Final answer:
Authority in a federal political system is divided between a central government and regional, or sub-divisional governments. This division and sharing of powers characterize federalism, where both levels of government have distinct responsibilities but must cooperate for the system to function effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a federal political system, authority is divided between a central government and regional, or sub-divisional governments. This means that the correct answer to the question is option 1. Federalism is the system of government in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a national, central government and individual regional political units, such as states. Each level has powers granted to them by the national constitution.
Federal systems are distinct from unitary systems, where authority is concentrated in the national government and regional governments are dependent on it, and from confederations, where authority is highly decentralized. In the United States, the federal government handles national matters, like defense and economic policy, while state governments are responsible for regional matters, such as education and public safety. This separation of powers and the sharing of government functions between different levels of government is a core feature of federalism.
Federations may be particularly effective in multi-ethnic or multi-national countries, providing political autonomy to diverse groups while maintaining a strong, centralized government to handle matters of common interest.