What is the key difference between a federal system and a unitary system of government?

What is the key difference between a federal system and a unitary system of government?

• A. Powers are divided between national and state/territory governments
• B. Most power is held by the central government
• C. States have no power
• D. The central government is elected separately

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how authority is organized between levels of government. In a federal system, powers are shared and split between a national government and state or territory governments, with the constitution laying out which powers belong to each level and sometimes allowing both to operate in certain areas. This means both levels have independent authority in their designated spheres. In a unitary system, the central government holds the primary power, and regional authorities exist mainly to carry out central laws or administer areas delegated by the central government. Their powers can be changed or removed by the central government. So, the key difference is the distribution of powers between levels of government: federal systems divide powers across national and subnational governments, while unitary systems concentrate power at the center.

The main idea being tested is how authority is organized between levels of government. In a federal system, powers are shared and split between a national government and state or territory governments, with the constitution laying out which powers belong to each level and sometimes allowing both to operate in certain areas. This means both levels have independent authority in their designated spheres.

In a unitary system, the central government holds the primary power, and regional authorities exist mainly to carry out central laws or administer areas delegated by the central government. Their powers can be changed or removed by the central government.

So, the key difference is the distribution of powers between levels of government: federal systems divide powers across national and subnational governments, while unitary systems concentrate power at the center.