GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentMedium
A political science student is analyzing the structure of the U.S. government and the distribution of power. They observe that the U.S. Constitution creates a system where sovereignty is divided between the national government and individual state governments. This division of power is a hallmark of which governmental principle?
- AUnitary System
- BFederalism
- CParliamentary System
- DConfederalism
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Federalism
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments. This shared sovereignty is a defining characteristic of the U.S. system.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A unitary system places all governmental power in a single central government.
- C. A parliamentary system integrates the legislative and executive branches, which is distinct from the division of power between levels of government.
- D. Confederalism involves a weak central government with strong, independent states.
Federalism
A system of government in which power is divided between a national (federal) government and various state or regional governments, with both levels having distinct powers and responsibilities.
- Divides power between national and state governments.
- Both levels have distinct spheres of authority.
- Ensures checks and balances across government levels.
Memory trick: Federalism 'divides' power, Unitary 'unifies' it, and Confederal 'confines' it to states.