Distinguish between the Unitary and Federal systems of government.

1. Under the unitary system, there is only one level of government or there are sub-units which are subordinate to the central government. Whereas, in a federal system, there is decentralization of power i.e. central level, state level, grass root level.

2. In a unitary system, the power is centralized in the hands of the central government and every order passed by it has to be enacted. However, in a federal system, a state government or grass root level has its own powers. Additionally, the central government cannot act in an autocratic manner.

3. In a federal system, criteria of dual citizenship may exist. For example – U.S.A. In India, no such criterion exists. In contrast, the unitary system does not practice any system of dual citizenship.

NOTE - Unitary System and Federal System are two different forms of organizing government and its activities. As a basic difference -

Unitary stands for ‘one’ central authority, while,

The federal system stands for ‘central authority along with constituent units.’