What does vertical federalism refer to?

Vertical federalism refers to the structure of government in which power and authority are divided among different levels: national, state, and sometimes local governments. The essence of vertical federalism is about how these layers of government interact with each other and how responsibilities, powers, and resources are allocated between them.

In this context, the national government typically holds certain powers that are enumerated in the Constitution, while state governments have their own distinct powers, often referred to as reserved powers. The dynamics of vertical federalism can influence policy-making, enforcement of laws, and the distribution of services, illustrating both the cooperative and sometimes contentious relationships that exist between the national and state government.

The other choices focus on different aspects of federalism. The relationship between states and local governments highlights horizontal federalism, which deals more with interactions among states rather than between different levels of government. The distribution of power among different states is a concept related to horizontal federalism as well and does not address the multi-layered structure of power. Lastly, the coordination of policies among countries does not pertain to the federalism framework within the United States, but rather suggests international relations and diplomacy. Thus, the focus on the relationship and distribution of power between different levels of government clearly encapsulates the