Which statement best describes federalism?

• A. Power is divided between national and state governments, with overlap in some areas.
• B. All power rests with the national government.
• C. Power is divided between national and state governments, with no overlap.
• D. States cannot conduct their own elections.

Answer: (C)

Federalism is about sovereignty being shared between national and state governments. Both levels have authority in different domains, and in many areas they exercise power at the same time, which creates overlap. This overlap matters because it lets the national government handle nationwide concerns—like defense, foreign policy, and currency—while states handle local matters, such as elections and education. There are also areas where both levels can regulate and tax, leading to concurrent powers, with federal law often taking precedence when there’s a conflict. Describing power as divided with overlap captures this balance of shared and distinct authorities. Statements that depict a fully centralized national government or a strict no-overlap arrangement don’t fit how the U.S. government actually operates, and the claim that states cannot run their own elections is incorrect since states administer elections within federal guidelines.