Final answer:
Power is divided and shared among national, state, and local governments to ensure checks and balances and protect individual rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Power is divided and shared among national, state, and local governments in the United States to ensure a system of checks and balances and to protect individual rights. This division of power is based on the principle of federalism, which allows for a central government and regional governments to coexist. The national government, also known as the federal government, has powers delegated to it by the Constitution, such as foreign policy, defense, and commerce. State governments have powers reserved to them by the Constitution, such as establishing schools, conducting elections, and regulating intrastate commerce. Local governments, such as cities and counties, have powers granted to them by the state governments, such as local law enforcement, zoning regulations, and public utilities.
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