What is centralization in governance?

Centralization in governance refers to the process where decision-making and authority are concentrated within a single central authority or organization. This means that the main power to govern is held at the top (such as a national government) rather than being dispersed across multiple local or regional authorities. Centralization can lead to more uniform policies and regulations as the central government can enact laws and procedures that apply to the entire country, reducing discrepancies between regions.

In contrast, the other options highlight different forms of governance that are characterized by distribution or decentralization of power. For example, distributing powers among various authorities suggests a federal system where regions have autonomy, and independence of regional powers indicates a weak central authority with strong local governance. Fragmentation of government structures refers to a lack of cohesion and coordination in governance, which stands in opposition to the concept of centralization where order and uniformity are prioritized.

Understanding centralization is essential for assessing how governments operate, especially in terms of efficiency, control, and the relationship between local and national powers.