system that concentrates power in the hands of the central government.
How is federal government better than a unitary government? Explain wi...
(i) Federalism is a system of government under which power is divided between a central authority and its various constituent units. Whereas in a unitary government all the powers are in the hands of a central authority,
(ii) The Belgium leaders tried to solve the ethnic problem by respecting the feelings and interests of different communities and regions by establishing a federal government, whereas the Sri Lankan government tried to solve the problem through majoritarianism.
(iii) The Belgium solution helped in avoiding the civic strife, whereas the majoritarianism in Sri Lanka led to the civil war.
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