Which system of government features a division between national and local governments?

Federalism is characterized by a division of powers between a national government and various regional or local governments. This system allows for both levels of government to operate independently within their own spheres of authority. In a federal system, certain powers are exclusively reserved for the national government, while others may be given to regional governments, and some powers are shared between the two. This structure facilitates a balance where local governments can address regional needs, while the national government manages issues that affect the country as a whole.

Federalism is integral to several countries, including the United States, where the Constitution outlines the specific powers allocated to both the federal and state governments. This division promotes diversity in governance, allowing for different policies and approaches to local issues while maintaining national cohesion. In contrast, systems like a unitary system centralize authority in a single national government, and confederations typically consist of independent entities that delegate limited powers to a central authority. Authoritarian regimes do not usually feature a division of powers in the same way, as they centralize control in a single leader or ruling party.