A defining characteristic of federalism is that
A) rather than being held exclusively or primarily by one body, governing authority is divided at different levels between several bodies.
B) the federal government wields ultimate authority in all matters.
C) state governments can nullify the exercise of unpopular federal laws within their own states' boundaries.
D) state governments exist primarily to enact laws established by the national government.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority (i.e., the federal government) and constituent political units (i.e., states). This means that governing authority is not held exclusively or primarily by one body, but is rather divided at different levels between several bodies, which is the defining characteristic of federalism.

A Defining Characteristic of Federalism Is That