Which idea describes the sharing of governing powers between national and state governments?

Which idea describes the sharing of governing powers between national and state governments?

• A. Individual Rights
• B. Limited Government
• C. Popular Sovereignty
• D. Federalism

Answer: (D)

Sharing governing powers between national and state governments is described by federalism. Federalism is the system where authority is divided so that both levels can govern within their own spheres. In the United States, the Constitution outlines powers for the national government—like defending the country, coining money, and regulating interstate commerce—and leaves other powers to the states, with the Tenth Amendment noting that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states. This arrangement lets the national government handle nationwide concerns while states address local needs, and it also allows for concurrent powers such as taxation that both levels can exercise. The other ideas refer to protections for individuals (individual rights), restrictions on government in general (limited government), and authority arising from the people (popular sovereignty), but they do not describe how power is shared between national and state governments.

Sharing governing powers between national and state governments is described by federalism. Federalism is the system where authority is divided so that both levels can govern within their own spheres. In the United States, the Constitution outlines powers for the national government—like defending the country, coining money, and regulating interstate commerce—and leaves other powers to the states, with the Tenth Amendment noting that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states. This arrangement lets the national government handle nationwide concerns while states address local needs, and it also allows for concurrent powers such as taxation that both levels can exercise. The other ideas refer to protections for individuals (individual rights), restrictions on government in general (limited government), and authority arising from the people (popular sovereignty), but they do not describe how power is shared between national and state governments.