(i) Constitutional division of powers: Powers are constitutional shared between the central authority and other subordinate units, e.g state and local government
(ii) Derivation of powers from the constitution: The central, state and local governments derive their powers from the constitution
(iii) Supremacy of the constitution: The constitution of a Federal state is powerful and supreme.
(iv) Written and Rigid: The constitution of most federal systems are written and rigid
(v) Separation of powers: The constitution separate the functions and powers among three organs of government, namely: executive, legislature, and judiciary
(vi) Bicameral legislature: Most of the federal constitutions have bicameral legislature. For example, in Nigeria and the USA, there are the senate and the House of Representatives.
(vii) The supreme court: There is always a supreme court that interprets the constitution and decides on any conflict between the Centre and the constituents units
(viii) Equal representation: Every interest group is recognized and represented in federalism.