What is federalism?

Federalism is defined as a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various regional or local units. This structure allows for multiple levels of government, each with distinct powers and responsibilities, which can coexist and operate independently while also having certain interactions and overlaps.

In a federal system, the central authority is responsible for national issues, such as defense and foreign policy, while regional governments may handle local matters like education and transportation. This division of power is designed to ensure that governance is closer to the citizens and can be more responsive to local needs.

The nature of federalism promotes a balance of power, preventing any single entity from gaining too much control over the governance of the country. This concept is crucial in countries like the United States, where the Constitution outlines the specific powers granted to both the national and state governments, fostering a system of checks and balances.

While other choices focus on centralized or exclusively local governance, they do not reflect the dual structure inherent in federalism, which is crucial for understanding how power dynamics operate in such systems. This characteristic of shared governance and a formal relationship between different levels of authority exemplifies what federalism represents.