Correct Option: C. without devolution Explanation of the Correct Answer In a unitary system of government, power is primarily concentrated at the central level. This means that the national government holds the majority of the authority and decision-making power, with local or regional governments operating under its jurisdiction.

1. Definition of Unitary System:
2. A unitary system is characterized by a central government that has the ultimate authority over all aspects of governance. Local governments, if they exist, are created by the central government and can be given certain powers, but these powers can be revoked at any time.
3. Concentration of Power:
4. In a unitary system, the central government makes laws and policies that apply uniformly across the entire country. This centralization allows for consistent governance and can lead to more efficient decision-making, as there are fewer layers of government involved.
5. Devolution vs. Centralization:
6. Devolution refers to the process of transferring power from the central government to local or regional governments. In a unitary system "without devolution," the central government retains all significant powers and does not delegate authority to lower levels of government. This is a key characteristic of a unitary system, distinguishing it from federal systems where power is shared between national and regional governments.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

• Option A: with devolution
• This option suggests that a unitary system can have devolution, which is incorrect. While some unitary systems may grant certain powers to local governments, the defining feature of a unitary system is that the central government retains the ultimate authority. If significant powers are devolved, it may indicate a shift towards a federal system.
• Option B: without residual functions
• This option implies that a unitary system does not have residual powers, which is misleading. In a unitary system, the central government can retain residual powers, meaning it can decide on matters not explicitly assigned to local governments. Therefore, this option does not accurately describe the nature of a unitary system.
• Option D: with residual functions
• While this option correctly states that a unitary system can have residual functions, it does not address the core aspect of power concentration. The focus of the question is on the concentration of power, which is best captured by stating that it operates "without devolution." Thus, while this option is partially correct, it does not fully encapsulate the essence of a unitary system.

Summary of Key Points

• A unitary system of government centralizes power at the national level, with local governments operating under its authority.
• The term "without devolution" emphasizes that the central government does not delegate significant powers to local governments.
• Understanding the distinction between unitary and federal systems is crucial for grasping how power is structured in different governance models.
• The focus on centralization in a unitary system allows for uniformity in laws and policies across the nation.

This thorough understanding of unitary systems will help you in your exam preparation and in grasping the broader concepts of government structures.