What does "federalism" describe?

Federalism describes the division of powers between national and state governments. This structure establishes a system of governance where authority is shared and divided between different levels of government, allowing for a dual sovereignty model. In the context of the United States, federalism is embodied in the Constitution, which clearly delineates the responsibilities and powers granted to the federal government while reserving other powers for the states.

The importance of this division lies in its ability to balance power, allowing state governments to address local needs and conditions more effectively while enabling the national government to manage issues that affect the country as a whole. This framework helps to ensure that neither level of government becomes too powerful or intrusive, fostering a system of checks and balances that is fundamental to American governance.

Understanding federalism helps illustrate how laws, policies, and governance can vary significantly across different states, reflecting the diverse needs and preferences of the populations in those regions, while still being unified under the overarching authority of the national government.