Which system describes the division of powers between a central government and local governments?

The correct answer is the federal government, which is characterized by a division of powers between a central authority and various regional or local governments. This system allows for both levels of government to operate independently in certain areas, while also sharing power in others.

In a federal system, such as that of the United States, the Constitution outlines specific powers granted to the national government, while also reserving certain powers to the states. This structure is designed to allow for a balance of power, enabling local governments to respond to the specific needs and preferences of their communities while maintaining a unified national policy for broader issues that affect the country as a whole.

In contrast, a unitary government centralizes power within a single, dominant national government, which may delegate authority to local units but retains the ultimate power to revoke that authority. A confederate government, on the other hand, is a loose alliance of independent entities that delegate limited powers to a central authority, often struggling to maintain effective governance due to its fragmented structure. A monarchy, while it may have central elements, does not fundamentally describe a system of divided powers between different levels of government.

Therefore, the federal government is uniquely defined by the shared governance between a central authority and local entities.