What is federalism?

Federalism refers to a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. This division allows for a balance of power, enabling different levels of government to act independently yet cooperatively. Each level of government has its own responsibilities and powers, allowing for a diverse range of policies and laws that can be tailored to the needs of different regions.

In the context of the United States, federalism allows both the national government and state governments to maintain their own powers, manage their own affairs, and legislate on various issues, while also providing a framework for cooperation between these different levels of government. This structure is designed to protect individual liberties and prevent the concentration of power in a single governing body.

The other options describe systems that do not embody federalism; for instance, a centralized system suggests that power is concentrated in one authority, which contradicts the fundamental characteristics of federalism that emphasize power sharing and decentralization.