unitarism

9.9

A political idea that gives power to one national government and reduces local control

noun
/juːˈnɪtərɪzəm/

Specialized

: unitarismo

The debate between federalism and unitarism has shaped the country's constitution.

Examples

Many national leaders advocated unitarism to ensure stronger governmental control over the provinces.
Critics argue that unitarism can undermine local identities and governance.
The principle of unitarism is important.
Many argue that unitarism undermines local governance.
Many national leaders advocated unitarism to ensure stronger governmental control over the provinces.
Critics argue that unitarism can undermine local identities and governance.
The debate between federalism and unitarism has shaped the country's constitution.

Antonyms

federalism

18 7.6

A system of government where states keep some power but are united under a central government

decentralization

7 6.8

Giving local offices and authorities more power to make decisions

How Centralized

unitarism

Specialized

9.9

centralization

6 6.3

federalism

18 7.6

decentralization

7 6.8

Surface Forms

unitarism singular

unitarisms plural

Morphology

unitarism = unitary (transparent) = unitary + ism

Formed by adding the productive noun-forming suffix '-ism' to 'unitary', so the meaning 'doctrine or system favouring a unitary (centralised) state' follows directly.

Etymology

Unitarism comes from the part unit, meaning 'one', and the ending -ism, meaning 'a belief or system'. So it is the idea of having 'one' central government for a country, which helps explain why unitarism means centralizing power and reducing local power.