What type of government is characterized by a centralized authority?

A unitary government is characterized by a centralized authority, meaning that the central government holds the majority of power and makes decisions that are binding across the entire nation or state. In this system, any regional or local authorities derive their powers from the central government rather than having constitutional authority of their own. This can lead to a more consistent application of laws and policies throughout the country, as decision-making is concentrated in one central body.

In contrast, a confederation consists of independent states that come together for specific purposes but maintain their sovereignty, which means they do not have a central authority with overarching power. A federal government, while it may involve a central authority, divides power between the national and state governments, allowing for both levels to exercise authority over different matters. Democracy, on the other hand, refers specifically to a system of government where power is derived from the people, often through elected representatives, and does not inherently define the structure as centralized or decentralized.