Which form of government divides power between a nationwide central government and regional governments?

Which form of government divides power between a nationwide central government and regional governments?

• A. Federalism
• B. Unitarianism
• C. Confederalism
• D. Monarchy

Answer: (A)

Federalism is a system in which authority is constitutionally divided between a national government and regional governments. This arrangement lets the central government handle concerns of nationwide importance—such as defense, foreign policy, and currency—while regional governments take care of local matters like education and policing. Because both levels have defined, autonomous powers, they can govern effectively at their respective scales and remain united under a common framework. Unitarianism concentrates power at the national level, with regional authorities carrying out central policies and having limited independent power. A confederation places most authority in the regional governments and relies on a weak central government. A monarchy describes who sits at the top of the state and can be combined with different power structures, but it is not by itself a description of how power is divided between central and regional authorities.

Federalism is a system in which authority is constitutionally divided between a national government and regional governments. This arrangement lets the central government handle concerns of nationwide importance—such as defense, foreign policy, and currency—while regional governments take care of local matters like education and policing. Because both levels have defined, autonomous powers, they can govern effectively at their respective scales and remain united under a common framework.

Unitarianism concentrates power at the national level, with regional authorities carrying out central policies and having limited independent power. A confederation places most authority in the regional governments and relies on a weak central government. A monarchy describes who sits at the top of the state and can be combined with different power structures, but it is not by itself a description of how power is divided between central and regional authorities.