Final answer:
In a unitary system of government, local governments exist to aid the central government, exercising power as directed and without independent authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a unitary system of government, local governments exist primarily to execute and administer the directives of the central government. The central government holds the majority of the power, delegating responsibilities to local entities but retaining the right to withdraw or overrule local authority. These local bodies follow the instructions of the central government and do not act independently. Countries like France and the United Kingdom are examples of unitary states, where local governments serve to implement the decisions made at the national level. Such governments centralize authority, reducing potential power conflicts but potentially increasing the risk of disconnect or authoritarian rule in distant regions.
Comparatively, in a federal system, there is a sharing of power and a balance between the central and local governments, with both levels of government typically elected by the people and having distinctive, autonomous functions. The United States is an example of a federal system where the national government handles matters affecting the country as a whole while states address regional issues.