What does federalism mean in terms of government structure?

Federalism refers to a system of government in which power and authority are divided between a central (national) government and various regional (state) governments. This division of power allows for both the national government and state governments to operate independently in certain areas, with each level having its own responsibilities and powers as defined by the Constitution. In this setup, the national government handles issues that affect the entire country, such as foreign affairs and defense, while state governments manage local issues like education and transportation.

This framework supports a balance between unity and diversity, enabling states to tailor laws and policies to their particular needs while still adhering to a national standard. The importance of this division of power is emphasized in the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the specific powers granted to the federal government and reserves other powers for the states, creating a collaborative yet distinct form of governance.