What system distributes power between national and state governments?

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

Answer: (D)

Federalism is the system that distributes power between national and state governments. In a federal setup, authority is divided and shared so the central government handles national issues—like defense, foreign policy, and currency—while states manage regional concerns such as education, policing, and local services. Some powers are shared (concurrent), and the states have a say in how national laws are applied, helping balance national unity with local autonomy. This contrasts with other forms: a monarchy concentrates power in a king or queen, an autocracy concentrates power in one ruler, and confederalism places most or all power in the states with a weak central government, not a clear division of sovereignty between levels.