Which statement best describes a federal system of government?

Which statement best describes a federal system of government?

• A. Powers are concentrated at the state level.
• B. The central government has no authority over states.
• C. A system where cities and counties govern separately.
• D. Powers of government are divided between National and State Governments.

Answer: (D)

A federal system divides powers between a national government and state governments, with the constitution spelling out what each level can do. This setup lets the national government handle nationwide matters like defense and currency, while states manage areas closer to people's daily lives, such as education and local roads. Because both levels have authority in their own spheres, power isn’t owned by just one level. The statement that describes this division best captures the idea of federalism. In contrast, concentrating power at the state level points to a unitary or confederal setup, saying the central government has no authority over states would erase the national level, and referring to cities and counties governing separately describes local government, not the national-state power split.

A federal system divides powers between a national government and state governments, with the constitution spelling out what each level can do. This setup lets the national government handle nationwide matters like defense and currency, while states manage areas closer to people's daily lives, such as education and local roads. Because both levels have authority in their own spheres, power isn’t owned by just one level. The statement that describes this division best captures the idea of federalism. In contrast, concentrating power at the state level points to a unitary or confederal setup, saying the central government has no authority over states would erase the national level, and referring to cities and counties governing separately describes local government, not the national-state power split.