U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentEasy
An applicant is asked to explain the concept of 'federalism' in the U.S. system of government. Which statement accurately describes this principle?
- AAll governmental power is centralized in the national government.
- BStates have complete autonomy and do not answer to the national government.
- CThe President shares power equally with the Supreme Court.
- DPower is divided between a national government and state governments.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Power is divided between a national government and state governments.
Federalism is a system of government where power is constitutionally divided between a national (federal) government and various regional (state) governments, each having distinct powers.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes a unitary system, not federalism.
- B. This describes a confederation, where states hold primary power, not the U.S. federal system.
- C. This describes a form of checks and balances within the federal government, 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 their own powers
- Some powers are shared (concurrent)
- Ensures local control while maintaining national unity
Memory trick: Federalism: Power is 'federally' split between national and states.