Centralization And Decentralization SS1 Government Lesson Note

1. CENTRALIZATION

The term centralization refers to a system of government administration in which power is concentrated in a single central authority. In such a centralized system of government, there is no constitutional provision for the sharing of governmental powers between the single central authority and any other body but powers can be delegated to subordinate bodies. 

The highest degree of centralization is achieved in unitary states. In such a unitary state there is only one legislature, one executive and one judiciary. Local authorities that exist in centralized states are created by the central authority that delegates powers to them.

 Unitary states like Britain, Italy, and France etc. are examples of centralization of governmental administration.

 REASONS FOR THE ADOPTION OF CENTRALIZATION

1. The size of the country.
2. Absence of tribal differences.
3. Lack of fear of domination
4. Common language and culture.
5. Lack of marked economic inequalities.
6. Absence of minority groups and strong loyalty to the central government.
7. The constitution of a centralized state is flexible.
8. There is no conflict of authority.

 MERITS OF CENTRALIZATION

1. Strong and stable government.
2. cost reduction.
3. Quicker decision making.
4. Promotion of national unity.
5. Uniformity in the level of development.
6. Centralization also removes friction.
7. It prevents waste of resources.

 DEMERITS OF CENTRALIZATION

1. It keeps the people far away from the government.
2. Encouragement of dictatorship.
3. The central government is overburdened.
4. It also prevents local autonomy.
5. Centralization kills local initiatives.
6. It does not suit large territories.
7. It also leads to the domination of minority groups.

 DECENTRALIZATION

Decentralization refers to a system of governmental administration whereby powers are not concentrated in a single central authority but shared among component regional and local units.

Powers allocated to different authorities are specified in a written constitution. Decentralization exists in a federal structure. Federal states such as the USA, Nigeria, and the Federal Republic of Germany etc. are examples of decentralization of government administration.

 TYPES OF DECENTRALIZATION

There are two types of decentralization and they are;

1. Devolution
2. Deconcentration

DEVOLUTION: This is a system of administration, where the central government may decide to set up or create subordinate levels of government in different parts of the country. This type of administration applies to unitary government in which the country may be split into units for administrative convenience. Britain, South Africa and Northern Ireland are good examples.

 DECONCENTRATION: This refers to a system of administration in which powers are shared in such a way that the component states are not directly subordinate to the central authority. France is a good example.

 MERITS OF DECENTRALIZATION

1. Quick development.
2. It brings the government nearer to the people.
3. Absence of a dictatorship.
4. The fears of the minority are removed from the domination by the majority.
5. Political unity is achieved.
6. It encourages wider consultation.
7. It reduces the workload of the central government.
8. It increases the efficiency of the government.

 DEMERITS OF DECENTRALIZATION

1. The system is too expensive to run.
2. There is a delay in decision-making.
3. There is no uniform development.
4. The centre is weak because of the autonomy of the units.
5. Functions in government are duplicated.
6. The system breeds sectionalism in the country.

ASSIGNMENT 

1. Mention and explain the types of decentralization.
2. What are the criticisms of centralization?
3. What are the arguments for decentralization?