In a unitary system, which statement is true?

In a unitary system, which statement is true?

• A. Powers are shared between national and state governments.
• B. States hold independent sovereignty.
• C. A central government retains supreme power.
• D. Local authorities operate without input from the center.

Answer: (C)

In a unitary system, power is centralized in the national government, and any regional or local authorities derive their authority from that central power. The central government has the final say and can set laws or reorganize subnational units as it sees fit. That’s why the statement that the central government retains supreme power is the best fit. It directly describes how authority is organized: the national government holds the ultimate authority over the whole state. Powers being shared between national and state governments describes a federal system, where both levels have constitutionally defined powers. States holding independent sovereignty isn’t how a unitary system works, since sovereignty rests with the central government. Local authorities operating without input from the center also isn’t correct, because in a unitary system the center can direct or limit local powers.

In a unitary system, power is centralized in the national government, and any regional or local authorities derive their authority from that central power. The central government has the final say and can set laws or reorganize subnational units as it sees fit.

That’s why the statement that the central government retains supreme power is the best fit. It directly describes how authority is organized: the national government holds the ultimate authority over the whole state.

Powers being shared between national and state governments describes a federal system, where both levels have constitutionally defined powers. States holding independent sovereignty isn’t how a unitary system works, since sovereignty rests with the central government. Local authorities operating without input from the center also isn’t correct, because in a unitary system the center can direct or limit local powers.