What characterizes a unitary government?

A unitary government is characterized by being governed as a single entity, meaning that all political power is concentrated at the national level. In this structure, local governments may exist, but they primarily serve as administrative arms of the central government rather than having their own independent powers.

This centralization allows for more uniform policies and laws across the entire state, ensuring that there is consistency in governance and a cohesive approach to national issues. In a unitary system, the central government has the authority to create or dissolve local governments, meaning that it exercises ultimate power over the governmental structure.

In contrast, decentralized systems or those with multiple governing bodies tend to distribute power among various levels of government, allowing for regional differences and local governance. Therefore, the essential feature of a unitary government is its singular governance structure, which is pivotal in understanding how power and responsibility are allocated within this type of system.