The merits of a centralized system of government
Posted by Chester Morton / Friday, 23 December 2016 / No comments
Definition of decentralization
Decentralization can be defined as the type of government in
which powers of government are concentrated at the centre and exercised by a
central authority.
MERITS OF
CENTRALIZATION
Allows for speedy implementation of programmes
In a centralized system of government the central government
has all the authority to act without having to do a wide range of consultation.
The result is that when decisions are taken to implement a programmes, it is
done in a swift manner and with speed.
It is useful in emergency situations
One of the other merits of centralization is that it allows
for decisions to be taken in a timely manner when emergency situations arise.
For example, when there is an outbreak of an epidemic, there would not be any
delays in arriving at decisions on how to tackle the problem. The central
government can act very fast.
It is less expensive
In a centralized system of government the budget for running
the government is lean. This is because the political institutions that serve
the people are not duplicated all over the nation and populated with personnel
who have to be paid at the end of every monthly cycle. Not many structures are
needed to house institutions. This makes the operation of a centralized system
of government cheaper than other forms of government.
Promotes national unity and cohesion
In a centralized system of government the whole nations looks
up to the central government as the rallying point. They therefore unite around
the only government to help build the nation. Apart from that, it enhances
national cohesion as various divisions are in a certain sense buried or kept to
the lowest minimum.
Equitable development
A centralized system of government ensures that the nation is
developed in a uniform manner. This is because the development planning is done
at the centre and implemented across board. For example, a health policy of a
centralized system of government could be to build one major hospital in every
Regional Capital. Once this decision is taken, it is implemented in a way that
benefits the entire country.
It ensures discipline
In a centralized system of government, the state has
programmes that have to be implemented throughout the nation and every
operative of the government is expected to implement the programme to the
letter. Even if the programme has to be varied, this must receive the approval
the central government before any change can be effected. Therefore, there is
more discipline in the centralized system of government than a decentralized
system of government.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. a. What is centralization? [2 marks]
b. Highlight five
advantages of centralization. [10 marks]
