U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
An applicant is asked to explain the concept of 'federalism' in the U.S. system of government. Which statement accurately describes federalism?
- AIt is the system where the people directly vote on all laws and policies.
- BIt is the principle that the national government holds all governmental power.
- CIt is the division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- DIt is the division of power between the national government and state governments.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. It is the division of power between the national government and state governments.
Federalism is a core principle of the U.S. Constitution that divides governmental power between a national (federal) government and individual state governments, allowing both to exercise authority over the same geographic area.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes direct democracy, not federalism, which is about levels of government.
- B. This describes a unitary system, not federalism, which shares power.
- C. This describes the separation of powers, not federalism.
Federalism
A system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central (federal) government and regional (state) governments.
- Both federal and state governments have distinct powers.
- Some powers are concurrent (shared).
- Ensures local control and national unity.
Memory trick: Federalism: National and State share the power stage.