A federal government is characterized by the division of powers between central and regional authorities, allowing for localized governance. This structure enables different levels of government to have distinct responsibilities and jurisdiction, effectively accommodating civil diversity. In contrast, a unitary government centralizes authority within a single national government, which holds the primary decision-making power. While regions may have some administrative powers, they derive them from the central authority, which maintains ultimate control over policies. This fundamental distinction affects governance across various dimensions, including policy implementation and local representation.