How is a unitary system of government different from federalism? In a unitary system, there is one leader who runs the government, but in federalism, leadership is shared among several.

In a unitary system, a strong central government controls weak states, but in federalism, the central power is shared with states.

In a unitary system, there is no such thing as different forms of leadership, but in federalism, there is such a thing.

In a unitary system, a lack of central leadership allows the states to lead in most ways, but in federalism, leadership is limited.