What are the two main levels of government in the United States under federalism?

The correct response identifies the two main levels of government in the United States under federalism as the national government and state governments. This framework is fundamental to understanding how power and authority are distributed in the U.S. political system.

In federalism, the national government operates at the highest level and is responsible for broader issues such as national defense, foreign policy, and regulating interstate commerce. State governments, on the other hand, have the authority to govern within their own borders and handle matters like education, transportation, and public safety. This division of power allows for a balance that aims to cater to both national interests and the unique needs of individual states, creating a system where governance is localized as well as centralized.

Other options such as local governments, international governments, and regional county governments, while they do exist, are not the principal levels of governance in the federalism model of the U.S. system. Local governments operate at a sub-national level and derive their powers from state constitutions and laws, making them less relevant when discussing the primary levels under federalism.