What is the concept of federalism?

• A. Checks and balances
• B. Separation of church and state
• C. Judicial review
• D. Federalism

Answer: (D)

Federalism is the division of power between the national government and state governments. It means each level has its own areas where it can act, plus some powers they share. The national government handles things like defending the country and regulating trade between states, while states handle matters closer to citizens, like schools and local laws. The Constitution creates this system, with some powers delegated to the federal government, others reserved to the states, and some shared. The idea is to balance national needs with local control, while allowing both levels to work together when actions affect the whole country. This concept is different from checks and balances (which is about how the three branches constrain each other), separation of church and state (which limits government involvement with religion), or judicial review (which is the courts’ power to interpret laws).