Final answer:
The U.S. government during Tocqueville's visit was characterized by federalism and a system of checks and balances, distinguishing it from other forms of governance like absolute monarchies or authoritarian regimes at the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
During Alexis de Tocqueville's visit to the United States, the government of the United States differed from other governments worldwide at that time primarily due to its unique structure of federalism and a system of checks and balances. Unlike an absolute monarchy, where a single monarch has centralized power, or an authoritarian rule, characterized by a single person or a small group of individuals wielding executive power without much constraint, the U.S. government was founded on Enlightenment principles that advocated for a separation of powers. This led to the creation of a mixed form of government, incorporating elements of monarchy through the presidency, aristocracy through the Senate and the Judiciary, and democracy through the House of Representatives and direct elections. The governmental form most closely associated with the U.S. during Tocqueville's time can be described as Option A: Federalism and checks and balances.