Decentralisation is a common feature of

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which system of government commonly features decentralisation, meaning the spreading of power and authority from the central government to regional or local units.

Step 2: Explain the concept Decentralisation means power is shared or distributed among different levels of government instead of being held by one central authority.

• Federal system: Power is constitutionally divided between the central (federal) government and the component units (states or regions). Each level has its own area of authority. Nigeria, the USA and Canada are examples. Decentralisation is a defining feature.
• Unitary system: Power is concentrated in the central government. Any local authorities exist only because the centre delegates power to them, and the centre can withdraw it. Examples are the UK and Ghana. Power is centralised.
• Totalitarian and fascist systems: Power is highly concentrated in one leader or party, with total control over society. These are the opposite of decentralised.

Step 3: Eliminate the options

• A. Totalitarian: power is centralised, so it is wrong.
• B. Federal: power is constitutionally shared among levels, so it fits.
• C. Unitary: power is centralised, so it is wrong. Any decentralisation here is only delegated and not a common feature.
• D. Fascist: a dictatorial, centralised system, so it is wrong.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is B. federal system of government.

Exam tip: Link the key words. Federal goes with decentralisation, power-sharing and constitutional division of powers. Unitary goes with centralisation. Totalitarian and fascist go with dictatorship and concentrated power.