A federal system divides power between a national government and subnational units (states, provinces, municipios), giving local governments real authority over things like education, social services, and sometimes taxation (examples: Mexico’s fiscal federalism, Nigeria’s state creation, Russia’s federal subjects/asymmetrical federalism). A unitary system concentrates authority at the national level, so policy is more uniform and often faster to implement (examples: China’s “power vertical” and provincial party committees, Iran’s centralized authority through the Supreme Leader, the UK’s historically centralized Parliament with recent devolution to Scotland). Why choose one? Federalism can manage ethnic/ regional cleavages and allow local autonomy; it’s useful in large, diverse countries. Unitary systems boost policy efficiency and central control, helpful for rapid modernization or regime stability. Remember the AP CED expects you to describe examples and explain purposes (PAU-2.A). For a quick topic review, see the Fiveable study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).

A country chooses federalism when it wants to decentralize power to give regions real autonomy—especially to manage ethnic, regional, or economic differences. Federal systems (like Mexico, Nigeria, Russia) use mechanisms such as fiscal federalism, state creation, or asymmetrical federalism to let subnational units deliver education, social services, and control some resources (e.g., Niger Delta issues in Nigeria). Benefits: it brings government closer to citizens, reduces separatist pressures by accommodating cleavages, allows policy “laboratories” at the local level, and limits concentration of national power (increasing legitimacy). Costs include coordination problems and unequal regional capacity. The CED expects you to be able to explain these purposes (PAU-2.A.b). For a focused review, see the Topic 1.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and practice problems for more examples (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).

Think of federal vs. unitary as “who holds the power—one center or many centers?” - Federal: power is split between a national government and regional governments (states, regions, federal subjects). Examples from the CED: Mexico, Nigeria, Russia. Regions get real autonomy for things like education or social services (fiscal federalism, state creation, federal districts). Federal systems can manage ethnic cleavages and local demands by giving regions authority—but they can be messy to coordinate. - Unitary: power is concentrated at the national level. Examples: China, Iran, the United Kingdom. Policies are more uniform and decision-making can be faster (e.g., “power vertical,” provincial party committees, Supreme Leader authority). The state can also devolve powers (devolution, Scottish Parliament) without giving up sovereignty. Why pick one? Federalism helps accommodate diversity and local needs; unitary systems prioritize efficiency and centralized control. For AP exam FRQs, be ready to define each, give country examples from the CED, and explain why a country chose that system. Review the Topic 1.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).

In federal systems like Mexico and Nigeria, constitutional power is split between national and subnational governments so local units get autonomy but the national government keeps key powers. In Mexico that shows up as municipios with municipal autonomy and fiscal federalism—states and municipalities get some revenue and authority over education and social services, but Mexico’s central government still plays a strong role. In Nigeria federalism was used to manage ethnic and regional cleavages: the federal character principle, repeated state creation, and formulas like the derivation principle for oil revenues (Niger Delta resource control debates) shape how power and money flow between Abuja and states. Degrees of decentralization can change over time as political pressures shift. For AP prep, you should be ready to compare federal vs. unitary features and explain why countries choose federalism (see the Topic 1.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government)).

China uses a unitary system because the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) prioritizes centralized control and uniform policy across the country. Historically and constitutionally, power is concentrated at the national level (the “power vertical”), not split between autonomous states. The CCP controls appointments through the nomenklatura system and provincial party committees, so local governments implement national decisions rather than set independent policies—this keeps education, social services, and security consistent. A unitary system also lets the central government respond quickly and maintain sovereignty over diverse regions (important given ethnic cleavages). Remember the CED point that unitary states concentrate power for more uniform and often more efficient policymaking (PAU-2.A.1), and centralization can change over time (PAU-2.A.2). For a focused AP review, see the Topic 1.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government) to prep for exam comparisons.

Unitary systems have several clear advantages over federal ones. Because power is concentrated at the national level (CED PAU-2.A.1), unitary states like China, Iran, and the UK can make and implement uniform policies more quickly and efficiently—useful for national education, health, or emergency responses. Centralized decision-making reduces duplication across subnational governments and simplifies fiscal policy (less complex fiscal federalism). Accountability is often clearer: citizens know which national actors set policy. Unitary systems also make it easier to maintain national cohesion in states with fewer strong regional identities, and the national government can re-centralize or devolve power flexibly as needs change (CED PAU-2.A.2). For AP prep, practice comparing these tradeoffs across course countries (see the Topic 1.7 study guide for examples: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and try related practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government) since FRQs often ask you to explain why a country adopts one system over another.

In Russia power is officially split between the national government and many subnational units (85 federal subjects: oblasts, republics, krais, autonomous okrugs, federal cities). Like other federal states, some local autonomy exists for social and educational services, but Russia practices asymmetrical federalism—different subjects have different powers (republics historically had more cultural/linguistic rights). Under Putin the “power vertical” centralized authority: the Kremlin created seven federal districts overseen by presidential envoys, reduced governors’ independence, and replaced many bilateral treaties with uniform federal law. So formally federal, Russia’s system is strongly centralized in practice. This fits the AP CED point that federal states can vary in centralization over time (PAU-2.A; see the Topic 1.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3)). For practice questions, try Fiveable’s unit review and practice sets (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1 and https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).

Countries become federal or stay unitary mostly because of practical and political trade-offs. Federal systems (Mexico, Nigeria, Russia) are chosen when states are large, regionally diverse, or have strong ethnic cleavages—federalism lets regions get local autonomy over services (municipios, state creation, fiscal federalism, resource control like Nigeria’s Niger Delta) and reduces secession pressures by sharing power. Unitary systems (China, Iran, UK) concentrate power for uniform policy, faster decision-making, or to keep a fragile state together; authoritarian regimes also centralize authority (power vertical, provincial party committees, Supreme Leader control) to maintain control. Historical bargains, colonial legacies, and resource distribution shape the choice, and the degree of centralization can change over time via devolution or asymmetrical federalism. For AP exam prep, compare course countries and use keywords above—see the Topic 1.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and Unit 1 overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1). For practice, try problems at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).

Good question—the UK is still a unitary state even though Scotland has its own parliament because the UK practices devolution, not federalism. In a unitary system sovereignty is concentrated at the national level (Westminster). Devolution means Westminster has legally transferred powers (education, health, some taxes) to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but those powers are not constitutionally guaranteed and Parliament could—in theory—change or revoke them. That makes UK devolution asymmetrical: Scotland has different powers than Wales or Northern Ireland (keyword: asymmetrical federalism/devolution in the CED). For AP purposes, remember PAU-2.A: unitary states can decentralize for practical or political reasons but remain unitary if the central government retains ultimate authority. If you want a concise review, check the Topic 1.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3). For more practice on comparing federal vs unitary, see the unit page (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1) and Practice Problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).

When federal systems become more centralized, the national government takes back powers that used to belong to states/provinces—so local autonomy shrinks and policy becomes more uniform. That can improve policy coordination and efficiency (faster national responses, clearer standards), but it also raises problems: local governments lose control over services (education, social programs), fiscal federalism shifts money upward, and ethnic or regional cleavages can feel ignored—sometimes increasing conflict or secessionist pressures. Examples in the CED: Russia’s “power vertical” and bilateral treaties with republics, or moves that weaken municipal autonomy in Mexico/Nigeria, show how centralization can produce asymmetrical federalism or reverse devolution. For the AP exam, this fits Big Idea 4 (internal/external forces) and is great evidence for FRQ comparisons—use specific country examples and explain trade-offs between efficiency and legitimacy. Review Topic 1.7 on Fiveable (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).

Ethnic conflict strongly shapes whether a state is federal or unitary because governments use institutional structure to manage cleavages. Deep, regionally concentrated ethnic cleavages often push states toward federalism or devolution so minority groups get local autonomy (federal subjects, municipios, fiscal federalism). Examples in the CED: Nigeria’s state creation and Mexico’s municipios reduce center–periphery tensions; Russia uses asymmetrical federalism and bilateral treaties with republics. Conversely, states worried about separatism or wanting uniform control may centralize power (unitary), using strong national institutions to limit regional autonomy—China’s “power vertical,” Iran’s centralized religious oversight, or the UK’s recent devolution/Good Friday solutions show mixed responses. Remember: degrees of centralization can change over time as a state responds to ethnic cleavages (PAU-2.A.2). For more exam-aligned review, see the Topic 1.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).

Yes—systems can shift. The CED explicitly says the degree of centralization can change over time in both federal and unitary states (PAU-2.A.2). Changes happen through legal reform, constitutional change, devolution, or recentralization in response to ethnic cleavages, security crises, or political decisions. Examples: the UK has devolved power to Scotland and Wales (devolution) while Russia has used “power vertical” and bilateral treaties to recentralize authority over federal subjects (asymmetrical federalism). Nigeria and Mexico show how states and municipios can gain or lose autonomy through state creation or fiscal reforms. For the AP exam, be ready to explain why countries adopt or alter federal/unitary arrangements and use specific course-country evidence (CED PAU-2.A). For a quick refresher, check the Topic 1.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and more unit resources (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1). Practice questions are at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).

Start with a clear thesis that answers the prompt (e.g., “Federal systems decentralize authority to manage ethnic/ regional diversity, while unitary systems centralize power for uniform policy and efficiency”). Quickly define federal vs. unitary (use PAU-2.A.1 language) and name course examples—federal: Mexico, Nigeria, Russia (fiscal federalism, federal subjects, asymmetrical federalism); unitary: China, Iran, UK (devolution, power vertical, Supreme Leader authority/Guardian Council oversight, Scottish Parliament). Body: 2–3 short paragraphs—for each system: 1) list key institutional features and specific country evidence, 2) explain purposes (accommodate cleavages, local autonomy vs. policy uniformity/efficiency), 3) weigh tradeoffs (stability vs. fragmentation, flexibility vs. central control). End with a one-sentence conclusion and respond briefly to an alternate view if the prompt is argument-based. Use at least two course countries as evidence (AP FRQ rules). Practice this format with Topic 1.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and drills at the unit page (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1) and practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).

Supranational organizations like the EU affect whether power is more federal or unitary because they add an external layer of authority that can push states to share, centralize, or reallocate powers. Membership often requires countries to accept common rules (trade, regulation, human rights), which can limit national autonomy and shift policy-making upward—similar to devolution but in reverse. Unitary states may centralize control to meet EU obligations; federal states might see tension as subnational units (states, regions) want input or protections, prompting asymmetrical federalism or new federal districts. External pressure from the EU can also encourage states to reform fiscal federalism, harmonize laws, or devolve powers to comply with supranational norms. On the AP exam, be ready to explain how internal cleavages and external actors (EU) drive changes in centralization/decentralization (PAU-2.A.2). For review, check the Topic 1.7 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3) and more unit resources (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1). For extra practice, use Fiveable’s practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).

Good question—the key is that federal systems can become more centralized over time in response to security, economic, or political pressures. - Russia: After the 1990s’ loose federalism, the Kremlin under Putin recentralized power (the “power vertical”), reducing regional autonomy, creating federal districts, and limiting bilateral treaties with republics. - Nigeria: Military rule (1966–1999) and later central fiscal controls often strengthened national authority over regions, especially around resource (Niger Delta) issues and security. - Mexico: Although still federal, Mexico’s history shows periods of strong central control (e.g., PRI era) and later shifts in fiscal federalism and municipal autonomy—showing how centralization/decentralization can ebb. These match CED ideas (PAU-2.A.2, “power vertical,” federal subjects, fiscal federalism). Be ready to use one of these as specific evidence on FRQs that ask about changes in the degree of decentralization (Free-Response Q3-style comparisons). For a quick topic review, see the AP study guide on Federal vs. Unitary Systems (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comparative-government/unit-1/federal-unitary-systems/study-guide/3sY6Ctyip5PBEFeWkvl3). For extra practice, check Fiveable’s practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-comparative-government).