U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyEasy
A naturalization applicant is preparing for her civics interview. She learns that the U.S. Constitution divides governmental powers between the national government and state governments. What is this division of power called?
- AUnicameralism
- BConfederalism
- CUnitarianism
- DFederalism
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Federalism
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a national (federal) government and various state governments.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Unicameralism refers to a legislature with one chamber, not the division of power between national and state governments.
- B. Confederalism is a system where states hold most power and the central government is weak, unlike the U.S. system.
- C. Unitarianism is a religious term and not related to governmental structure; a unitary system has power concentrated in the central government.
Federalism
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided by a constitution between a central (federal) government and regional (state) governments.
- Both national and state governments have their own distinct powers.
- Some powers are shared (concurrent powers).
- Ensures a balance of authority and local autonomy.
Memory trick: Federalism: Feds and States, a power share that calibrates.