Which statement about federalism is true?
A. Federalism gives more power to states than to the national government
B. Federalism gives all power to the national government
C. Federalism is a compromise between a unitary and a confederate government
D. Federalism provides a balance between local and state governments
C. Federalism is a compromise between a unitary and a confederate government
To determine which statement about federalism is true, we'll analyze each option and explain how to arrive at the correct answer.
A. Federalism gives more power to states than to the national government:
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central/national government and various regional/state governments. While it does grant some powers to states, it also grants significant powers to the national government, such as the power to regulate commerce and establish foreign policy. Consequently, option A is not entirely accurate.
B. Federalism gives all power to the national government:
This statement is incorrect. In a federal system, power is shared between the national government and the state governments. The purpose of federalism is to strike a balance between central authority and regional autonomy.
C. Federalism is a compromise between a unitary and a confederate government:
This statement is true. In a unitary system, power is concentrated at the national level, while in a confederate system, power resides primarily with the states. Federalism, however, establishes a middle ground by allowing for the division of powers between the national and state governments.
D. Federalism provides a balance between local and state governments:
This statement is partially accurate, but it does not encompass the complete picture. Federalism indeed balances powers between the national and state governments, but local governments are not explicitly mentioned. Nevertheless, local governments often operate under the jurisdiction of the state government, further contributing to the balance established by federalism.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. Federalism is a compromise between a unitary and a confederate government.