GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentHard
A political science student is analyzing the structure of the U.S. government and the distribution of power. They observe that while the federal government has significant authority, states also retain considerable power to govern their internal affairs, such as education, public safety, and local elections. This division of power between a national government and state governments is a defining characteristic of:
- AUnitary System
- BConfederal System
- CFederal System
- DParliamentary System
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Federal System
A federal system of government is characterized by a division of powers between a central (national) government and constituent political units (states), where both levels derive their authority from the constitution and have distinct spheres of influence.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. In a unitary system, all governmental power is concentrated in the central government, with local units exercising only powers delegated by the center, which contradicts the scenario of states retaining 'considerable power'.
- B. In a confederal system, the central government is weak and derives all its power from independent states, which is the opposite of the U.S. federal government's significant authority.
- D. A parliamentary system is a form of government where the executive branch is derived from and accountable to the legislative branch, unrelated to the division of power between national and sub-national levels.
Federal System
A system of government in which power is divided and shared between a national (federal) government and individual state governments.
- Both national and state governments derive power from the Constitution
- Each level has its own distinct powers and responsibilities
- Examples include the U.S., Canada, Germany
Memory trick: Federalism: 'Fed' and 'States' share the power like a fed-ex delivery.