Centralization and Decentralization – SS1 Government Lesson Note (Third Term)

Centralisation is a system of government in which power is held by a single central authority, while decentralisation shares power among regional and local units.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define centralisation and decentralisation.
2. State the reasons why some countries adopt centralisation.
3. List the merits and demerits of centralisation.
4. Explain the two types of decentralisation.
5. List the merits and demerits of decentralisation.

What is centralisation?

Centralisation is a system of government administration in which power is concentrated in a single central authority.

• No constitutional sharing: the constitution does not share governmental powers between the central authority and any other body.
• Delegation: the central authority may still hand down (delegate) some powers to subordinate bodies.
• Unitary state: this is where centralisation is highest, with one legislature, one executive and one judiciary.
• Local authorities: the central authority creates them and delegates powers to them.
• Examples: Britain, Italy and France are unitary states with centralised administration.

Why do some countries adopt centralisation?

A country adopts centralisation when its conditions make one central authority workable.

• Size of the country: a small territory can be governed from one centre.
• Absence of tribal differences: the people are not divided into rival ethnic groups.
• Lack of fear of domination: no group fears that another will control it.
• Common language and culture: the people share the same way of life.
• Lack of marked economic inequalities: no region is far richer or poorer than the others.
• Absence of minority groups: loyalty to the central government is strong.
• Flexible constitution: the constitution of a centralised state is easy to change.
• No conflict of authority: only one authority makes and enforces laws.

What are the merits of centralisation?

The merits of centralisation are the advantages of having one central authority.

• Strong and stable government: power rests in one place, so the government is firm.
• Cost reduction: one set of institutions is cheaper to run than many.
• Quicker decision making: there is no need to consult several governments.
• Promotion of national unity: all citizens are governed by the same authority.
• Uniform development: all parts of the country develop at a similar level.
• Removal of friction: there are no quarrels between levels of government.
• No waste of resources: functions are not repeated by different governments.

What are the demerits of centralisation?

The demerits of centralisation are the disadvantages of having one central authority.

• Distance from the people: the government is far from the citizens.
• Encouragement of dictatorship: too much power in one place can be abused.
• Overburdened central government: it must handle every matter in the country.
• No local autonomy: local units cannot make their own decisions.
• Killing of local initiative: local people have little chance to start their own projects.
• Unsuitable for large territories: it is hard to rule a large country from one centre.
• Domination of minority groups: their views can be ignored.

What is decentralisation?

Decentralisation is a system of government administration in which power is shared among component regional and local units instead of being held by one central authority.

• Written constitution: it states the powers given to each authority.
• Federal structure: decentralisation exists in a federation.
• Examples: the USA, Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Nigeria: power is shared among the federal, state and local governments.

What are the types of decentralisation?

There are two types of decentralisation: devolution and deconcentration.

Devolution

Devolution is a system in which the central government creates subordinate levels of government in different parts of the country.

• Where it applies: it applies to unitary governments.
• Purpose: the country is split into units for administrative convenience.
• Examples: Britain and South Africa.

Deconcentration

Deconcentration is a system in which powers are shared so that the component units remain subordinate to the central authority.

• Control: the central authority keeps overall control.
• Example: France.

What are the merits of decentralisation?

The merits of decentralisation are the advantages of sharing power among several units.

• Quick development: each unit can plan for its own area.
• Government near the people: citizens can reach their leaders more easily.
• Absence of dictatorship: power is spread, so no one person holds all of it.
• Removal of minority fears: minorities no longer fear domination by the majority.
• Political unity: the different groups remain together in one country.
• Wider consultation: more people take part in making decisions.
• Reduced workload at the centre: some duties go to the units.
• Increased efficiency: smaller units handle their own matters better.

What are the demerits of decentralisation?

The demerits of decentralisation are the disadvantages of sharing power among several units.

• High cost: many governments and offices are expensive to run.
• Delay in decision making: several authorities may have to agree.
• Uneven development: some units develop faster than others.
• Weak centre: the units have so much autonomy that the central government is weakened.
• Duplication of functions: different levels of government may do the same work.
• Sectionalism: people may put their own region before the nation.

What is the difference between centralisation and decentralisation?

Centralisation keeps power in one central authority, while decentralisation shares it among several units. The table compares them.

Evaluation

1. Define centralisation and decentralisation.
2. State four reasons why a country may adopt centralisation.
3. Give three demerits of decentralisation.
4. Name two examples each of unitary and federal states.

Assignment

Explain the two types of decentralisation, and state four merits of decentralisation.