In a federal system, which describes how power is allocated?

In a federal system, which describes how power is allocated?

• A. Only the national government has power
• B. Powers are shared and divided between the national and state governments
• C. The state government holds all power
• D. The president alone makes laws

Answer: (B)

Power is divided and shared between the national and state governments. In a federal system, both levels have authority in different areas, and sometimes authority overlaps. The national government handles issues that affect the country as a whole, such as defense, currency, and interstate commerce, while state governments handle local matters like education and public safety. Both levels can levy taxes and enact laws within their own spheres, which keeps power from resting in just one place. This balance is what makes a federal system different from a unitary system, where most power sits at the national level, or from a setup where one level alone makes laws.

Power is divided and shared between the national and state governments. In a federal system, both levels have authority in different areas, and sometimes authority overlaps. The national government handles issues that affect the country as a whole, such as defense, currency, and interstate commerce, while state governments handle local matters like education and public safety. Both levels can levy taxes and enact laws within their own spheres, which keeps power from resting in just one place. This balance is what makes a federal system different from a unitary system, where most power sits at the national level, or from a setup where one level alone makes laws.