Federalism Questions
Federalism and unitary government are two different systems of government that distribute power and authority between the central government and regional or local governments in different ways.
In federalism, power is divided between the central government and regional or local governments. Both levels of government have their own separate powers and responsibilities, and they coexist and operate independently within their respective jurisdictions. The central government is responsible for national issues such as defense, foreign policy, and currency, while regional or local governments have authority over local matters such as education, healthcare, and transportation. Examples of federal countries include the United States, Canada, and Australia.
On the other hand, in a unitary government, power is concentrated in the central government, which holds all the authority and makes decisions for the entire country. Regional or local governments exist, but they derive their power and authority from the central government and can be abolished or modified at its discretion. The central government has the final say in all matters, and regional or local governments are subordinate to it. Examples of unitary countries include France, China, and Japan.
In summary, the main difference between federalism and unitary government lies in the distribution of power and authority. Federalism allows for a division of powers between the central and regional or local governments, while unitary government concentrates power in the central government.