Question

Assume that the framers of the Constitution had decided to establish a unitary form of government instead of a federal system. What would have been the advantages or disadvantages of such a change? Would we have had a Civil War? What would have happened to individual freedoms? Would public services be better or worse?

Your submission should be at least 300 words.

Answer 1

A) A unitary system is a form of government where power is focused among the central government, a unitary state is an independent state which is governed as one solitary element where the central government is highest and any administrative division implements powers that the central government decides to delegate. The unitary system is the most common type of government, and numerous states use this system of government. A unitary system is composed of one central government that holds all the power, In a unitary government, this relationship is largely one-sided, with the central government enjoying almost complete control over their smaller local government entities. In a unitary system, almost all power and responsibility is vested in the central government. Local governments may only exercise power through the central government.

ADVANTAGE OF UNITARY STATE:

Less expensive: There are no other levels of government that need to be funded by the state.

It inspires patriotism:Under a unitary government, the general population is generally more patriotic than in other government structures because each person has at least one thing in common with their neighbors.

Single and Simple Government:Unitary form of government is very simple system. With the exception of Britain, there are neither provincial assemblies and executives nor the upper chambers at the center. There is a single central government at the center. There is unicameral legislature popularly elected.

It is a form of government that is highly responsive:Because power is consolidated centrally, there are fewer barriers in place for a fast response with a unitary government. If the government feels like it needs to be present at a specific location, then it can immediately insert the infrastructure that is required

It encourages the government to be smaller instead of larger:Even with satellites branching out from it, a government based on unitary standards tends to be smaller and more consolidated that other forms of governing.

Quick decision-making:The unitary system allows for quick decision-making. This is so because, the central government does not have to consult any other level of authority before it arrives at its final decision to undertake or not to.

There will not be any civil war under unitary government and yes unitary systems can provide individual rights and freedoms just as well as a federal system. Whether the country has a unitary system or not is totally irrelevant to whether there are freedoms and ofcourse public sector would be better under unitary government.