One major merit of the Unitary system of government is that_______?

1. Analyze the question The question asks for a major merit (advantage) of a unitary system of government. In a unitary system, power is concentrated in one central government. Any regional or local units exist only because the central government created them and can change them.

2. Explain the concept Key features of a unitary system:

• One central government holds supreme authority.
• There is a single set of laws, institutions and administration.
• There are no constitutionally guaranteed state or regional governments.

Because of this, the unitary system has these merits:

• It is cheaper to operate. There is only one legislature, one executive and one civil service, with no duplicated structures at state or regional level.
• It promotes national unity.
• Decision-making is fast.
• Policies are uniform across the country.

Its demerits include a tendency toward dictatorship, a concentration of power at the centre, and neglect of minority or local interests.

3. Solve by checking each option

• A. Is most democratic: Wrong. Power is centralised, so there is less local participation. Federalism is usually considered more democratic because power is shared.
• B. Is cheaper to operate: Correct. There is no duplication of government structures, so costs are lower.
• C. Eradicates co-operation: Wrong. This is not a merit, and a unitary system does not eradicate co-operation.
• D. Eliminates tyranny: Wrong. Concentrated power makes tyranny more likely, not less.

4. Answer **B. Is cheaper to operate.

5. Exam tip Remember this for unitary government: "One centre, one cost." Think cheap, fast, uniform. If an option says a unitary system is "most democratic" or "eliminates tyranny", it is almost certainly a trap. Those ideas fit federalism better, or are the opposite of what a unitary system tends to produce.