Final answer:
In federalism, the power to govern is shared between the national and state governments, as specified by the U.S. Constitution. This system establishes a balance of power that allows for autonomy while unifying the nation under a cohesive government structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
In federalism, the power to govern is shared between different levels of government—typically central, national government, and individual regional or state governments. Specifically, the correct answer to the question is d. shared between the national and state governments. The U.S. Constitution establishes this division of powers, providing the federal government with authority over certain national matters, such as treaty negotiation, while state governments retain control over issues like driving laws. This balance and division of power between various levels of governance is central to the working of a federal system.
The term reserved powers refers to those authorities not specifically delegated to the national government and are therefore retained by the states. Examples of such powers include regulation of intrastate commerce and marriage laws. However, some powers, like the ability to levy taxes, are shared by both the federal and state governments, known as concurrent powers. The federal structure ensures that each government has its own executive and judiciary, hence maintaining their autonomy while operating within the unity of the nation.