Which concept describes the division of power between national and state governments?

Which concept describes the division of power between national and state governments?

• A. Judicial review
• B. Federalism
• C. Separation of powers
• D. Checks and balances

Answer: (B)

Federalism is the structure that divides authority between a national government and state governments. In the United States, certain powers are given to the national level (like defending the country and regulating interstate commerce), while others are reserved to the states (like running elections and managing local schools). The Constitution supports this balance, allowing national standards where needed while letting states tailor policies to their citizens. This setup also encourages experimentation at the state level, creating a "laboratory" for policy. The other terms describe different ideas: judicial review is about courts interpreting laws, separation of powers is about dividing government responsibilities among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and checks and balances are mechanisms to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Federalism specifically captures the division of power across levels of government.

Federalism is the structure that divides authority between a national government and state governments. In the United States, certain powers are given to the national level (like defending the country and regulating interstate commerce), while others are reserved to the states (like running elections and managing local schools). The Constitution supports this balance, allowing national standards where needed while letting states tailor policies to their citizens. This setup also encourages experimentation at the state level, creating a "laboratory" for policy. The other terms describe different ideas: judicial review is about courts interpreting laws, separation of powers is about dividing government responsibilities among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and checks and balances are mechanisms to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Federalism specifically captures the division of power across levels of government.