The division of powers between national and state governments is called what?

• A. Federalism
• B. Separation of powers
• C. Checks and balances
• D. Popular sovereignty

Answer: (A)

Federalism is the arrangement that divides power between national and state governments. In the United States, the Constitution assigns certain powers to the national government—like defense, currency, and regulating interstate commerce—and reserves others for the states, such as policing, education, and local laws. Both levels can exercise powers in their own spheres, and they may share some powers like collecting taxes. When national and state laws conflict, federal law often takes precedence in areas assigned to the national government, due to the Supremacy Clause. This concept is distinct from separation of powers (how the branches inside the national government are kept separate), checks and balances (how those branches limit one another), and popular sovereignty (the idea that the people are the ultimate source of governmental authority).