Bar Exam Practice 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units, such as states. The correct answer reflects this division by acknowledging that both state and national governments have roles and responsibilities that serve the same citizens.

In the context of federalism in the United States, the national government handles issues that affect the country as a whole, such as defense, immigration, and interstate commerce, while state governments manage local concerns, including education, transportation, and law enforcement. This dual system allows for a more localized approach to governance, catering to the diverse needs of different populations across various states.

By stating that both levels of government serve the same citizens with distinct responsibilities, the answer underscores the collaborative nature of federalism, where each level can address issues pertinent to its jurisdiction while also working within the framework established by the Constitution. This interaction allows for a balance of power and encourages citizen participation on multiple levels of government, fostering democracy.

In contrast, the other choices misrepresent the nature of federalism: they suggest a lack of state responsibilities, propose that governance occurs only at the national level, or incorrectly attribute foreign affairs management solely to state governments. All these misconceptions detract from the understanding of federalism as a cooperative system that