Which term describes the system of government where power is shared between a central government and regional governments?

Which term describes the system of government where power is shared between a central government and regional governments?

• A. Separation of powers
• B. Bill of Rights
• C. Federalism
• D. Power of judicial review

Answer: (C)

Power shared between a central government and regional governments is described as federalism. In a federal system, a constitution lays out which powers belong to the national government and which are reserved for regional or state governments, while both levels maintain some degree of autonomy and must work together. This arrangement lets national needs—like defense or currency—be handled centrally, while localities manage regional concerns themselves. The United States, Canada, Germany, and India are common examples, though each country tunes the balance of powers a bit differently. This differs from separation of powers, which focuses on dividing governmental authority among branches (such as legislative, executive, and judicial) within a single level of government to prevent the concentration of power. A Bill of Rights is about protecting individual rights, and judicial review concerns courts assessing the constitutionality of laws and actions. Since the question is about a system where authority is shared between central and regional levels, federalism is the best fit.

Power shared between a central government and regional governments is described as federalism. In a federal system, a constitution lays out which powers belong to the national government and which are reserved for regional or state governments, while both levels maintain some degree of autonomy and must work together. This arrangement lets national needs—like defense or currency—be handled centrally, while localities manage regional concerns themselves. The United States, Canada, Germany, and India are common examples, though each country tunes the balance of powers a bit differently.

This differs from separation of powers, which focuses on dividing governmental authority among branches (such as legislative, executive, and judicial) within a single level of government to prevent the concentration of power. A Bill of Rights is about protecting individual rights, and judicial review concerns courts assessing the constitutionality of laws and actions. Since the question is about a system where authority is shared between central and regional levels, federalism is the best fit.