The federal system and unitary system are two different systems of government, primarily distinguished by the distribution of power between different levels of government.
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Federal System: In a federal system, power is divided and shared between a central (national) government and various regional (state or provincial) governments. Each level of government has its own responsibilities, powers, and authority, which are often defined in a constitution. The central government typically handles national matters (like defense and foreign affairs), while regional governments manage local issues (like education and transportation). Examples of federal systems include the United States, Canada, and Germany.
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Unitary System: In a unitary system, most or all of the power is held by a central government, which may delegate authority to local or regional entities but retains the ultimate decision-making power. Local governments may have some responsibilities or powers, but these are granted by the central government and can be altered or revoked. Examples of unitary systems include France, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Now, addressing the statements in your question:
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"Under a federal system all power is held by the federal government." This is incorrect, as a key feature of federalism is the distribution of power between the national and state governments.
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"Under a federal system a small group of people holds most government power." This is generally not accurate, since federal systems create multiple levels of government that can share power.
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"Under a federal system, one person holds all government power." This statement is false with respect to federal systems, as they are characterized by the separation and distribution of power rather than concentration in a single person.
In summary, the federal system is defined by a division of powers between multiple levels of government, whereas a unitary system centralizes authority within a singular national government.