Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

Which system of government divides authority between a central government and regional governments?

1. Unitary system

2. Confederal system

3. Federalism

4. Oligarchy

The correct answer is: Federalism

The correct response is federalism because it is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various regional or local governments. This means that both levels of government have their own responsibilities and powers, which are defined by a constitution or legal framework. Each level can operate independently in certain areas while also sharing powers in others, allowing for a balance that can cater to the unique needs of different regions. In contrast, a unitary system centralizes authority in a single national government, which retains ultimate control and can create or abolish regional governments as it sees fit. A confederal system, on the other hand, is characterized by a loose union of independent states that delegate certain powers to a central authority, which is usually weaker than the individual states. Lastly, an oligarchy refers to a form of government where a small group of people hold power, often without any formal delegation of authority to regional governments. Thus, federalism uniquely captures the essence of shared governance between distinct levels of government.