What system divides power between national and state governments?

The division of power between national and state governments is accurately described by the concept of federalism. This system allows for a dual sovereignty where both the national government and the state governments have their own powers and responsibilities, establishing a balance that can prevent any one level of government from becoming too powerful. Federalism is a foundational principle of the United States Constitution, exemplified by the distribution of powers outlined in the enumerated powers given to the federal government and the reserved powers left for the states.

In this system, both levels of government operate independently within their own spheres of authority, yet they can also overlap and collaborate on various issues such as transportation, education, and law enforcement. This structure reflects the founders' intentions to create a robust system of governance that caters to the diverse needs of the states while maintaining national unity.

Other options can misrepresent the nature of governance in the U.S. For instance, a confederation typically involves a union of independent states that delegate limited powers to a central authority, which is not reflective of the stronger link present in federalism. A unitary system centralizes power in a single national government, limiting the autonomy of subnational entities, while a monarchy denotes a form of government with a sovereign head of state, which