Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a "unitary system"?

The correct choice highlights a fundamental aspect of a unitary system of government. In a unitary system, power is concentrated in a central authority, and local governments do not possess sovereignty or equal powers relative to the central government. The central government has the authority to create or abolish local government units and can grant them specific powers, but these powers are not equal to those of the central government.

In a unitary system, local governments operate under the directive of the central government, which retains supreme power. Consequently, the idea that the central and local governments have equal powers contradicts the essential characteristic of a unitary system, as it is hierarchical in nature rather than a partnership of equals.

Therefore, this answer captures the essence of a unitary system's structure, where the central authority holds ultimate power over local entities.