Which term describes a system of government in which power is divided between central and regional governments?

• A. Republic
• B. Federation
• C. Unicameralism
• D. Bicameralism

Answer: (B)

The arrangement described is a federation, where the constitution divides authority between a central government and regional governments. In a federal system, each level has sovereignty within its own domain, so national laws and state or provincial laws can coexist within their respective areas of power. The United States, Canada, and Germany are classic examples, with certain powers reserved for the national government and others for the states or Länder. This setup is different from a republic, which is about governance by elected representatives and the people’s consent rather than how sovereignty is distributed. It also isn’t about how many legislative chambers exist, which is what unicameralism and bicameralism describe.