A federal government differs from a unitary government in the division of powers between national and subnational entities. In a federal system, authority is constitutionally divided between different levels of government, allowing regions or states to have their own laws and governance structures, which can vary significantly. This model fosters regional autonomy and local governance tailored to diverse populations. In contrast, a unitary government centralizes power, where a single national authority governs the entire state, typically delegating only limited powers to regional entities. This can lead to more uniform policies but may overlook local needs and differences, limiting regional representation in policymaking.