Final answer:
Federalism is the division of power between a national government and state governments, each with its own sovereign authority as defined by the national constitution. It contrasts with both unitary systems, which centralize power, and confederations, which grant more power to regional governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Federalism?
Federalism is a governmental system where power is divided between a national government and various regional governments, typically referred to as states. This system establishes a balance between centralization and decentralization, and is characterized by a sharing of sovereignty between these levels of government. In the context of the United States, the U.S. Constitution grants specific powers to the federal government, such as foreign relations, while reserving other powers for the states, such as setting and enforcing driving laws.
Federal systems, as seen in the United States, Canada, and Germany, contrast with unitary systems, where national governments hold the majority of power, and with confederations, where the regional governments have more autonomy. The beauty of federalism lies in its versatility - it allows different parts of the country to address local issues effectively while still maintaining a unified national policy on bigger matters. This balance helps prevent tyranny by ensuring no single entity has total control over all aspects of governance.
In conclusion, the relationship dividing power between the national government, state government, and the people is known as federalism. It is this system that allows for different levels of government to cooperate and also function independently within their spheres of authority, as outlined by the nation's constitution.