Centralized authority refers to a form of government where power and decision-making are concentrated in a central governing body or authority. This can include a single individual or a small group of individuals who hold significant control over political, economic, and social affairs.
Related terms
Decentralization: Decentralization is the opposite of centralized authority. It involves distributing power and decision-making to different levels or units within a government system.
Checks and Balances: Checks and balances refer to the system in which each branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial) has some influence over the other branches, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful.
Federalism: Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority (federal government) and smaller regional governments (states), allowing for shared powers and autonomy.