Final answer:
Federalism is a governmental system in which power is divided between a central, national government and regional, state governments, such as in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a national government and various regional governments, often referred to as states. This structure is designed to allow each level of government to have certain powers exclusive to itself while also sharing some powers with the other level. The United States, Canada, and Germany are examples of countries that operate under a federalist system
In the context of the United States, the Constitution outlines the division of powers, granting specific responsibilities to the national government, such as negotiating treaties, and leaving others, like the establishment of driving laws, to the states. This balance of power provides a method for these governing bodies to check and balance each other, maintaining a robust union while preserving the autonomy of the states. Federalism allows for a variety of laws and policies that can reflect the diverse needs and preferences of different regions within a country.