Which of the following best defines the term 'federalism'?

The term 'federalism' is best defined as a division of powers between different governmental levels, such as national, state, and local governments. This system allows multiple layers of government to share authority and responsibilities, ensuring that power is not concentrated in a single central authority.

Federalism supports a balance of power, as both the national and state governments have the ability to enact and enforce laws within their respective domains. This arrangement promotes democracy by providing avenues for citizen engagement at various levels and helps accommodate a diverse population with varying needs.

In contrast, the other definitions provided do not capture the essence of federalism. A centralized governmental structure would imply that all authority is concentrated at the national level, which contradicts the principle of shared governance that characterizes federalism. Local government autonomy refers to the independence of local jurisdictions but does not encompass the broader relationship between the national and state governments. Lastly, a unitary system of governance indicates a model where all power resides in a single national government, which is fundamentally different from the federalist approach where power is divided and shared among various levels.