What term describes the distribution of power among federal, state, and local governments?

The term that describes the distribution of power among federal, state, and local governments is federalism. Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. In a federal system, both levels of government have their own spheres of authority and responsibilities, allowing them to operate independently in certain areas while also sharing powers in others.

This framework supports a balance between a strong national government and the rights of individual states, enabling them to maintain a certain degree of autonomy while still being part of a larger political entity. Federalism allows for local governance to address regional needs and preferences effectively, while also promoting unity and coherence at the national level.

The other terms provided describe different types of government systems. A unitary government centralized power in a single authority, with little to no distribution of power to local governments. A confederation represents a union of sovereign states or regions that delegate certain powers to a central authority but retain most of their independence. Monarchy refers to a government headed by a king or queen, where power is typically inherited and concentrated in an hereditary ruler. Understanding these distinctions further emphasizes why federalism is the correct answer when discussing the distribution of power among different government levels.