How is a federal government different from the unitary form of government? Why are federations preferred these days?
Answer:
Answer to be written in exam
| Unitary Government | Federal Government |
| 1. There is only one level of government. In case of sub-units, they are subordinate to the National govt. | There are two or more levels of governments i.e. National, State and Local govt. |
| 2. There is no division of powers . The Central or National govt has all the powers. | There is division of powers between different levels of the government. |
| 3. State govt or subunits are answerable to the Central govt. | State govt is not answerable to the Central or National govt. |
| 4. All powers are with Central govt. There is no separate jurisdiction for the sub-units. The central govt can grant them powers and take back at any time. | Jurisdiction of each govt i.e. State and Central is specified in the constitution and cannot be changed unilaterally. |
| 5. The Central govt alone can make constitutional amendment like an ordinary law. |
Constitutional amendment cannot be made without the consent of the State govt. |
| 6. Courts do not enjoy powers of safe-guarding/interpreting the constitution. | Courts such as Supreme Court of India safeguards and interprets the constitution. |
| 7. Sources of revenue are controlled by the central govt. |
Sources of revenue are divided among different levels of the government. |
| 8. Examples- Sri Lanka, UK |
Examples- India, USA |
A federation is preferred in most nations because of its dual objective-
- Safeguarding and promotion of the unity of the country.
- It facilitates in the accommodation and assimilation of the diversity of the country.
