A Defining Characteristic of Federalism Is That

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 among 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.
E) the federal government cannot pass any laws without the explicit consent of the majority of state governments.