POL 100 Lecture 10: Multiple Government

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: POL 100
• Professor: Loganathan Masilamani

Document Summary

Virtually every country has more than one government. In addition to the central government, there are often a variety of local governments. Many countries also have regional (subnational) governments. To understand the relations among governments within a country, a distinction is often made between unitary and federal systems. The constitutional relationship among diferent governments is hierarchical, with regional and local governments subordinate to the central government. Even though the central government usually delegates some responsibilities to other levels of government or to regional and local administrative authorities, the central government is superior to other governments. Some countries with unitary systems have granted legislative powers as well as administrative responsibilities to regional bodies. Devolution may also provide greater responsiveness to the needs, cultures and conditions of diferent parts of the country. As well, devolution can be a response to nationalist movements seeking self-government or independence. In a federal system, regional governments are not subordinate to the central government.