What is the term for the division of power between the federal and state governments?

The term that describes the division of power between the federal and state governments is federalism. Federalism is a system in which power is divided and shared between a central government and regional authorities, in this case, the state governments. This arrangement allows both levels of government to exercise authority over their respective areas, leading to a balance that accommodates a diverse set of interests and needs across different regions.

In a federal system, the Constitution defines the powers allocated to the national government and those reserved for the states. This separation helps prevent any one entity from gaining too much power, thereby fostering a system of checks and balances that is essential for a functioning democracy.

Separation of powers, while also an important concept, refers specifically to the division of responsibilities among the branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) at either the federal or state level. A unitary system centralizes authority in a single national government, which is not characteristic of the power-sharing framework of federalism. Finally, a confederation typically refers to a loose alliance of independent governments that cooperate on specific issues, lacking the strong central authority seen in federal systems. Thus, federalism accurately captures the intended structure governing the relationship between the national and state governments in the United States.