What term describes a system of government in which states retain local powers but are united under a strong central government?

What term describes a system of government in which states retain local powers but are united under a strong central government?

• A. Confederation
• B. Monarchy
• C. Unitary system
• D. Federalism

Answer: (D)

Federalism is a system where a central government handles national matters while states or regions keep their own local powers. The key idea is a constitutional division of authority: both levels have direct authority over people, each within its own sphere. This allows a strong central government to manage nationwide issues—like defense, currency, and diplomacy—while states take care of local needs such as schooling and policing. A confederation would give the central authority far weaker power, a unitary system concentrates power at the center, and a monarchy concerns who rules rather than how power is distributed between levels. The described arrangement fits federalism because it preserves local autonomy under a unifying national framework.

Federalism is a system where a central government handles national matters while states or regions keep their own local powers. The key idea is a constitutional division of authority: both levels have direct authority over people, each within its own sphere. This allows a strong central government to manage nationwide issues—like defense, currency, and diplomacy—while states take care of local needs such as schooling and policing. A confederation would give the central authority far weaker power, a unitary system concentrates power at the center, and a monarchy concerns who rules rather than how power is distributed between levels. The described arrangement fits federalism because it preserves local autonomy under a unifying national framework.