eenheidsstaten

Eenheidsstaten, also known as unitary states, are a system of government where the central government holds the vast majority of power. In such a system, any administrative divisions, like provinces or regions, exist primarily to implement the policies of the central government. They do not possess significant independent authority or sovereignty. Powers are delegated from the center to these lower levels, and can be withdrawn or altered by the central government at its discretion. This contrasts with federal states, where power is divided between a central government and constituent states, with each level having its own constitutionally defined spheres of authority.

The structure of a unitary state can vary. Some may have highly centralized governments with very little autonomy granted to sub-national units, while others might devolve certain powers to regional or local governments, often referred to as deconcentrated powers. However, even in devolved systems, the ultimate legal authority always rests with the central government. Examples of countries that operate as unitary states include France, Japan, and the United Kingdom, although the latter has undergone significant devolution in recent decades. The primary characteristic remains the supremacy of the central authority in legislative and executive matters.