Unitary and federal government structures differ in how power is distributed and shared within a country:
Unitary Government:
1. In a unitary government system, all key powers are held by a central government.
2. The central government has the authority to delegate some powers to local governments but can also revoke them.
3. Laws are uniform throughout the country, and decisions made by the central government are binding on all subdivisions.
4. Examples of countries with a unitary system include France, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Federal Government:
1. A federal government system divides powers between a central authority and constituent political units such as states or provinces.
2. Both levels of government have their own areas of authority, and they coexist with their own spheres of influence.
3. Laws can vary between different states or provinces within the country, as they may have the power to create their legislation on certain issues.
4. Examples of countries with a federal system include the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In summary, the key difference lies in the distribution of power: unitary governments concentrate power at the national level, while federal governments share power between national and regional levels.