In a unitary system of government, local offices

In a unitary system of government, local offices

1. Have equal power with the central government.

2. Elect representatives to the central government.

3. Can veto decisions made by the central government.

4. Must follow decisions made by the central government

Answer: 4. Must follow decisions made by the central government

Under the unitary system of government, all local offices should comply with decisions taken by a state authority. For this reason, a unitary system is described by an all-powerful national government that concentrates the power in one center.

In a unitary system, local governments in the form of states or provinces and municipalities have only those powers conferred on it by national government. Local governments can be overruled by the central government. Local offices do not have independence to make decisions that conflict with national laws and policies.

National policies, laws, regulations and standards are enacted by the central government which have to be implemented equally in all local jurisdictions. The local governments usually act as agents of the national government to facilitate its laws and policies. They do not have separate legislative powers. They also have their revenue and taxation policies which are formulated by the central government.

Key features of a unitary system are: centralization of power, uniform policies and laws as well the domination over local government by national authority. Some countries under unitary systems are for instance, France, Japan and Sweden. On the other hand, federal systems share power between national and local governments. Constitutionally protected in federal systems, local governments have specified powers and autonomy.