Which aspect of governance does the concept of federalism primarily address?

The concept of federalism primarily addresses the distribution of powers between different levels of government, which can include national, state, and local authorities. Federalism is a system of governance that defines how power and responsibilities are shared among these different tiers. This framework allows for a division of authority, ensuring that certain powers are reserved for the national government while others are allocated to state and local governments.

This arrangement encourages a balance that can promote political participation, responsiveness to local needs, and experimentation with policies at the state level. For instance, while the national government may handle issues of national security and foreign policy, states have the authority to regulate education, transportation, and public health matters. Understanding federalism is essential in analyzing how various levels of government interact and the extent to which power is centralized or decentralized within a governmental system.

The other options pertain to specific functions or policies that may be influenced by federalism but do not directly describe the framework itself. The establishment of national defense policies and international agreements fall under the purview of national responsibilities, while the management of elections involves both state and federal responsibilities but is a practical application rather than a defining characteristic of federalism.