How does a federal system of government differ from a unitary system of government?

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Venn diagram illustrating the division of powers under U.S. federalism, with the left circle listing national government powers, the right circle listing state government powers, and the overlapping center showing concurrent powers shared by both. — federalism A Venn diagram showing government powers under U.S. federalism.

A federal system of government divides power between a central (national) government and regional (state or provincial) governments, with both levels operating directly on the populace and possessing constitutionally protected sovereignty. In contrast, a unitary system concentrates most governing power in a centralized government. While subnational units exist in a unitary state, their powers are not constitutionally guaranteed and can be altered or abolished by the central authority. In essence, federalism involves a sharing of sovereignty, whereas a unitary system features a delegation of power from the center.1234