Final answer:
Federalism is the term that describes the division of power across different levels of government, entailing a system where power is shared between a central government and regional governments. This system provides a balance against power concentration and is a hallmark of democratic governance in countries like the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The division of power across different levels of government is described by the term federalism. This concept is central to the structure of government in the United States and in other countries where sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central government and regional political units, such as states. In the U.S., federalism ensures that the federal government maintains certain powers like foreign relations, while state governments have their own set of governing responsibilities relevant to their constituents. Beneath these levels are local entities such as counties and cities that manage more localized concerns.
While federalism is distinct from the separation of powers, which divides government into different branches (legislative, executive, judicial), it is a complementary system that further protects against the concentration of power. Moreover, countries with unitary systems like the UK, France, Japan, and Sweden have undergone processes of devolution, which grants more autonomy to regional or subnational governments, though this doesn't equate to classic federalism where sovereignty is constitutionally shared.