Question

how is power distributed in the u.s. federal system?

local governments retain most policymaking power with state and national governments having a subordinate role.

state governments have a greater degree of power than the national government.

power is divided between the national and state governments.

the vast majority of power is concentrated within the national government.

Explanation:

Define the U.S. federal system

Federalism is a system of government in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central national authority and constituent political units, such as states.

Evaluate the options

• "Local governments retain most policymaking power..." describes a highly decentralized unitary or localized system, which is incorrect.
• "State governments have a greater degree of power than the national government" describes a confederation, which is incorrect.
• "The vast majority of power is concentrated within the national government" describes a centralized unitary system, which is incorrect.
• "Power is divided between the national and state governments" directly defines the constitutional distribution of power under U.S. federalism.

Answer:

• Local governments retain most policymaking power with state and national governments having a subordinate role.
• Power is divided between the national and state governments. (Correct answer)
• State governments have a greater degree of power than the national government.
• The vast majority of power is concentrated within the national government.