U.S. History STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What is federalism?

1. Power is concentrated in the national government

2. Power is shared between the national and state government

3. Power is divided among local governments only

4. Power is held exclusively by the state government

The correct answer is: Power is shared between the national and state government

Federalism is a political system where power is shared between the national and state governments. This structure allows for a division of responsibilities and authority, enabling both levels of government to operate within their own jurisdictions while also collaborating on certain issues. For example, the national government may handle matters like foreign affairs and national defense, while states can regulate education and local law enforcement. This system supports a balance of power, preventing any one entity from becoming too powerful, and allows for a more tailored approach to governance that respects local needs and contexts. The state governments retain certain powers independent of the national government, which is a fundamental characteristic of federalism. In contrast to other options, federalism does not concentrate power solely at the national level, nor does it restrict authority to local governments or exclusively to state governments. Instead, it embodies a cooperative relationship where both national and state entities coexist and share governing responsibilities.