THE STATE AND NATION

The formation of a state is the highest expression of a political act of men

conforming to promote their common interest, advance their common
welfare, secure their collective rights, optimize their available common
resources, promote their common heritage, and harness their common
potentials for the general well-being of the citizens.
What is a state?
A state is a community of persons, more or less numerous, occupying a
definite territory, possessing an organized government, and enjoying
independence from external control.
It is a people permanently occupying a fixed territory and bound by a
common-law habits and customs into one body politic, exercising through
the medium of an organized government, independent sovereignty and
control over all persons and things within its boundaries, capable of making
war and peace and entering into international relations with other
communities of the globe.
What is a nation?
Nation is defined as people, or aggregation of men, existing in the form of
an organized society, usually inhabiting a distinct portion of the earth,
speaking the same language, using the same customs, possessing historic
continuity, and disguised from other like groups of their racial origin and
characteristics, and generally, but not necessarily, living under the same
government and sovereignty.

Difference between State and Nation

State is more of a political concept while Nation is racial or ethical. For
example, the nations referred to in the United Nations are actually state. The
Arab Nation is not a state but a nation which consists of several states, such
as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, etc. On the other hand, USA is a state but
it consists of several nations such as Caucasian, African, Chinese, Indian
nations.
 STATE AND GOVERNMENT

Government is regarded as an essential element of the state. In actual practice, the state is
represented by the government. Governments exercise all authority and functions on behalf
of the state. However, the terms 'state' and 'government' should not be used synonymously.
'State' represents a wider and more stable entity than 'government'. As R.M. Maclver (The
Web of Government; 1965) has elucidated: When we speak of the state we mean the
organization, of which government is the administrative organ. Every social organization
must have a focus of administration, an agency by which its policies are given specific
character and translated into action. But the organization is greater than the organ. In this
sense, the state is greater and more inclusive than government. A state has a constitution, a
code of laws, a way of setting up its government, a body of citizens. When we think of this
whole structure we think of the state.

Thus, so long as a state maintains its identity and independence, governments may be
formed and dissolved according to the established procedure without affecting the character
of the state. But a state itself may lose its identity when it is suppressed and conquered by an
alien power and its constitution or the established procedure of forming a legitimate
government is suspended. The subjugated people may, however, retain or revive their
feeling of national solidarity and re-establish their state in due course.

The state serves as a symbol of unity of the people. The image of the state inspires unity
among the people and provides them with an identity as a nation. It arouses national pride
and a spirit of sacrifice among the people. Government only represents a working
arrangement to carry out functions of the state. Government commands our obedience; the
state commands our loyalty. Government may be good or bad, efficient or inefficient, but
the state will continue to be a symbol of our national greatness. We may criticize or
condemn the government, and still acclaim the greatness of our state!

It is, however, essential that our duties and obligations toward the state should be
determined by the character of the government it creates. If the government loses its

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credibility, it should either be replaced according to the established procedure, or the
credibility of the state itself will be eroded. The government should be subjected to constant
watch so that it conforms to the image of the state as the protector and promoter of our
common interests. Any theory which does not provide for a concrete control mechanism
over the government is bound to have disastrous consequences.

The idealist theory does not make a distinction between state and government. It creates an
image of the perfect state. Hegel eulogized the state, especially the nation-state, as the
'march of God on earth'! This theory demands complete subordination of man to the
authority and command of the state, without ensuring whether the actual government which
makes such demands, conforms to the image of the ideal state or not!

The liberal-democratic theory is more rational in this respect. It treats the state as a product
of the 'will of society', an instrument of 'conflict-resolution' and of securing the common
interest; then it authorises society to constitute a government by free choice, and demands
that the government should be responsible to the people, and should work with the
continuous consent of the people. Any political theory which creates a truly constitutional
government cannot be ignorant of the fallibility of government. It must recognise the
distinction between the state and government.

Marxist theory treats government as agency of the state. It attributes any imperfection of
government to the state itself. Accordingly, so long as society is divided into dominant and
dependent classes, any government is bound to serve as an instrument of the dominant class.
Thus, Marxist theory regards the state itself as an instrument of class exploitation, and
advocates transformation, and ultimate withering away, of the state in order to restore
'authority' to a classless society.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STATE AND GOVERNMENT

Some of the main differences between state and government are as follows:

1. Government is only an element of the state:

A State has four essential elements—Population, Territory, Government and Sovereignty.

Government is only one element of the State. It is just one part of the State which acts for
the state.

2. Government is an Agency or Agent of the State:

Government is an agency of the State. It acts for the state. It is that agency of the State
which formulates the will of the state into laws, implements the laws of the state and

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ensures conformity to the laws of the state. Government exercises power and authority on
behalf of the state.

3. State is Abstract, Government is Concrete:

State is a concept, an idea or a name used to denote a community of persons living on a

definite territory and organised for the exercise of sovereignty. State cannot be seen.
Government is made by the people of the State. It is formed by the representatives of the
people. It has a definite and defined organisation and form. It can be seen as a team of
people exercising the power of the State.

4. Government is organised only by a portion of the population of State:

The whole population is a part of the State. All the people are citizens of the State. However,
government is made by the representatives of the people. Only some people, who get
elected act as representatives of the people, form the government of the State. Their number
is limited to few hundred only. In India around 5500 MPs and MLAs represent the total
population of around 110 crores and exercise the political power at the centre and in all
states of India.

5. Membership of a State is compulsory but not of Government:

All people are citizens of the State. They together constitute the population of the State.
Each one normally gets the membership (citizenship) of a state automatically right at the
time of one’s birth and continues to live life as such. However, membership of the
government is not automatic. No one can be forced to become its part. Anyone can
voluntarily seek an election, get elected as a representative of the people and become a part
of the government. Only some persons form the government.

6. State is Permanent, Government is Temporary:

Governments come and go regularly. After every general election the government changes.
It can also undergo a total change through an election or even through a revolution. State is
permanent. It continuously lives so long as it continues to enjoy sovereignty. Independent
India continues to live as a sovereign independent state since 1947. However, she has
witnessed the rise and fall of several governments at the national and state levels.

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REFERENCES:

- Gauba, O.P. (2010), An Introduction to Political Theory, Macmillan Publishers, Delhi

- https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/55344/8/08_chapter%202.pdf
- https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/difference/9-main-differences-between-state-and-
government/40327

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 THE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF A STATE

These definitions draw attention to the fact that the state has four essential
elements. These are: (1) population, (2) territory, (3) government, (4)
sovereignty (or independence). The first two elements constitute the physical
or material basis of the state while the last two form its political and spiritual
basis.

1. Population
The state is a human institution. So population is its primary element. There
is no hard and fast rule about population. The ancient Greek writers like Plato
and Aristotle favoured a small population. According to Plato, an ideal state
should have a population of 5040.
Aristotle laid down a general principle that the population of a state should
be large enough to make it sufficient and small enough to make good
government possible. It must be remembered that both of them were thinking
in terms of small city-states.
In modern times, Rousseau, prompted by considerations of direct
democracy, fixed the number at 10,000. In modern times states vary greatly
from the few thousands of Monaco or of San Marino to the crores of China
or of India. The modern tendency is in favour of large states. All that can be
said is that a large population is an advantage from the point of view of
military defense.
However, a large population can be a liability if the resources of the state are
not adequate for its maintenance. One of the main problems faced by
developing countries is over-population. Thus there should be a happy
balance between the size of the population and material wealth of a state.

2. Territory
A definite and more or less permanent territory is also regarded as an
essential element of the state. In modern times, the citizens are bound

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together by residence on a common territory. Land, water and air space
comprise the territory of a state.

As in population, so in territory, no limit can be laid down. Small states and

large ones exist side by side. We have tiny states like San Marino with an
area of less than twenty-five square miles. On the other hand, there are giant
states like the Russian Republic, China, U. S. A., and Australia with millions
of square miles.
According to international law, all states are equal in status and right, no
matter how unequal they are in population and area. It is claimed that small
states are good for efficient administration and inculcating among the people
a sense of unity and love for the state.
However, the truth is that a small state is at a disadvantage in its relations
with larger ones. Small states are under the influence of one or the other
large and powerful state. It is said in favour of large states that they are strong
in defense and because of availability of resources they are economically
self-sufficient.
It may be pointed out that the power and security of a state are not
determined only by the size of its territory. Some other factors in this regard
are geographical location, resources and climate.

3. Government
A people occupying a definite territory cannot form a state unless they are
politically organized i.e., unless they possess a government. Government is
the political organization of the state. It is the concrete and visible instrument
of state power.
According to Garner, government is the agency through which “common
policies are determined and by which common affairs are regulated.” The
state wills and acts through the government. Government must be effective;
it must possess the capacity to maintain order and enforce obedience.
Without a government there would be lawlessness and anarchy and
ultimately the state would be dissolved.

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Government consists of three organs, namely, legislature, executive and
judiciary. The legislature makes laws; the executive enforces laws while the
judiciary adjudicates cases or disputes.

There are different kinds of government in different states such as monarchy,

democracy and dictatorship. Most of developed states are democracies.
Many developing countries including India have democratic governments.
Whatever may be the form of government, one thing is clear – there can be
no state without government.

4. Sovereignty
By far the most important characteristic of the state is its sovereignty. It is
the characteristic which distinguishes the state from all other associations. It
denotes the supreme power or the final authority from which there is no
appeal.
Sovereignty has two aspects internal and external. Internally viewed, the
state has supreme power over all individuals and associations within its fixed
area. It can compel obedience of its people to its laws and commands.
Externally viewed, the state is free from control of any foreign state or alien
rule. Before independence India was not a state as it was ruled by the British.
Similarly, the Indian federation consists of many constituent units called
‘states’, but they are really not states in the eyes of international law, as they
are not sovereign. In the same vein, the United Nations (UN) is not a state
as it is not sovereign.
It should be noted, however, that absolute sovereignty is a legal concept. In
actual practice no state is able to exercise unlimited power either over
individuals and associations within its territorial domain or in its international
relations.
A state respects and abides by international laws, treaties and the policies
of the international organizations like the UN and its agencies. A number of
writers who have attacked the concept of absolute sovereignty on theoretical
grounds also hold that it is undesirable. H. J. Laski, for example, regards it
as incompatible with the interests of humanity and world peace.

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 10 COMMON FORMS OF GOVERNMENT

Democracy
Democracy is a form of government that allows the people to choose
leadership. The primary goal is to govern through fair representation and
prevent abuses of power. The result is a system that requires discourse,
debate, and compromise to satisfy the broadest possible number of public
interests, leading to majority rule. Democracies advocate for fair and free
elections, civic participation, human rights protections, and law and order.

Real-World Example
Iceland had numerous forms of government following its settlement in 874
AD. An independent commonwealth, monarchs, and colonial governments
ruled the island for thousands of years. After signing a treaty with Denmark
in 1918, Iceland became a fully independent and sovereign state. The county
founded its republic in 1944 and has since risen to become one of the world's
highest-ranked democracies through systems of social welfare, universal
health care, and tertiary education.

—
Communism
Communism is a centralized form of government led by a single party that is
often authoritarian in its rule. Inspired by German philosopher Karl Marx,
communist states replace private property and a profit-based economy with
public ownership and communal control of economic production, such as
labor, capital goods, and natural resources. Citizens are part of a classless
society that distributes goods and services as needed.

Real-World Example
The Soviet Union was a one-party, communist state in Northern Eurasia from
1922 to 1991. Most modern communist states embrace Marxism-Leninism,

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a communist ideology based on Marx and Russian revolutionary and
politician Vladimir Lenin's doctrines. Countries that retain single-party,
Marxist-Leninist rulership include Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and the People's
Republic of China.

—
Socialism
Socialism is a system that encourages cooperation rather than competition
among citizens. Citizens communally own the means of production and
distribution of goods and services, while a centralized government manages
it. Each person benefits from and contributes to the system according to their
needs and ability.

Real-Life Example
Socialism is the cornerstone of the Scandinavian nations of Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. They all adhere to socialist policies
that combine free-market capitalism with extensive public works, including
free healthcare, free education, a comprehensive welfare state, and high
percentages of unionized workers. This approach essentially combines the
collective nature of communism with the private ownership and
competitiveness of capitalism.

—
Oligarchy
Oligarchies are governments in which a collection of individuals rules over a
nation. A specific set of qualities, such as wealth, heredity, and race, are
used to give a small group of people power. Oligarchies often have
authoritative rulers and an absence of democratic practices or individual
rights.

Real-World Example

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The government that ruled South Africa from 1948 to 1991 was a racially
constructed oligarchy. The minority white population exercised dominance
and imposed segregation over the nation's majority Black population,
controlling policy, public administration, and law enforcement. Following an
anti-apartheid movement, the country adopted a liberal democracy that
ultimately gave all ethnic and linguistic groups in South Africa political
representation.

—
Aristocracy
Aristocracy refers to a government form in which a small, elite ruling class —
the aristocrats — have power over those in lower socioeconomic strata.
Members of the aristocracy are usually chosen based on their education,
upbringing, and genetic or family history. Aristocracies often connect wealth
and ethnicity with both the ability and right to rule.

Real-World Example
Aristocracy originated in ancient Greece; the term derives from the Greek
word, aristokratia, meaning "rule of the best." Aristocracies were the
dominant governments during most medieval and modern periods across
Europe. Aristocrats led major countries, including Britain, Germany, and
Russia, until World War I, when other government forms gained popularity.

—
Monarchy
Monarchy is a power system that appoints a person as head of state for life
or until abdication. Authority traditionally passes down through a succession
line related to one's bloodline and birth order within the ruling royal family,
often limited by gender. There are two types of monarchies: constitutional
and absolute. Constitutional monarchies limit the monarch's power as
outlined in a constitution, while absolute monarchies give a monarch
unlimited power.

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Real-World Example
Today, 45 nations have some form of monarchy, though the concept has
become increasingly diluted with the evolution of democratic principles. In
the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II's role as a monarch is largely
symbolic. But monarchs in other countries, including Morocco, Oman, and
Saudia Arabia, still have far-reaching political authority.

—
Theocracy
Theocracy refers to a form of government in which a specific religious
ideology determines the leadership, laws, and customs. In many instances,
there is little to no distinction between scriptural laws and legal codes.
Likewise, religious clergy will typically occupy leadership roles, sometimes
including the highest office in the nation.

Real-Life Example
Iran is perhaps the most important and powerful theocratic state in the world
today. The ayatollahs — Shiite religious leaders — rule the country. Among
them is a "supreme leader" who serves as head of state, delegates authority
to other religious leaders, and presides over the elected president. The
Sharia — the Islamic faith's primary legal doctrine — dictates the country's
legal, judiciary, and administrative codes.

—
Colonialism
Colonialism is a form of government in which a nation extends its sovereignty
over other territories. In other words, it involves the expansion of a nation's
rule beyond its borders. Colonialism often leads to ruling over indigenous
populations and exploiting resources. The colonizer typically installs its

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economy, culture, religious order, and government form to strengthen its
authority.

Real-World Example
In the 15th century, European monarchies launched an age of nautical
exploration that led to several notable colonial governments. British, French,
Spanish, and Dutch colonists spread their influence and authority throughout
the New World, dismantling and sometimes eradicating entire cultures and
peoples in the process. One of the most familiar cases is the thirteen
colonies, established after North America's colonization by Britain beginning
in 1587 and later founded as the United States of America.

—
Totalitarianism
Totalitarianism is an authoritarian form of government in which the ruling
party recognizes no limitations whatsoever on its power, including in its
citizens' lives or rights. A single figure often holds power and maintains
authority through widespread surveillance, control over mass media,
intimidating demonstrations of paramilitary or police power, and suppression
of protest, activism, or political opposition.

Real-World Example
Although North Korea labels itself as the Democratic People's Republic of
Korea, it acts as a totalitarian state. Kim Jong-un, the third "supreme leader"
in the country's Kim dynasty, rules with singular and unchallenged authority,
commanding his public without political opposition. Criticism of the supreme
leader or protest against his policies are crimes punishable by death, as are
countless other crimes for which due process does not occur.

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Military Dictatorship
A military dictatorship is a nation ruled by a single authority with absolute
power and no democratic process. The head of state typically comes to
power in a time of upheavals, such as high unemployment rates or civil
unrest. They usually lead the nation's armed forces, using it to establish their
brand of law and order and suppress the people's rights. Dictators dismiss
due process, civil liberties, or political freedoms. Dissent or political
opposition can be dangerous or even deadly for the country's citizens.

Real-World Example
There are about 50 nations in the world with a dictator. One of them is
Thailand, where General Prayut Chan-o-cha took power in 2014 following
widespread protests against the government. Chan-o-cha declared martial
law, dissolved the nation's senate, and placed himself in control. Since then,
Thailand has persisted under dictatorial military rule. The military junta,
called the National Council for Peace and Order, imposes nationwide
curfews, forbids political gatherings, threatens arrest for political opponents
or activists, controls the media, and enforces widespread internet
censorship.

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 THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT

The Philippines is a republic with a presidential form of government wherein

power is equally divided among its three branches: executive, legislative,
and judicial.

One basic corollary in a presidential system of government is the principle of

separation of powers wherein legislation belongs to Congress, execution to
the Executive, and settlement of legal controversies to the Judiciary.

The Legislative branch is authorized to make laws, alter, and repeal them
through the power vested in the Philippine Congress. This institution is
divided into the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Executive branch is composed of the President and the Vice President
who are elected by direct popular vote and serve a term of six years. The
Constitution grants the President authority to appoint his Cabinet. These
departments form a large portion of the country’s bureaucracy.

The Judicial branch holds the power to settle controversies involving rights
that are legally demandable and enforceable. This branch determines
whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack
or excess of jurisdiction on the part and instrumentality of the government. It
is made up of a Supreme Court and lower courts.

The Constitution expressly grants the Supreme Court the power of Judicial
Review as the power to declare a treaty, international or executive
agreement, law, presidential decree, proclamation, order, instruction,
ordinance or regulation unconstitutional.

Official Gazette
The Philippine government takes place in an organized framework of a
presidential, representative, and democratic republic whereby the president
is both the head of state and the head of government. This system revolves
around three separate and sovereign yet interdependent branches: the
legislative branch (the law-making body), the executive branch (the law-
enforcing body), and the judicial branch (the law-interpreting body).
Executive power is exercised by the government under the leadership of the
president. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two-
chamber congress—the Senate (the upper chamber) and the House of
Representatives (the lower chamber). Judicial power is vested in the courts
with the Supreme Court of the Philippines as the highest judicial body.

Executive Branch

The executive branch is headed by the President who functions as both the
head of state and the head of government. The president is also the
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The president
is elected by popular vote to a term of six years. The president, then,
appoints (and may dismiss) his/her cabinet members whom he/she presides
over. The executive seat of government is administered officially from
Malacañang Palace—also the official residence of the president—in Manila.
The President may no longer run for re-election, unless he/she becomes
president through constitutional succession and has served for no more than
four years as president.

Official Gazette
The second highest official, the vice-president is first in line to succession
should the president resign, be impeached or die in office. The vice-president
usually, though not always, may be a member of the president's cabinet. If
there is a vacancy in the position of Vice President, the President will appoint
any member of Congress (usually a party member) as new Vice President.
The appointment will be validated by a three-fourths vote of Congress voting
separately.

Legislative Branch

The remainder of the House seats are designated for sectoral

representatives elected at large through a complex "party list" system,
hinging on the party receiving at least 2% to 6% of the national vote total.
The upper house is located in Pasay City, while the lower house is located
in Quezon City. The district and sectoral representatives are elected with a
term of three years. They can be reelected but they are no longer eligible to
run for a fourth consecutive term. The senators are elected to a term of six
years. They can be reelected but they are no longer eligible to run for a third
consecutive term. The House of Representatives may opt to pass a
resolution for a vacancy of a legislative seat that will pave way for a special
election. The winner of the special election will serve the unfinished term of
the previous district representative; this will be considered as one elective
term. The same rule applies in the Senate however it only applies if the seat
is vacated before a regular legislative election.

Judiciary Branch

Official Gazette
The judiciary branch of the government is headed by the Supreme Court,
which has a Chief Justice as its head and 14 Associate Justices, all
appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar
Council. Other court types of courts, of varying jurisdiction around the
archipelago, are the:

Lower Collegiate Courts

Court of Appeals

Court of Tax Appeals

Sandiganbayan

Regular Courts

Regional Trial Courts

Metropolitan Trial Courts

Municipal Trial Courts

Municipal Trial Courts in Cities

Municipal Circuit Trial Courts

Muslim Courts

Sharia District Courts

Sharia Circuit Courts

Official Gazette
 UNITARY AND FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

What is Unitary Government?

A unitary government can be both a democracy and a monarchy. In both

cases, the power is concentrated in the hands of the central government,
while provinces and regions do not enjoy large autonomy. The underlying
principle of any unitary government is the idea of unity. If the power is in the
hands of few (even if those few are elected by the population), it is easier to
create cohesive and equal laws and norms that apply to all citizens (in all
parts of the country) without discrimination.

Some believe that citizens do not have much say in unitary systems, but this
is not always true. In unitary democracies, like Italy, South Korea, Portugal,
France and Finland, citizens have the right to express their opinions and the
government is elected by the people. Even in monarchic systems like Spain,
Sweden and Denmark, the interests of the population are always taken in
high consideration. Freedom of speech and liberty of movements are (or
should be) always respected in such countries and citizens have the
possibility to protest against their government if they wish so. Yet, at the
same time, it is easier for a unitary government to turn into an authoritarian
regime or a dictatorship, and rulers have the possibility of creating and
eliminating rules and laws in a much quicker way than in a federal system.

What is Federal Government?

In a federal system, regions and provinces enjoy a higher degree of

autonomy. The largest federation in the world is the United States. In this
case, the 50 states enjoy autonomy and even have different laws and

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regulations on a number of matters. Yet, at the same time, they remain linked
and subject to the decisions of the central government. In a federal system,
provinces and regions have the possibility of creating laws and regulations
that better capture the needs and unicity of specific areas.

Yet, some powers always remain in the hands of the central government,
including:

 International diplomacy;
 Foreign affairs:
 Decision to start or end a war;
 National security;
 Taxes;
 National budget; and
 Immigration policies.

Similarities between Unitary and Federal Government

Although the unitary and federal government are very different and are based
on contrasting principles, we can identify few common aspects between the
two systems:

1) The unitary and the federal government can be both monarchies and
democracies. Although the unitary system is more suitable for a monarchy
(the power is concentrated in the hands of the ruling family), most modern
monarchies (i.e. United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, etc.) employ a federal
system;

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2) In both cases, the central government maintains control over key issues.
Even in federations, in fact, the central government is in charge of
international relations and diplomacy, taxes, budget allocation and national
security; and

3) Both system can promote stability and prosperity. The unitary government
does so by promoting equality and cohesion across the nation, while the
federal government does so by promoting specific regulations that better
capture local needs and that are more suitable for minority groups.

Difference between Unitary Government and Federal Government

1) Efficiency of Unitary Government and Federal Government: some believe

that a unitary and cohesive country is more efficient and that a centralized
government is able to make decisions and implement laws and
regulations in a more effective manner. At the same time, others argue
that a decentralized system can respond to the needs of all citizens in a
more adequate way. Indeed, in unitary systems, the decision-making
process is faster and (often) smoother, but, at the same time, there might
be less transparency. Unitary governments do not have duplications
(whereas federal systems do) and reduce bureaucratic and administrative
processes to the minimum. Conversely, federal systems tend to take
longer to make decisions, to adopt or reject new laws, and to implement
political and social changes.
2) Participation of Unitary vs. Federal Government: in a unitary democracy
(as well as in some modern monarchies), citizens have the possibility of
electing their representatives and popular participation is allowed and

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 promoted by the government itself. Yet, federal systems allow for a
broader popular engagement. For instance, in most federal republics,
citizens can elect their representatives at a local and state level but can
also participate in the election of the president or head of the state;
3) Involvement in the economy of Unitary and Federal Government: the
degree of governmental involvement in the economy varies from country
to country. In some cases, federal systems allow for more autonomy even
in the economic sphere, while on other cases the central government
uses its local subsidiaries to keep a closer look on private businesses. In
general, private entrepreneurship tends to be more challenging in unitary
states.

Summary of Unitary and Federal Government

Federal and unitary governments are two of the most common ways in which
countries can be organized. While in a unitary system the power is
concentrated in the hands of the central government, in a federal system
power and authorities are shared among central, regional and local
authorities. The two systems are based on different principles. The unitary
government aims at creating a cohesive and unified country, whereas the
federal system creates laws and regulations that better capture the needs
and interests of local communities. Both federal and unitary governments
can be either democracies or monarchies, although the unitary system is
often associated with a more authoritarian type of governance, while the
federal system is often associated with democratic ideals. Today, most
countries have unitary governments but there are 27 federal governments all
across the world, with the United States being the most famous example.

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