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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 |