Posted by Chester Morton / Sunday, 24 April 2016 / No comments
The conditions necessary for the adoption of a Unitary system of Government
Population of the country
One
of the conditions necessary for the adoption of a unitary system of
government is the population of the country. In most cases, a country
with a small population is advised to choose a unitary system of
government rather than a federal system.
Small geographical size
Another condition that is important in the choice of a unitary system of government is the size of the country. For a country with a small geographical size, the choice of a unitary system over a federal system is more appropriate.
Small geographical size
Another condition that is important in the choice of a unitary system of government is the size of the country. For a country with a small geographical size, the choice of a unitary system over a federal system is more appropriate.
Inadequate resources
Another
reason why countries adoption a unitary system of government is when there is a lack of adequate resources. In a federal system, the institutions of government are duplicated in
all the component units and structures built to support them. Huge
resources are needed to cater for that. So if a country does not have the resources to foot these bills, the obvious choice is a unitary system.
Common language and culture
Common language and culture
Another precondition for the adoption of a unitary system of government is the
presence of a common language, religion and culture. In cases where the whole nation
speaks the same language and practice the same religion and culture, it is easy
to adopt a unitary system. However, even where there is no common
language, religion or culture, the absence of sharp differences in language,
religion and culture, is a good ground for the adoption of a unitary system of government.
Uniform of economic development
In
a country where there had been an unequal economic development, it is
better to adopt a unitary system than a federal system of government. So that the central government can develop the entire nation equally. In other words, the resources of the country can be more evenly distributed in a unitary system than in a federal system.
Common historical experience
Where
the inhabitants of a country have shared some common historical
experiences, it is best for them to adopt a unitary system of
government, all other things being equal. Some countries have had to
fight the same or similar battles, some had been under the same colonial
master, and some had settled in their present location at about the
same period. Such people have a certain common history and therefore,
could easily adopt a unitary system of government.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Highlight six conditions that must exist for a country to adopt a unitary system of government.
2. a. Define a unitary system of government.
b. Which five conditions are necessary for the adoption of a unitary system of government?
