Which of the following best describes federalism?

Federalism is best characterized as a system where power is divided between national and state governments. This distinction is foundational in understanding how governance operates in the United States, where both levels of government derive their authority from the Constitution.

In a federal system, there is a clear delineation of responsibilities and powers; the national government handles broader issues such as defense and foreign affairs, while state governments manage local matters like education and transportation. This division allows for a balance of power, enabling different regions to address their unique needs while maintaining a cohesive national framework.

The other answer choices represent alternative forms of governance. A political system where the national government holds all the power would describe a unitary system, which is not reflective of the balance inherent in federalism. Similarly, a structure where only state governments hold authority over laws indicates a confederal system, where the central authority is weak or nonexistent. Lastly, a government emphasizing local control exclusively would suggest a decentralized approach, but not one that incorporates the national framework like federalism does. Thus, the emphasis on the division of power is what makes the first choice the only accurate depiction of federalism.