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

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

• A. Capitalism
• B. Socialism
• C. Mercantilism
• D. Federalism

Answer: (D)

Federalism is the way power is shared between a national government and regional governments. It lets the national level handle issues that affect the entire country, like defense and interstate commerce, while states take care of local matters such as schools and local laws. In the United States, the Constitution outlines these powers: some are delegated to the national government, while others are reserved to the states (with some powers shared), creating a balance between national authority and local autonomy. This idea is distinct from economic or political systems like capitalism, socialism, or mercantilism, which describe how economies are organized rather than how governmental power is distributed.

Federalism is the way power is shared between a national government and regional governments. It lets the national level handle issues that affect the entire country, like defense and interstate commerce, while states take care of local matters such as schools and local laws. In the United States, the Constitution outlines these powers: some are delegated to the national government, while others are reserved to the states (with some powers shared), creating a balance between national authority and local autonomy. This idea is distinct from economic or political systems like capitalism, socialism, or mercantilism, which describe how economies are organized rather than how governmental power is distributed.