Question

Federalism puts limits on the federal government's power by;"

A) Dividing power between the federal government and state governments
B) Allowing state governments to make their own laws and policies
C) Establishing a system of checks and balances
D) All of the above

Answer 1

Federalism limits the power of the federal government by dividing powers between the federal and state governments, allowing states to legislate independently, and establishing a system of checks and balances.

Step-by-step explanation:

Federalism is a form of government that divides sovereignty between a central authority and individual regional units, such as states. This division of power is designed to limit the authority of the federal government by:

1. Dividing power between the federal government and state governments.
2. Allowing state governments to make their own laws and policies, tailoring them to the needs and values of their residents.
3. Establishing a system of checks and balances, through which each level of government has measures to prevent the other from exercising too much power.

The U.S. Constitution frames this federal design, allocating powers to both the federal and state governments while also denying certain powers to each. Federalism has evolved to reflect a balance between centralization and decentralization, accommodating the diverse needs of a nation's citizens. The relationship structured by federalism encourages policy innovation by states and allows them to act as laboratories of democracy.