What is an example of dual federalism?

Dual federalism is characterized by a clear division of responsibilities and powers between the federal government and the state governments. In this model, each level of government operates independently within its own sphere of authority, meaning that the federal government has its own distinct set of powers, while state governments manage their own separate set of responsibilities. This separation is often likened to a 'layer cake,' where the layers represent different levels of government that do not overlap in functions.

In this context, option B accurately describes dual federalism because it emphasizes the distinct and separate roles that federal and state governments play, highlighting that each level of government has clear boundaries in its jurisdiction. Such a framework allows for a large degree of autonomy for state governments, particularly in areas such as education, transportation, and law enforcement, while the federal government focuses on national issues like defense and foreign policy.

In contrast, the other options either imply a blending of powers (such as shared responsibilities or collaboration on regulatory issues) or suggest federal authority taking precedence over state laws, which aligns more with cooperative federalism rather than the fixed roles seen in dual federalism.