What is federalism?

Federalism is best described as a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. In the context of the United States, the Constitution establishes a federal system where both the national government and state governments have the power to make laws, collect taxes, and administer justice, among other functions. This division of power is designed to allow for local governance that can address regional needs and preferences while maintaining a unified national structure.

For example, in the United States, federalism enables states to have their own laws and policies in areas such as education and transportation while the federal government handles national issues like defense and international relations. This structure encourages diversity in governance and allows different states to experiment with policies that best suit their populations.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of federalism. Power being centralized (the first choice) contradicts the core principle of federalism, which is about distribution of power. A method of electing the President (the third choice) refers to a specific electoral process rather than the broader system of governance. Policy about state rights (the fourth choice) does not encompass the complete legal and operational framework that federalism provides; rather, it narrows the focus to state sovereignty