enhedstat

Enhedstat refers to a political system where the central government holds supreme authority and can delegate powers to regional or local administrations, but retains the right to withdraw these powers at any time. This contrasts with a federal system, where power is constitutionally divided between the central and regional governments, and neither can unilaterally alter the division of powers. In an enhedstat, the sub-national entities do not possess inherent sovereignty. Their existence and functions are entirely dependent on the will of the central authority. Examples of countries that have historically operated or currently operate under enhedstat principles include France and the United Kingdom, though the specifics of power distribution can vary greatly. The concept emphasizes a unitary and indivisible state, where the ultimate source of political power resides in a single national body. This structure can often lead to more uniform laws and policies across the entire territory, as regional variations are typically limited and subject to central approval. The degree of decentralization within an enhedstat can range from minimal to quite extensive, but the fundamental power dynamic remains with the central government.