U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyMedium
A group of students is studying the concept of federalism in the United States. Which statement accurately describes the core idea of federalism?
- AAll governmental power is concentrated in the national government.
- BGovernment power is divided among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- CGovernment power is divided between national and state governments.
- DThe states have absolute power over the national government.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Government power is divided between national and state governments.
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments. Both levels of government have their own distinct powers and responsibilities.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes a unitary system, not federalism.
- B. This describes the separation of powers within the national government, not federalism.
- D. This describes a confederacy, where states hold primary power.
Federalism
A system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments.
- Divides power between national and state governments.
- Both levels have distinct powers.
- A core principle of the U.S. Constitution.
Memory trick: Federalism is like a 'fed'eral sandwich with layers of national and state power.