einzelstaatliche

"Einzelstaatliche" is a German adjective that translates to "unitary" in English when referring to the structure of a state. It describes a system of government where the central government holds supreme authority, and any regional or local administrative divisions exist only as subordinate entities created by the central power. In such a system, power is not constitutionally divided between a central government and constituent states or regions; instead, the central government can delegate powers to lower levels, but it can also revoke them at any time.

This contrasts with a federal system, where power is constitutionally divided between a central government and regional governments (states or provinces), with both levels having their own distinct areas of authority that cannot be unilaterally altered by the other. In an einzelstaatliche system, there is a single, unified sovereign power. Laws enacted by the central government are binding throughout the entire territory. While regions may have their own administrations and can pass local ordinances, these are typically derived from powers granted by the central legislature and are subject to its oversight.

Many European countries, such as France and the United Kingdom, are considered largely unitary states, although the degree of decentralization can vary. The concept of an einzelstaatliche structure emphasizes the indivisibility of state sovereignty and the concentration of power at the national level. It is a fundamental principle in understanding the organization of different types of states and the distribution of governmental authority within them.