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.