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2.1.4. Unitary vs. Federal Features

The British Constitution has a unitary character as opposed to a federal one. All powers of the government are vested in the British Parliament, which is a sovereign body. Executive organs of the state are subordinate to the Parliament, exercise delegated powers and are answerable to it. There is only one legislature. England, Scotland, Wales etc. are administrative units and not politically autonomous units.

The Indian Constitution, on the other hand, is federal.


Unitary

Federal

Confederation

All power lies with the Centre

Powers is shared by the national and the state

governments.

Units come together and form the state. It is opposite to

Unitary system.

Centre delegates power to the provincial government.

Powers for Provincial Government comes from

the Constitution.

Real power with the units.

Example: Britain

Example: India

Example: EU, USA