Posted by Chester Morton / Monday, 19 December 2016 / No comments
The features of a centralized system of Government
Definition of centralization
Centralization can be defined as the type of government in
which powers of government are concentrated at the centre and exercised by a
central authority.
FEATURES
Practiced in a unitary state
One of the features of a centralized system of government is
that it thrives in a unitary system of government. Ghana, Sierra Leone and
Britain are all unitary states and they have adopted the centralized system of
government.
Centralized planning
Another feature of centralization is that planning is done by
a central governing body situated at the centre. For example, planning takes
place in a particular ministry in the capital of the country but is implemented
in the regions and districts by bodies to which powers have been delegated.
Centralized power
Another feature of a centralized system of government is that
power is vested in a single authority which is not required by law to share any
part of the power with any other authority. Even it allows any other authority
to exercise any aspect of its powers, the central government still maintains
absolute control over the delegated power.
A single legislature
Another feature of a centralized system of government is that
it has only one legislature. It is only this legislature that has the power to
make laws for the entire country. No other body can make laws. If any other
body makes laws, it does so because the power has been delegated to it to do
so.
A single executive
It is also a feature of a centralized system of government to
have only one executive. The function of the single executive is to formulate
and implement policies in order to administer the country. It has a well
structured Civil Service to help in the implementation of its policies and
programmes.
A single judiciary
A centralized system of government can also boast of just one
judiciary. It is structured in such a way that there are lower courts and
higher courts up to the supreme court of the land. Their main duties are to
administer justice to those whose rights have been infringed upon and to
interpret the constitution, among others.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. a. Define a centralized system of government. [2 marks]
b. Highlight five
features of a centralized system of government. [10 marks]
2. In what six ways can one identify a centralized system of
government? [12 marks]
