A unitary state is a form of government where most or all of the governing power resides in a central authority. In this system, local governments may exist, but they derive their authority from the central government, which can create or abolish them. Examples of unitary states include countries like France and Japan. In a unitary state, laws and policies are typically uniform across the entire country, promoting consistency in governance. This contrasts with a federal system, where power is divided between central and regional authorities. The central government in a unitary state often has the final say in legislative matters.