The principle of federalism is illustrated by the distribution of power between which two entities?

The principle of federalism is embodied in the division of powers between the federal government and state governments. This structure allows for multiple layers of government, where both the national and state entities have distinct powers and responsibilities.

In this framework, the federal government has authority over national affairs—such as immigration, defense, and foreign policy—while state governments retain power over local matters like education, transportation, and public safety. This balance helps to ensure that governance is both effective and responsive to the needs of diverse populations across different states.

Federalism encourages a system of checks and balances, allowing states to act as laboratories for democracy, where different policies can be tested at the state level before potentially being adopted at the federal level. The collaborative yet distinct roles of federal and state governments demonstrate the foundational principle of federalism, which promotes decentralized governance and protects individual rights by preventing the concentration of power.