Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Which statement best describes a unitary state?

1. A state where local governments hold most power

2. A state with a weak central government

3. A state with a strong central government retaining most political power

4. A state organized into several autonomous regions

The correct answer is: A state with a strong central government retaining most political power

A unitary state is characterized by a strong central government that retains the majority of political power. In such a political system, decision-making is concentrated at the national level, and subnational units, like provinces or regions, typically have limited autonomy. This centralization allows for uniform governance, as policies and laws are implemented uniformly across the entire state, ensuring consistency and cohesion. In contrast, a state where local governments hold most power, one with a weak central government, or a state organized into several autonomous regions would illustrate features of federal or decentralized governance, which are fundamentally different from the unitary model. These alternative structures empower local authorities and distribute political power more broadly, in contrast to the unitary state’s emphasis on central authority and national sovereignty.