Which principle of government is established by the concept of federalism?

Federalism is a key principle of government that divides authority between different levels of government, most notably the national and state governments. This structure allows both levels to operate independently within their designated spheres of power while also sharing certain responsibilities. In the United States, the Federal Constitution outlines the powers granted to the national government, while reserving other powers for the states, creating a balance that helps prevent any single entity from gaining too much power.

Understanding federalism includes recognizing how it allows for local governance, reflecting the diverse needs and preferences of various states while still maintaining a uniform national framework. This distribution of authority ensures that both levels of government can address issues relevant to their jurisdiction effectively, which is essential for a large and diverse country like the U.S.