What term describes the division of power between state and national governments?

Federalism is the term that describes the division of power between state and national governments. This system allows for multiple levels of government to coexist and share authority over the same geographic area. In the context of the United States, the Constitution establishes a federal system in which powers are divided between the federal government and the individual states.

Federalism is significant because it enables states to exercise their rights and govern themselves in certain areas while still being part of the larger national framework. This structure allows for a balance of power, where both state and federal governments have the authority to legislate and enforce laws, thus acknowledging the diverse needs and preferences of different regions.

In contrast, confederation refers to a union of sovereign states that delegate some powers to a central authority while retaining most of their independence. Checks and balances are mechanisms within the government to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful, rather than a division of power between levels of government. Centralization describes a concentration of power within a central authority, opposite to the federal structure that emphasizes shared governance.