Advantages and Disadvantages to the Unitary Confederate and Federal Systems of Government

Unitary, Federal, and Confederate governments can be found in the world today. Each one has a chance to be a successful government. What separates them is the role of the central government within the state. In the following essay I will compare and contrast the unitary, confederate, and federal systems of government. But first let’s define Unitary, Federal, and Confederate governments

In a unitary system of government the central government holds the most power. The state still has local and regional offices but these offices are under the backing of the central government. The United Kingdom is one example of a unitary nation. Parliament has the governing power in the U.K. granting power to local governments when it sees fit. They also have the power to remove it. France is also considered a unitary government. The national government rules over the various provinces. These local bodies carry out the orders of the central government.

Federalism sharing of power between the federal government and the state government. The United States is one of many examples of a government using Federalism. The United States Constitution grants certain powers to the national government while others go to the states. The federal government can negotiate treaties with other countries while state and local authorities cannot negotiate treaties. State governments have the power to set and enforce driving laws while the federal government lacks that ability. Modern Germany is also considered federalist republic. The government shares power with entities known as Lander.

Confederation is an agreement between separate parties to cooperate with each other. The states of a confederation retain all the powers of a separate and free nation. Independent nations have the right to maintain a military force, print money, and make treaties with other nations. The United States began as a confederate state under the Articles of Confederation.